ROM InWest Boosts Confocal.nl with €5 Million Investment
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 8 January 2025.
ROM InWest invests €5 million in Confocal.nl to enhance live-cell microscopy technology, aiming to expand accessibility in scientific and industrial research globally.
Advancing Medical Research Through Innovation
This healthtech development marks a significant advancement in medical research capabilities. Confocal.nl, an Amsterdam-based microscope manufacturer, has developed sophisticated microscopes that enable scientists to study living cells more efficiently using minimal laser light at high resolution [1]. This innovation is particularly crucial as it prevents cells from altering their behavior, bleaching, or dying prematurely, allowing for longer and more accurate studies of cellular processes [1].
Strategic Investment for Global Impact
The €5 million investment, jointly provided by ROM InWest and Nascent Ventures, aims to accelerate the company’s growth and technological advancement [1]. Pim Vos, CEO of Confocal.nl, emphasizes that their technology makes complex confocal microscopy more accessible to a broader scientific community, which is vital for research into new medicines and treatments for complex diseases [1]. According to Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest, this technology shows particular promise in the fight against diseases such as cancer, while potentially contributing to reduced healthcare costs [1].
Expansion and Future Development
The funding will enable Confocal.nl to further automate their products and enhance their international presence [1]. The company is specifically focusing on expanding their marketing and sales efforts in Europe and the United States [1]. This expansion is supported by a robust network of strategic partners, including the Rabobank Startup & Scale-up team, RVO Innovatiekrediet, VCC TechNanoFund, ECFG, University of Amsterdam Ventures, and Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland [1].
Impact on Scientific Research
The timing of this investment is particularly relevant given recent advances in cellular research. As demonstrated in recent scientific studies, precise cellular imaging is crucial for understanding complex biological processes [2]. The ability to observe living cells with minimal disruption, as enabled by Confocal.nl’s technology, represents a significant advancement in research capabilities, particularly in fields studying cellular behavior and disease progression [1][2].