Eindhoven-based inPhocal, a deeptech company that claims to use a “unique” laser beam technology to revolutionise laser processing, has secured an additional €5M to accelerate the commercial rollout of its technology.
The round was led by Cottonwood Technology Fund, with continued support from DeepTechXL, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), and Tech Invest.
Based out of Colorado, Cottonwood Technology Fund is an early-stage venture capital fund that makes impact investments in Key Enabling Technologies (Deep Tech & Hard Science).
Patrick Claessen from Cottonwood Technology Fund says, “The potential impact of inPhocal’s technology is enormous, particularly in sectors where speed, precision, and sustainability are critical. We are proud to deepen our commitment to the company and support their scaling journey from a promising deeptech innovator to a global industrial player.”
Fund utilisation
The newly raised funding will be used to improve production capabilities, especially in the food and beverage sectors, expand the technical and commercial teams, and accelerate market reach across Europe.
The fund will also help the Dutch company move from pilot projects to widespread use in industry, reinforcing its goal of providing fast, precise, and sustainable marking solutions worldwide.
Robert van Tankeren, CEO of inPhocal, says, “We’re thrilled to have Cottonwood, BOM and DeepTechXL backing our vision;” said Robert van Tankeren, CEO of inPhocal. ”Their support is a strong vote of confidence in both our technology and our team. With this funding, we are ready to move to the next phase of growth, bringing our laser technology to more customers and industries worldwide”.
inPhocal: Aims to revolutionise the field of laser processing
Founded in 2019 after completing the HighTechXL deeptech venture building programme, inPhocal laser technology turns a standard laser beam into a concentric beam with a central spot.
The company’s patented laser innovation offers up to 20 times the depth of field compared to conventional laser systems, enabling ultra-fast, distortion-free marking on curved and irregular surfaces.
This creates new opportunities for applications like the fast engraving of unique QR codes. inPhocal’s systems are already doing better than traditional laser and inkjet methods, especially in the food and beverage industry, claims the company.
Longer focal depths and longer focal lengths are made feasible by the laser beam properties, allowing for faster print rates and wider print areas. InPhocal’s laser beam can mark on curved surfaces at rapid speed, including fresh food, cans, and bottles, which is something that existing laser beams cannot accomplish.
According to inPhocal, laser technology hasn’t been able to compete with ink technology yet. In the bottling sector, inPhocal’s technology will take the place of ink jet stamping of expiry dates and QR codes, decreasing waste and saving customers’ time and money.
The company is also creating laser branding technology for the produce industry. In contrast to ink jet marking, which can fade and result in significant food waste for farmers, laser marking directly on produce creates an irreversible imprint.
