Horizons Optical, a Barcelona-based innovator in medical software for the production of premium spectacle lenses, has announced a new funding agreement with London’s Oakley Capital, a leading mid-market private equity investor in Europe.
Through this deal, Oakley Capital’s Origin Fund I will acquire a majority stake in Horizons Optical, with CEO Santiago Soler retaining a significant share and continuing his leadership role. Additionally, Oakley will purchase shares previously held by Sherpa Capital, enhancing its position in the Iberian private equity landscape.
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Revolutionizing the Optical Industry with Proprietary Software
Founded in 2017, Horizons Optical has developed proprietary and patented software that enables independent laboratories worldwide to produce customized ‘progressive’ lenses. These lenses are capable of correcting a range of eye conditions, such as short, mid, and far-sightedness, along with astigmatism, within a single lens. Positioned within the optical industry’s highest value-added segments, the lenses produced using Horizons Optical’s technology are renowned for their quality and optical performance.
In 2023, 10 million lenses were manufactured using Horizons Optical’s technology. The company also provides opticians with equipment capable of scanning consumers’ faces and measuring pertinent facial parameters, facilitating the production of customized lenses and frames. Horizons Optical boasts international diversification, with significant revenue contributions from Europe, the US, APAC, and South America.
Introducing Mimesys: A Virtual Reality Innovation
Expanding its market presence, Horizons Optical has developed tools to assist opticians in serving more customers efficiently. The Mimesys virtual reality headset, their latest innovation, allows optometrists to precisely measure customers’ eyes for tailored lens production, further enhancing the customization and quality of eyecare solutions.
Sherpa Capital’s Impact and Future Growth with Oakley
Sherpa Capital, focusing on medium-sized companies in Iberia, has played a crucial role in Horizons Optical’s growth since its investment in 2017. Under Sherpa’s guidance, Horizons expanded into new markets, including the US, Asia, and Latin America, experiencing exponential revenue growth.
Oakley Capital’s investment marks its sixth deal in Spain, reinforcing its commitment to Iberia as a key investment destination. With Oakley’s support, Horizons Optical aims to propel its international growth, positioning itself as a premier choice for lens manufacturers and opticians seeking bespoke eyecare solutions. Oakley plans to support Horizons with investments in R&D and Sales & Marketing, leveraging its expertise in scaling software businesses to realize the company’s full potential.
CEO Santiago Soler expressed gratitude towards Sherpa Capital for their partnership and is optimistic about the future with Oakley Capital, aiming to further grow the company’s international business and expand its service offering.
