Invest-NL participates in the largest Dutch deeptech round ever: €330 million for Nearfield Instruments

With a funding round of €330 million, Nearfield Instruments secures the largest deep tech investment ever in the Netherlands. In this round, Invest-NL invests €30 million. As an early investor, we have supported the company to grow into a global player in the semiconductor industry, with a valuation of over €1 billion.

Largest Deep tech financing round ever in the Netherlands

Nearfield Instruments has successfully completed a Series D funding round of € 330 million. The round values the Rotterdam-based company at more than € 1 billion, making it one of the largest deep tech investments ever in the Netherlands and one of the first Dutch deep tech unicorns. Invest-NL, together with the Deep Tech Fund, is investing € 30 million in this new growth phase.

Both new and existing investors are participating in the funding round. Fidelity Investments and Qatar Investment Authority are joining existing investors Temasek, Walden Catalyst Ventures, Innovation Industries, M&G, TNO and ING. The broad participation of international and Dutch investors demonstrates confidence in Nearfield Instruments’ technology, market position, and growth potential.

From promising startup to global player

Invest-NL has supported Nearfield Instruments in multiple funding rounds. Since initial involvement in 2020, the company has evolved from a promising deep tech enterprise to an important player in the global semiconductor industry.

Nearfield develops advanced metrology and inspection systems for the production of the latest generation chips. These technologies help chip manufacturers reliably produce increasingly smaller, more powerful, and energy-efficient chips. As a result, the company plays a significant role in developments around artificial intelligence, data centres, and advanced digital infrastructure.

The role of public capital in growth and upscaling

For Invest-NL, this investment demonstrates that public capital can play an important role in attracting private investors by taking early risks and supporting businesses over the long term. This creates room for innovation, upscaling, and mobilisation of international capital.

"Nearfield Instruments is an example of what can be achieved when a Dutch technology company gains access to capital at all stages of its development. We have already been involved in multiple funding rounds and have seen the company grow from a promising startup to an international player," said Rinke Zonneveld, CEO of Invest-NL.

Gert-Jan Vaessen, fund manager of the Deep Tech Fund, adds: “That this round has become the largest Deep Tech financing ever in the Netherlands and attracts globally leading investors confirms that the Netherlands can produce technology companies capable of competing on a global level. That is exactly why Invest-NL invests where the market sometimes hesitates.”

Building the next generation of technology together

The new funding round marks an important milestone for Nearfield Instruments and lays the foundation for the company's next growth phase. With the new capital, Nearfield Instruments aims to accelerate its innovation programme, expand manufacturing capacity, and further strengthen its international presence. In doing so, the company builds on its position within the Dutch semiconductor ecosystem and contributes to the technological competitive and innovative strength of the Netherlands and Europe.