Scottish tech firm PowerPhotonic targets new markets with £2.6m Maven funding boost

Pictured (L-R): Niki McKenzie, joint managing director at Archangels; Sarah Newbould, senior investment manager, nations and regions investment bunds, at the British Business Bank; David Milroy, partner at Maven; Amanda Robertson, group CEO at PowerPhotonic; and Roy McBride, founder and director of strategy and growth at PowerPhotonic
Maven Capital Partners has invested £2.6 million in Scottish advanced laser systems pioneer PowerPhotonic.
The funding, which follows £2.7m investment by Archangels and Scottish Enterprise over the last 24 months, includes investment from the Maven Income and Growth VCTs and IFS Maven Equity Finance – part of the Investment Fund for Scotland managed by Maven and delivered by the British Business Bank – will enable PowerPhotonic to scale operations across its UK and US facilities.
Headquartered in Dalgety Bay, Scotland, with a high-volume manufacturing facility in Arizona, USA, PowerPhotonic is a global leader in precision micro-optics for laser applications. The company designs and manufactures complex freeform optics that are essential to enhancing the performance and reliability of laser systems used in demanding sectors such as aerospace, defence, medical devices, and semiconductor manufacturing.
PowerPhotonic’s proprietary, IP-rich technology enables it to manufacture highly complex glass optics with exceptional precision. Unlike traditional methods, its innovative process can deliver high efficiency, high performance freeform optics, resulting in more reliable, efficient components that enhance laser performance. This unique capability has positioned PowerPhotonic as a trusted partner to some of the world’s leading technology firms.
The business is strategically positioned within high-growth sectors where lasers are being increasingly adopted to drive innovation and operational efficiency. Maven’s investment will support further revenue growth across the company’s UK and US operations, fund expansion in sales and marketing, and help target new high-growth verticals.
David Milroy, partner at Maven, said: “PowerPhotonic’s commercially proven technology, strong IP portfolio and experienced team underpin a highly scalable business with significant global potential.
“The company operates in sectors where demand for precision optics is accelerating, and its ability to deliver complex, high-performance components sets it apart.
“We are excited to support PowerPhotonic’s next phase of growth and believe the business will significantly benefit from the value-add of a strategic investor with significant experience in growing businesses globally.”
Amanda Robertson, group CEO at PowerPhotonic, said: “Joining PowerPhotonic at this exciting juncture is a real privilege. The momentum created by this investment opens the door to cutting-edge innovation and deeper collaboration.
“I’m looking forward to building on the company’s strong foundation and working with our exceptional team to shape the next chapter of our growth.”
Roy McBride, founder and director of strategy and growth at PowerPhotonic, added: “The successful close of this funding round marks a significant milestone as we accelerate our growth across the US and UK.
“With a strong and loyal customer base and access to high-growth markets, we’re now in a prime position to unlock new opportunities and deliver even greater value. This investment reinforces our strategic vision and the confidence our partners have in our trajectory.”
Niki McKenzie, joint managing director at Archangels, said: “Archangels and Scottish Enterprise are long term investors in PowerPhotonic. We have supported the business to unlock the potential of its deep IP and its revolutionary performance improvements for lasers across many sectors.
“Both the team and technology have developed at pace in recent years, attracting world-leading customers and being agile to support new applications for its technology. With strong foundations and an array of opportunities ahead, we are excited to continue supporting PowerPhotonic in the next stage of the business’s growth.”
Sarah Newbould, senior investment manager, nations & regions investment funds, at the British Business Bank, said: “We’re pleased to support PowerPhotonic as it gears up for expansion.
“With rising demand across high-growth sectors like aerospace and life sciences, expertise in delivering complex, high-precision components means the business is well-positioned to meet this need. We look forward to backing its growth in the UK and US, helping to create skilled jobs and strengthen Scotland’s advanced manufacturing sector.”
Maven was advised by Burness Paull (legal), Consilium (financial), Lockton Insurance LLP (insurance), Confidas People (management referencing).