Optics11 bags €17 million to safeguard Europe's infrastructure
Optics11 secures €17M to enhance Europe's energy grid and subsea security with advanced fiber optic solutions, backed by key investors.
Published on May 16, 2025
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Optics11, an Amsterdam-based deeptech scaleup, announced a significant €17 million funding round. This funding will expedite the deployment of Optics11's advanced fiber optic sensing solutions, crucial for extending the life of Europe's aging energy grid and enhancing subsea security.
Investors include FORWARD.one, SET Ventures, Join Capital, and Value Creation Capital, all of whom have recognized the strategic importance of Optics11's technologies in addressing imminent infrastructure threats. These technologies, like OptiFender and OptiArray, are revolutionizing the way predictive monitoring and subsea threat detection are conducted, offering Europe an edge in safeguarding vital infrastructure.
Challenges for the European infrastructure
Challenges faced by Europe’s infrastructure are substantial. Currently, 40% of Europe’s 90,000 high-voltage transformers are said to have exceeded their lifespan, amplifying the urgency for innovative energy solutions. Due to production capacities being booked well into 2030, extending the operational life of existing infrastructure is crucial. Optics11’s solutions provide a much-needed buffer, allowing critical systems to continue functioning effectively while new equipment is awaited.
A significant component of Optics11's offerings includes subsea security advancements, crucial for protecting Europe's underwater cables and pipelines from sabotage, especially as geopolitical tensions increase. Collaborations with entities like the Royal Netherlands Navy to integrate OptiArray into Orka-class submarines highlight these advancements' practical applications and strategic implications. Furthermore, interest from countries bordering the Baltic and North Sea regions demonstrates the growing reliance on such technologies in deterring and mitigating threats.
Under the stewardship of Paul Heiden, CEO and former marine executive, Optics11 is poised to scale its innovative technologies to meet Europe’s growing needs. “The vulnerabilities facing Europe’s infrastructure today demand immediate and sophisticated responses,” explained Heiden. “This funding empowers us to rapidly scale our suite of fiber optic solutions and offer a proactive defence to energy and maritime operators. With strategic investors onboard, we’re ready to enhance Europe’s security significantly.”