Why We’re Investing in Nearfield Instruments, the Leader in Metrology & Inspection Solutions

As the semiconductor industry continues to push the boundaries of chip manufacturing, the need for advanced metrology tools grows more critical. That’s why I am thrilled to announce our investment in Nearfield Instruments, the industry leader in Metrology & Inspection (M&I) solutions for semiconductor manufacturing.

Nearfield Instruments has just closed a €135 million Series-C funding round, led by our firm alongside Temasek and existing investors. This represents a significant vote of confidence in Nearfield’s groundbreaking technology and its potential to reshape the semiconductor landscape.

Nearfield Instruments stands out for several compelling reasons. The semiconductor industry is facing unprecedented challenges as it strives to produce smaller, more advanced, and more energy efficient chips. And Nearfield has the answer. Its innovative process-control solutions, particularly its QUADRA 3D metrology system, offer non destructive, high-throughput, high-resolution metrology capabilities that are essential for next-generation chip production.

Beyond conventional metrology

Traditional metrology tools like CD-SEM (critical dimension scanning electron microscope) and optical methods are now reaching their limits. Enter AFM (atomic force microscope) technology, which offers the performance and accuracy needed for metrology of 3D integration and next-gen process nodes at 3nm and beyond.

There are other companies providing CD-SEM, optical metrology and AFM. But we believe Nearfield has the market-leading combination of accuracy, stability, throughput, deep trench access and ease of operation because it was designed from the ground up for semiconductor industry use cases. Nearfield’s patented technologies, including mechatronic designs for stability, scanner parallelization and novel AFM imaging modes, set it apart from the competition.

Real-world impact

Its systems are not just conceptual—they’re already validated and being used in high-volume manufacturing fabs. Nearfield has been rigorously tested by leading semiconductor manufacturers around the world for both current and future nodes in logic and memory applications.

The company also boasts an all-star team. CEO Hamed Sadeghian and his team have deep expertise from the semiconductor equipment industry and have demonstrated remarkable technological thought leadership and world-class execution. Their ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the exacting needs of the semiconductor industry is truly impressive.

Also impressive is Nearfield’s internal innovation and its willingness to rethink the status quo, as demonstrated by its “fifth day free” for team members to work on new concepts, as well as its program to advance women in tech.

The future of semiconductor innovation

As the semiconductor industry continues to innovate and evolve, the demand for Nearfield’s advanced metrology tools will only grow. Its technology enables future-generation processes with smaller features, deeper trenches, higher accuracy and stability, and higher throughput—all critical factors in advancing chip manufacturing capabilities.

That’s why we invested in Nearfield. Not just because it’s a proven and promising company but because it is a key enabler of future semiconductor advances. We’re excited to work alongside the company and its shareholders to accelerate Nearfield’s growth and help shape this critical industry going forward.

The semiconductor industry is at a pivotal point, and Nearfield Instruments is poised to play a crucial role in its advancement. We’re proud to be part of this journey and look forward to the many groundbreaking innovations that lie ahead of us.

Read the press release here: https://www.nearfieldinstruments.com/portfolio/nearfield-instruments-secures-e135-million-in-landmark-deep-tech-funding-round/