The semiconductor industry is preparing for a shift in manufacturing processes as Lund-based startup AlixLabs finalizes a €15 million Series A round. The funding, closed in early 2026, comes from Finnish investor Stephen Industries and follows earlier commitments from Global Brain and other institutional backers. The capital will support scaling of the company's Atomic Layer Etching (ALE) technology, which enables precise material removal at the atomic level.
AlixLabs specializes in etching tools used in chip production. Its ALE process allows manufacturers to remove single atomic layers without damaging underlying structures. This precision addresses challenges in producing advanced semiconductors where traditional methods struggle with uniformity and control. The startup's technology has gained attention from chipmakers seeking to improve yield rates and reduce defects in high-volume production.
The Series A round was led by Stephen Industries, marking its first major investment in a European semiconductor venture. Global Brain participated again after its initial involvement in AlixLabs' November 2025 funding announcement. Additional investors include Nordic venture firms focused on deep-tech applications. The total round size reached €15 million, with primary use allocated to expanding production capacity and hiring specialized engineers.
Company CEO Johan Bohlin stated the funds will accelerate commercialization of the ALE platform. Current installations are limited to pilot projects, but the new investment targets deployment in full-scale semiconductor fabrication lines. Industry analysts note growing demand for atomic-level precision as chips shrink below 3 nanometers. AlixLabs positions itself to meet this need before competitors finalize competing solutions.
The funding round closes as semiconductor equipment suppliers report record orders. AlixLabs now joins a select group of European startups attracting large-scale investment in critical manufacturing technologies. The company plans to open a new R&D center in Lund by 2027 to support its growth trajectory.
Source: eu-startups.com