Nearfield Instruments secures €135 million for semiconductor innovation

Nearfield Instruments, a Netherlands-based deep-tech startup, has secured a landmark €135 million in Series-C funding for its cutting-edge technology in chip manufacturing. This round marks the second-largest capital raise in the semiconductor fabrication equipment market in Europe and the US in the past five years, according to Mergermarket. The funding will accelerate production capacity, expand product offerings, and strengthen Nearfield's position in the industry. With its QUADRA 3D metrology system already integrated into a major high-volume semiconductor fab, Nearfield is poised to address critical challenges in advanced semiconductor production as the industry approaches a projected $1 trillion global revenue by 2029.

Nearfield Instruments' QUADRA 3D metrology system provides non-destructive, high-resolution metrology capabilities, a crucial feature for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Its integration into a high-volume semiconductor fab underscores its significance in the industry. QUADRA 3D addresses the pressing need for improved process control in semiconductor fabrication by ensuring precision and efficiency.

Significant backing

The €135 million funding round was spearheaded by Walden Catalyst and Temasek, with support from existing investors. This substantial investment highlights the confidence in Nearfield's potential to revolutionize semiconductor metrology. Eric Meurice, Chairman of Nearfield Instruments' Supervisory Board, expressed enthusiasm about the outcome, stating it will accelerate the company's efforts to meet the industry's metrology and inspection needs for advanced nodes.

Hamed Sadeghian, CEO and co-founder of Nearfield Instruments, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of partnering with a world-class team to drive growth. This endorsement from industry leaders underscores the strategic importance of Nearfield's innovations. The funding boosts Nearfield's production capacity and expands its product portfolio, reinforcing its position in the semiconductor equipment market.

Partnerships and growth

Nearfield Instruments' recently started collaborating with Samsung. Analysts suggest that Nearfield has the potential to become a global player on par with industry giants like ASML, ASM, and Besi. This partnership with Samsung is a testament to Nearfield's technological prowess and opens doors to further collaborations, cementing its status as a leader in semiconductor metrology.

The funding round and subsequent partnerships are set to enhance the Netherlands' reputation as a hub for high-tech innovation. Nearfield's success is anticipated to generate new high-quality jobs and attract top-tier talent, further boosting the country's technology sector. The ripple effect of this growth will likely extend beyond the semiconductor industry, impacting the broader tech landscape.

Future prospects

As the semiconductor industry heads towards a projected $1 trillion in global revenue by 2029, Nearfield Instruments is well-positioned to play a pivotal role. The company's advanced metrology solutions are critical for the high-volume manufacturing of next-generation semiconductors, particularly those involving advanced lithography and 3D integration. The next few years will be crucial in determining Nearfield's trajectory and its impact on the global chip market.

Eric Meurice highlighted the strategic importance of process control and yield improvement in the semiconductor industry. This focus aligns with Nearfield's mission to provide unique solutions that address the industry's evolving challenges. The continued support from shareholders and the addition of new investors demonstrate a broad-based confidence in Nearfield's vision and capabilities.