LS Instruments AG
LS Instruments AG is a Swiss scientific instrumentation company that develops and sells light scattering and microrheology instruments (LS Spectrometer II, DWS RheoLab, NanoLab 3D) for dilution-free nanoparticle and viscoelastic characterization, serving pharmaceutical, chemical, food, cosmetics, and academic customers across 34+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersFribourg, Switzerland
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What LS Instruments AG does
LS Instruments AG is a privately held Swiss scientific instrumentation company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Fribourg, Switzerland, specializing in next-generation light scattering technologies for nanoparticle and microrheology characterization. The company's core product portfolio comprises three instruments: the LS Spectrometer II (a multi-angle goniometer-based system for dynamic and static light scattering), the DWS RheoLab (a contact-free rheometer based on Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy), and the NanoLab 3D (a compact DLS instrument). Its key technical differentiator is patented 3D Cross-Correlation and Modulated 3D Cross-Correlation technology that suppresses multiple scattering, enabling dilution-free measurement of turbid and concentrated samples — a capability conventional DLS instruments cannot match.
The company operates a capital equipment business model: high-value instruments are sold as quote-based perpetual licenses with modular add-on features (3D Cross-Correlation, Modulated 3D, Depolarized DLS, Sample Goniometer, Temperature Control) creating a land-and-expand dynamic, supplemented by recurring revenue from consumables (cuvettes, index-matching fluids, tracer particles) and service contracts. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales from Switzerland and the wholly-owned North American subsidiary (Los Angeles, established May 2022) with exclusive distribution partnerships — most notably DKSH for China, Hong Kong, and Japan (since January 2024) — alongside regional distributors in the Nordics (Biolab A/S), Korea (Mastor), and Japan (Quantum Design Japan for DWS RheoLab).
LS Instruments serves pharmaceutical and biotech (Regeneron, Sanofi, Galderma), chemicals (BASF, DSM, Clariant), food (Nestlé), consumer products (L'Oréal, P&G), government standards bodies (NIST), and academic research institutions (ETH Zurich, NYU, TU Munich, University of Cambridge) across more than 34 countries. The company is led by CEO Gora Conley (effective June 2025), succeeding Dario Leumann, with co-founder Prof. Frank Scheffold providing ongoing scientific direction. As of 2025–2026, LS Instruments is investing in international expansion, automated high-throughput product extensions, and deeper penetration of the vaccine/biotech formulation segment.
LS Instruments AG firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- LS Instruments AG
- Legal name
- LS Instruments AG
- Website
- https://lsinstruments.ch
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- LS Instruments AG is a Swiss scientific instrumentation company that develops and sells light scattering and microrheology instruments (LS Spectrometer II, DWS RheoLab, NanoLab 3D) for dilution-free nanoparticle and viscoelastic characterization, serving pharmaceutical, chemical, food, cosmetics, and academic customers across 34+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
LS Instruments AG industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Scientific Instrumentation / Particle Characterization
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments (HLAGAIAB)
Keywords
Where LS Instruments AG is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fribourg
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
LS Instruments AG business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Scientific Instrumentation (Capital Equipment): Sale of precision light scattering instruments including the LS Spectrometer II, NanoLab 3D, and DWS RheoLab. These are multi-angle goniometer-based and compact DLS/DWS instruments sold as capital equipment to laboratories in pharma, academia, food, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals. Instruments are offered with configurable optional features and multiple pricing tiers (Base Unit and Upgradable Base Unit).
- Software Licenses and Upgrades: Software platform (LsLab) and specialized analysis tools such as Zimm Plot software are sold alongside instruments, with potential for software upgrades and optional feature activations on existing hardware.
- Consumables: Cylindrical cuvettes (10 mm and 5 mm widths), index-matching fluids (decalin), tracer particles (latex, titanium dioxide, silica), and other consumables available through the online shop. Recurring revenue from consumables replenishment.
- Service, Support, and Maintenance: Customer support services including technical support ticketing system, instrument maintenance, repair, calibration, and installation services. Supported by a dedicated Customer Support Center and field service capabilities through regional affiliates.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | LS Spectrometer II — Base Unit (entry-level, non-upgradable) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | LS Spectrometer II — Upgradable Base Unit (flagship, full configurability) |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Optional Feature Add-ons (3D Cross-Correlation, Modulated 3D, Depolarized DLS, Sample Goniometer, Temperature Control, etc.) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | DWS RheoLab |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | NanoLab 3D |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Consumables (cuvettes, decalin, tracer particles) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels7 records
LS Instruments AG product offering
Product offeringCore offering
LS Instruments AG designs, manufactures, and sells advanced optical characterization instruments based on next-generation light scattering technologies, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Static Light Scattering (SLS), and Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy (DWS). The company's core products — the LS Spectrometer II, NanoLab 3D, and DWS RheoLab — enable particle sizing, viscosity measurement, gelation monitoring, and microstructure analysis in turbid, concentrated, and native samples without dilution. Sales are supported by proprietary LsLab software, consumables, and global distribution through direct sales and channel partners.
Product overview
LS Instruments AG develops and manufactures advanced optical characterization instruments based on next-generation light scattering technologies. The product portfolio centers on three core instruments: the LS Spectrometer™ II (multi-angle goniometer-based DLS/SLS system), DWS RheoLab™ (Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy-based microrheometer), and NanoLab 3D™ (compact Modulated 3D Cross-Correlation DLS system). These instruments share proprietary patented 3D Cross-Correlation and Modulated 3D technologies that enable dilution-free measurements of turbid and concentrated samples. The LsLab™ software platform unifies data acquisition and analysis across instruments, while the LSI Zimm Plot Software provides specialized macromolecule analysis. The company serves pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food, specialty chemicals, and advanced materials industries in over 34 countries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- LS Spectrometer II Multi-angle goniometer-based light scattering instrument for dynamic (DLS) and static light scattering (SLS). Enables comprehensive nanoparticle characterization including particle size, polydispersity, particle shape, molecular weight, sample structure, and viscosity measurements. Available in Base Unit and Upgradable Base Unit configurations, with optional features such as Modulated 3D Cross-Correlation, 3D Cross-Correlation, Depolarized DLS, Sample Goniometer, and Sample Goniometer Pro for advanced measurements on turbid and non-ergodic samples.
- NanoLab 3D Compact dynamic light scattering (DLS) instrument based on patented Modulated 3D Cross-Correlation technology. Efficiently suppresses multiple light scattering, enabling accurate particle sizing without sample dilution. Designed for concentrated and turbid samples, with broad particle size range coverage for routine and QC applications.
- DWS RheoLab Contact-free rheometer based on Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy (DWS). Measures viscoelastic properties over a wide frequency range using microscopic motion of tracer particles inside materials, requiring only small sample volumes. Enables gelation monitoring, stability assessment, and microstructure characterization of polymer solutions, emulsions, creams, gels, and biological formulations without mechanically perturbing the sample.
- LsLab Software Proprietary software platform for data acquisition and analysis across LS Instruments hardware. Includes Cumulant and CORENN analysis, Zimm Plot, Guinier Plot, and Debye Plot functionality. Features customizable operating modes, a drag-and-drop protocol generator, and an integrated database for streamlined measurement-to-analysis workflows.
- LSI Zimm Plot Software Standalone data analysis software for static light scattering experiments. Automatically computes molecular weight, radius of gyration, and second virial coefficient from Zimm Plot analysis of SLS data. Targeted at researchers characterizing macromolecules and polymers.
- Consumables for light scattering and rheology Laboratory consumables for use with LS Instruments instruments, including cylindrical cuvettes (10 mm and 5 mm widths), index-matching fluids (decalin), and tracer particles (latex, titanium dioxide, silica). Available through the LS Instruments online shop and supporting recurring replenishment revenue for installed instruments.
Quantifiable outcome
- Dilution-free DLS eliminates sample preparation uncertainty and provides real particle size in native sample conditions
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use LS Instruments AG
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
LS Instruments AG technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature9 records
LS Instruments AG partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and secondary.
- SolviasstrategicCollaborative research partnership with Solvias, a Swiss global leader in contract research, development, and manufacturing (CRO/CDMO). The collaboration produced ground-breaking research on reliable particle sizing in vaccine formulations using advanced dynamic light scattering, published in 2024. This partnership demonstrates LS Instruments' scientific credibility in pharmaceutical analytics and its ability to serve as a technology partner for major CRO/CDMOs.
- DKSHcoreExclusive distribution partnership with DKSH, a leading Market Expansion Services provider, effective January 1st, 2024. DKSH has been granted exclusive rights to promote and distribute LS Instruments products in China, Hong Kong, and Japan, marking a significant milestone in LS Instruments' global expansion efforts. DKSH covers both the NanoLab 3D (China, Japan) and broader product range through regional offices in Shanghai and Tokyo.
- Quantum Design JapansecondaryDistribution partner for DWS RheoLab products in Japan. Quantum Design Japan serves as the regional channel for DWS RheoLab instruments in Japan.
- Biolab A/SsecondaryDistribution partner covering Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Biolab A/S promotes and distributes LS Instruments products across the Nordic region.
- Mastor KoreasecondaryDistribution partner covering the Republic of Korea. Mastor Korea handles sales and distribution of LS Instruments products in the Korean market.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
LS Instruments AG competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Anton Paar: Direct peer — Anton Paar manufactures a broad line of rheometers and particle characterization instruments (Litesizer, PSA). Its rheology and light scattering lines directly overlap with LS Instruments' DWS RheoLab and NanoLab 3D, and it sells into the same food, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals segments.
- Malvern Panalytical: Direct peer — Malvern Panalytical (a Spectris company) is a global leader in particle characterization and light scattering (Zetasizer, Mastersizer). It competes head-to-head with LS Instruments' DLS/SLS portfolio, particularly in pharma, food, and academic research, and is the most direct competitive benchmark.
- HORIBA Scientific: Direct peer — HORIBA Scientific offers a wide range of spectroscopy and light scattering instruments (including DLS platforms) targeting academic and industrial research customers. It competes with LS Instruments' goniometer-based LS Spectrometer II in soft matter and materials science labs.
- TSI Incorporated: Direct peer — TSI manufactures particle sizing and counting instruments based on light scattering and related techniques, serving aerosol, nanoparticle, and industrial hygiene applications. It is a direct competitor in the broader light-scattering-based particle characterization category.
- Brookhaven Instruments: Direct peer — Brookhaven Instruments is a specialist in DLS, SLS, and zeta potential measurement, historically a close competitor to LS Instruments in academic and industrial particle characterization labs. The product portfolios and customer profiles (colloids, polymers, nanoparticles) are closely aligned.
- Wyatt Technology: Direct peer — Wyatt is a leading provider of multi-angle light scattering (MALS) instruments for macromolecule and nanoparticle characterization, overlapping directly with LS Instruments' LS Spectrometer II. Both target biopharma, academic, and advanced materials customers with SLS/DLS workflows.
Broad incumbents
- Beckman Coulter Life Sciences: Broad incumbent — Beckman Coulter Life Sciences (Danaher) is a large analytical instrument provider with DLS and particle characterization tools used in pharma and life sciences. It is not a pure-play light scattering specialist, but its product portfolio and customer base overlap meaningfully with LS Instruments'.
Others
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: Broad incumbent placeholder corrected: Thermo Fisher Scientific is a broad incumbent — its Materials & Structural Analysis division offers light scattering and particle characterization tools (e.g., Microtrac product lines) for pharma, food, and materials customers, overlapping with LS Instruments' go-to-market segments even though light scattering is one of many lines.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
LS Instruments AG social profiles
Digital presenceLS Instruments AG financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
LS Instruments AG leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
LS Instruments AG subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
LS Instruments AG funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
LS Instruments AG M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about LS Instruments AG
What does LS Instruments AG do?
LS Instruments AG designs, manufactures, and sells advanced optical characterization instruments based on next-generation light scattering technologies, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Static Light Scattering (SLS), and Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy (DWS). The company's core products — the LS Spectrometer II, NanoLab 3D, and DWS RheoLab — enable particle sizing, viscosity measurement, gelation monitoring, and microstructure analysis in turbid, concentrated, and native samples without dilution. Sales are supported by proprietary LsLab software, consumables, and global distribution through direct sales and channel partners.
Is LS Instruments AG a public or private company?
LS Instruments AG is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was LS Instruments AG founded?
LS Instruments AG was founded in 2000. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is LS Instruments AG based?
LS Instruments AG is headquartered in Fribourg, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does LS Instruments AG make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Scientific Instrumentation (Capital Equipment) is the primary driver. The others are software Licenses and Upgrades, consumables and service, Support, and Maintenance.
Who are LS Instruments AG's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Anton Paar, Malvern Panalytical, HORIBA Scientific, TSI Incorporated, Brookhaven Instruments and Wyatt Technology. Beckman Coulter Life Sciences is listed as a broad incumbent. Thermo Fisher Scientific is listed as an others.
Does LS Instruments AG have an API?
No public API is recorded for LS Instruments AG.
What industry is LS Instruments AG in?
LS Instruments AG's product category is Scientific Instrumentation / Particle Characterization. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAB, Mass Spectrometry & Spectroscopy Instruments. Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.