Dutch Chip Equipment Maker Nearfield Eyes IPO by 2028, CEO Says

Amsterdam-based chip equipment manufacturer Nearfield Instruments is planning to go public by 2028, according to its CEO Hamed Sadeghian. The company, which specializes in metrology and inspection solutions for the global advanced semiconductor industry, has seen growing adoption of its measurement tools and is eyeing a stock market listing in the next three years.

Founded in 2016, Nearfield Instruments has raised $148 million in funding from investors including Walden Catalyst and Singapore's state fund Temasek to expand its operations and bring new tools to market more quickly. The company's measurement technology uses atomic force microscopy to measure silicon wafers, allowing it to operate at dimensions smaller than most wavelengths of light. This enables Nearfield to provide high-resolution, non-destructive, and full 3D information, which is crucial for advanced logic chips and other applications.

The growing demand for AI-driven chips has created an opportunity for Nearfield Instruments, as the market for advanced AI chips is set to grow 120% in 2025 to roughly $110 billion. As chip manufacturing techniques become more complex, the need for Nearfield's inspection equipment increases. The company has already secured multiple orders from a U.S. customer and plans to open offices there, further expanding its international presence.

Nearfield Instruments' CEO, Hamed Sadeghian, predicts that the market for their technology could reach $5 billion to $6 billion by 2027. If the company can capture at least half of this market, it would significantly contribute to its potential IPO valuation. The company's strong customer base, including industry giants like Samsung, and its innovative technology set it apart from conventional techniques that have reached their limits in advanced chip manufacturing.

The chip manufacturing equipment sector is dominated by a handful of companies, including ASML and Applied Materials, which enjoy near monopolies in various subsectors of the equipment market. However, Nearfield Instruments is a rare startup attempting to carve out a portion of the lucrative market for chipmaking equipment. By going public, Nearfield will have access to more capital, allowing it to invest in research and development and expand its operations to better compete with established players in the industry.

In conclusion, Nearfield Instruments' innovative technology, growing customer base, and strong market potential position it well for a successful IPO by 2028. As the company continues to innovate and expand its operations, it is poised to become a significant player in the global chip equipment market.