In the world of semiconductors, innovation drives progress, and at the forefront of this field is Nearfield Instruments, a company redefining metrology solutions for the industry. Founded in 2016 by Hamed Sadeghian and Roland van Vliet as a spin-out of TNO, Nearfield Instruments has quickly scaled to prominence, rapidly growing through strategic market focus, cutting-edge innovation, and visionary leadership empowering a high-performing team. With facilities in Rotterdam and Eindhoven and over 130 employees, the company is a testament to the power of vision, leadership, and perseverance. In this article, we explore Hamed’s journey, the challenges of scaling in a capital-intensive industry, and the strategies for building a resilient team and preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The Genesis of Nearfield Instruments

Hamed’s journey began in 2011 at TNO, where he explored gaps in the semiconductor industry. “The semiconductor industry is inherently complex and impacts our daily lives significantly,” Hamed explains. By identifying a market need for precision metrology solutions, Hamed and his team worked closely with manufacturers like Samsung Electronics, Intel, and TSMC to develop innovative solutions.

“Our vision was to address the unmet needs in process control for chip manufacturers,” Hamed notes. With the support of TNO and a clear market opportunity, Nearfield Instruments was born.

Building the Business: From Prototype to First Sale

Developing a cutting-edge product for a highly demanding market is no small feat. The initial challenge was building a prototype that could demonstrate value to potential customers. “We invited customers to evaluate our prototypes and provided solutions that others couldn’t,” Hamed recalls. This hands-on approach built trust and led to their first customer win, even during the pandemic—a testament to their resilience and adaptability.

Navigating Capital-Intensive Scaling

Nearfield Instruments is state-of-the-art due to its precision measurement systems, advanced nanotechnology, and unparalleled ability to inspect complex microchip structures. However, scaling a hardware-intensive business requires significant investment. Since its inception, Nearfield Instruments has raised over €58.5 million across multiple funding rounds, with contributions from Samsung Ventures, Innovation Industries, and InvestNL. Each round had a clear focus: from developing the first product to establishing infrastructure and expanding internationally.

“In this industry, capital is the lifeblood,” Hamed explains. “It’s crucial to align funding with milestones, such as achieving product readiness, entering new markets, and building a second product line.”

The upcoming Series C round will focus on scaling production, enhancing logistics, and bringing a second product line to market—a response to the rapidly evolving demands of the semiconductor industry.

Leadership Challenges and Lessons

Leadership is at the heart of scaling a company, and Hamed’s journey has been shaped by key lessons. One pivotal moment was transitioning the CEO role to an external candidate, which ultimately didn’t work out. “It’s essential to align on vision and strategy,” Hamed reflects. “If it’s not the right fit, it’s better to fail fast and learn quickly.”

This experience underscored the importance of cultural alignment and transparent communication. Hamed’s leadership style emphasizes leading by example, empowering team members, and fostering a sense of ownership at every level of the organization.

Scaling Teams: From 0 to 130+ Employees

The growth of Nearfield Instruments’ team mirrors its business expansion. “The first 20 employees are entrepreneurial risk-takers who thrive in uncertainty,” Hamed shares. “As the team grows to 50 and beyond, you need experienced professionals and structured management processes to support scalability.”

Today, with over 130 employees, maintaining the company’s culture and vision is a priority. “The key is clear communication and alignment on goals,” Hamed explains. “When everyone understands the mission, they can make decisions that support the broader vision.”

The Road Ahead: IPO and Beyond

As Nearfield Instruments looks to the future, the focus is on scaling production, entering new markets, and preparing for a potential IPO by 2026. “The challenge now is going from one to many,” Hamed says. “It’s about ensuring operational excellence while driving innovation.”

Listening to customer needs has also accelerated the timeline for launching their second product line. “Market dynamics are changing rapidly, and agility is key,” Hamed notes. By leveraging the platform developed for their first system, Nearfield is minimizing defocus and maximizing efficiency.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

1. Fail Fast and Learn Quickly: “Mistakes are inevitable, however addressing them early minimizes damage and accelerates growth.”
2. Align Funding with Milestones: “In capital-intensive industries, ensure each funding round has a clear objective and measurable outcomes.”
3. Empower Your Team: “Leadership is about fostering ownership and autonomy at every level. When employees feel invested, they perform at their best.”
4. Adapt to Market Demands: “Agility and customer focus are essential in dynamic industries. Stay close to your customers and iterate based on their needs.”
5. Maintain Cultural Alignment: “As your team grows, consistent communication and a shared vision are critical for scaling effectively.”

Conclusion

Hamed Sadeghian’s journey with Nearfield Instruments exemplifies the complexities and rewards of scaling in a capital-intensive industry. His insights into leadership, innovation, and adaptability offer invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating similar paths.

As Hamed puts it, “Scaling isn’t just about growing bigger—it’s about growing better, smarter, and with purpose.” For those ready to take on the challenges of scaling, his story serves as both a guide and an inspiration.