In 2017, the Fos4x founder Lars Hoffmann in an interview with Munich Startup: “If the game is such that the shares are sold at some point, then of course we’ll play that game.” Three years later, the time has come: The Munich-based specialist for fiber optic sensor technology and data analysis will from the Danish company Polytech acquired.
With the acquisition, the Danes aim to better support their wind energy customers by making rotor blades smarter, optimizing designs, and protecting them during operation. Together, these efforts are expected to take wind energy production worldwide to a new level.
Lars Hoffmann, CEO and founder of Fos4x, says:
"As a founder, I can't imagine a better collaboration. Our intelligent sensor and software solutions will be further developed as part of Polytech. Furthermore, the Fos4x vision of clean energy at scale and accessible to everyone will be advanced more strongly than ever before."
While founder Hoffmann is stepping down with the takeover, the expanded management team will remain in charge. The Munich location, with approximately 100 employees, will also continue to operate as a center of excellence for fiber optic measurement technology and Industrial IoT.
Fos4x acquisition strengthens Polytech's know-how
Wind turbine rotor blades play a key role in increasing the efficiency of wind energy. Rotor blades improved through digital technology and modern data analytics enable wind turbine operators to optimize operations and maintenance through the intelligent use of real-time data. The patented technology of the Munich-based startup, founded in 2010, thus sustainably strengthens Polytech.
"No other component is as critical to wind energy production as the rotor blade, but it is also the most exposed and vulnerable part of the wind turbine. This creates an incentive to optimize blade efficiency through the use of sensor technology and intelligent data analysis, and creates the need to ensure adequate protection against the forces of nature."
explained Mads Kirkegaard, CEO of Polytech.
The merger with Fos4x expands Polytech's 700-employee organization by adding additional employees. The Danish company already operates in China, Mexico, and the USA, and the acquisition further expands its reach. The Fos4x name and brand will be discontinued, and the Munich-based startup's existing activities and offices in Germany and China will be operated as part of Polytech.
