New funding round led by ECFG, Forward.one & VCC
Optics11 Life unlocks unique insights by measuring cell and tissue mechanics in the lab, enabling customers with more predictive drug development and faster time-to-market – crucial for new therapies and alternatives to animal testing (NAMs).
The new investment from ECFG, Forward.one, and Value Creation Capital will fuel its global commercial footprint and deepen its product portfolio within key market segments
PRESS RELEASE
AMSTERDAM, 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 | Optics11 Life, the fibre optics life science instrumentation company, announced a new investment round with participation from existing investors Forward.one and Value Creation Capital (VCC), joined by new investor ECFG. The funding will enable the continued development of Optics11 Life’s cutting-edge instruments for high-throughput mechanobiology and expand its global footprint.
“We are thrilled to welcome ECFG to our investor group and to continue our strong collaboration with Forward.one and VCC,” said Hans Brouwer, co-founder and CEO of Optics11 Life. “This investment enables us to accelerate our mission to provide researchers and biotech companies with solutions they need to accelerate New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) as an alternative for Animal testing and use mechanobiology for the development of new regenerative medicine and personalized therapies.”
Welcoming ECFG as a new strategic partner
ECFG joins this round as a new investor through its Ventures III fund, bringing not only capital but also deep expertise in scaling high-tech ventures. With a strong track record of supporting innovative companies in the Dutch ecosystem, ECFG’s involvement strengthens Optics11 Life’s strategic position as it enters its next phase of growth.
“We are excited to support Optics11 Life in their mission to revolutionize life science instrumentation,” said Ruben Baijens, Investment Director and Partner at ECFG. “Their unique technology and strong leadership team are well-positioned to make a significant impact in the fields of drug development and regenerative medicine.”
Enabling the future of drug development and accelerating translational research
Optics11 Life’s fibre-optic technology enables high-throughput mechanical screening of cells, tissues, and biomaterials—providing critical insights into mechanobiology that are essential for drug development, disease modeling, and quality control in regenerative medicine. Its flagship instruments— Pavone, Piuma, Chiaro, and Cuore—are already used by leading pharma, biotech, and academic institutions worldwide.
The new funding will support:
- Expansion of the product portfolio with next-generation instruments
- Accelerate access in new NAM segments
- Global presence and strengthen our position across the US, Europe and Asia
Investor perspectives
“We continue to be impressed by the progress and vision of the Optics11 Life team,” said Robin van Boxsel, Partner at Forward.one. “Their unique technology platform is unlocking new possibilities in life sciences, and we’re proud to support their next phase of growth.”
“Optics11 Life has consistently demonstrated strong execution and innovation,” said Jos Bourgonje, Managing Partner at Value Creation Capital. “We’re excited to deepen our partnership and welcome ECFG to the journey.”
About Optics11 Life
Optics11 Life develops advanced measurement instruments that empower researchers to explore the mechanical properties of biological systems at scale. By combining fibre-optic sensing with high-throughput automation and imaging, the company is enabling breakthroughs in 3D cell culture, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.
For more information, please contact:
Kristian Windahl
Marketing Manager | Optics11 Life
kristian.windahl@optics11life.com
