News: Optoelectronics
5 July 2021
SMART Photonics gains €13m loan from Rabobank
Independent pure-play indium phosphide (InP) photonic integrated circuit (PIC) foundry SMART Photonics of Eindhoven, The Netherlands has received a new loan worth up to €13m provided by Rabobank, to be used primarily to further support the scale up of photonics chip production and to strengthen the firm’s role in the growing photonics ecosystem.
“Currently we are shifting gears in our plan to become the leading foundry and development partner for integrated photonics,” says chief financial officer Maarten Wellens. “With this new financing we can accelerate the investment in our manufacturing facilities, new equipment and the needed know-how to keep our leading position. We are looking forward to support an expanding customer base from proof-of-concept phase up to full production,” he adds.
“SMART Photonics is a company that fits perfectly with our Banking for Brainport strategy. We have been involved in SMART Photonics since the start-up phase in 2012. The successful funding round in 2020, led by Innovation Industries, has further strengthened our confidence in the company,” says Eerke Hoven, director Corporate Clients at Rabobank. “We facilitate the next phase of growth with our financing. SMART Photonics’ key technology, expertise in the field of photonics and high tech and, of course, management have been crucial for Rabobank in this,” he adds.
“SMART Photonics is a wonderful example of the opportunities that the ecosystem in the Brainport region offers for the regional and national economy,” comments Henri Schellen, Start & Scale-up Banker at Rabobank.
SMART Photonics’ Series C round raises €35m
Synopsys and SMART Photonics expand InP-based PIC design automation
