LONDON and BARCELONA—Oakley Capital, a leading pan-European, mid-market private equity investor, has announced that Oakley Capital Origin Fund I is investing in Horizons Optical, a provider of medical software used to make premium spectacle lenses. Origin is acquiring a majority stake in the business alongside CEO Santiago Soler, who will retain a significant share in the business and will continue to lead Horizons. As part of the agreement, Oakley is acquiring the shares in Horizons owned by Sherpa Capital, a leading private equity firm in Iberia.

Founded in Barcelona in 2017, Horizons’ proprietary and patented software is used by independent laboratories around the world to manufacture bespoke, progressive lenses. Lenses manufactured using Horizons’ patented technology are positioned in high value-added segments of the optical industry, standing out for their distinctive qualities and optical performance. Oakley noted that 10 million lenses were produced with Horizons’ technology in 2023. Horizons also provides equipment for opticians that supports the manufacturing of lenses and frames, and recently launched its Mimesys virtual reality headset, which enables optometrists to accurately measure customers’ eyes in order to produce bespoke lenses.

Sherpa Capital invested in Horizons in 2017 through Fund II, and during its investment period, Horizons Optical has experienced significant growth, according to the company, with a continued focus on enhancing product quality and exploring innovative solutions to meet customer needs. With its investment in Horizons, Oakley noted that it will help Horizons accelerate its international growth plans, while also leveraging its reputation for exceptional customer service. Oakley will also support investment into R&D and sales and marketing to ensure Horizons continues to win as an innovator and disruptor in core markets.

Horizons Optical CEO Soler said, “Our focus on quality, innovation and exceptional customer care have driven Horizons’ strong performance to date. Oakley clearly shares our values and so we are delighted to be partnering with the firm as we embark on the next stage of our expansion. We have traveled this path of growth alongside a strong partner in Sherpa Capital, to whom we are grateful not only for their investment in Horizons and belief in our potential but also for providing the company with a spirit of continuous improvement and excellence. We see enormous potential to further grow our international business, benefitting from Oakley’s expertise to expand our service offering and drive professional improvements across our business.”

Horizons Optical opened a U.S. subsidiary near Dallas, Texas, in August 2022, as VMAIL reported. More recently, the company established a partnership with Cherry Optical Lab to bring advanced technologies to independent ECPs.