Leading gemstone security specialist, Opsydia, has secured significant funding to kickstart the next phase of its development and support its continued growth in the international diamond and coloured stone industries.

The investment will enable the wider roll-out of Opsydia’s secure laser inscription technology to international businesses, including numerous new client acquisitions in 2021/22. The funding will also enable Opsydia to expand its sales team and invest further in its Oxford-based production facilities.

Elsewhere, the injection of funds will aid in expanding Opsydia’s research and development arm, which is focusing on the emerging fields of diamond-based electronics and diamond-based quantum solutions, and will also allow for fresh hires across engineering, software development and production departments.

Opsydia CEO Andrew Rimmer says: “Opsydia has built momentum over the last 18 months, and this new funding round is vital in maintaining our growth and output. I am thrilled to have the support of investors who understand the need for greater security, transparency and innovation in the diamond and coloured stone industries. Opsydia Systems are being deployed across the globe, and we anticipate ever-greater interest as these businesses champion our technology industry-wide.”

Funding has been secured from pre-existing Opsydia investors, Parkwalk and Oxford Sciences Enterprises, as well as a new investor, the Foresight Williams Technology Fund.

Chris Wiles, Investment Director at the Foresight Williams Technology Fund said: “We have been extremely impressed by Opsydia’s technology, commercial traction, the calibre of the team, and the Company’s ability to improve transparency in the diamond and coloured stone supply chains. We look forward to supporting Opsydia during the next phase of its growth plan.”

Alun Williams, Investment Director at Parkwalk added: "Parkwalk is delighted to be participating in Opsydia's latest funding round. We have supported the business since 2018 and are excited to be supporting their next stage of growth. Andrew and the team have created an incredible company to exploit their world-leading adaptive optics technology."

Opsydia is recognised internationally for its leading technology that places unique identifiers on and beneath the surface of gemstones to secure their identity. Its sub-surface Nano ID features do not affect the surface finish or clarity grade of diamonds, even for flawless stones, and are not detectable with a standard grading microscope. This has been independently verified and confirmed by leading gemstone grading houses.

In recent months, Opsydia has expanded its roster of devices with the introduction of the Surface ID System D4000 and the Combined System D6000. These sit alongside the original Sub-Surface ID System D5000 and offer diamond identification solutions to businesses across the world, no matter their specific needs.

All three Systems are capable of processing 50,000 to 100,000 stones per year in an industrial environment. Encryption techniques ensure that each Opsydia system can only write authorised logos or identifiers, preventing counterfeiting and protecting brand integrity. The technology is deployable across the globe and can be utilised by natural diamond and laboratory grown diamond specialists.