Via Optronics
Country: Germany
Region: Bayern
Investors: Alpina Partners
Jürgen Eichner founded VIA optronics as a developer of low-energy, high-performance LCD screens and displays in 2006. The company had an innovative idea but needed finance to develop the product and find customers. The first external funding was provided by Bavarian investor BayBG, and in 2009 the business bought the displays division of US company White Electronic Designs to give VIA a presence in the US market.
A year later, Alpina Partners invested in VIA optronics to help increase production capacity in Asia and accelerate international growth. The investment has paid off. Today, VIA optronics is a leading display manufacturer, making screens for personal computers, aircraft instruments and hospital monitors. In 2014, it generated revenues of more than €39m, which implied a growth rate of 140%. The company was acquired by trade buyer IMI in 2016.
Jürgen Eichner
Founder & CEO - VIA Optronics
To achieve our ambitious global growth targets, we placed particular importance on the experience and international network of our investors.
>140%
revenue growth in 2014 to €39m
300
staff employed around the world
What did the business need?
Access to international networks to drive growth
Access to managerial expertise
Entry into new target global markets to realise full potential
Commercialisation of new technology
How did private equity backing create lasting value?
Focused on using the best materials in the display market
Acquired and integrated White Electronic Designs displays division, giving a foothold in US market
Expanded manufacturing in Germany, the US, opened facilities in China; recruited Asian sales team
Entered the consumer market and broadened the patent portfolio
What outcomes did private equity investment achieve?
Established a global business employing 300 people around the world
Achieved revenues of more than €39m in 2014, a 140% increase on 2013
Reached profitability in 2012, a fast result for a technology start-up
Established Asia as VIA’s largest market for sales
Became leading suppliers to medicine, automotives, defence and telecoms industries
Investors
