Molecular Vista
Molecular Vista designs and sells Vista series nano-IR microscopes using its proprietary Photo-induced Force Microscopy (PiFM) technology, enabling nanoscale chemical analysis for academic researchers, semiconductor manufacturers, battery developers, and art conservators via direct sales and a global distributor network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersSan Jose, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Molecular Vista does
Molecular Vista Inc. is a privately held scientific instrument company founded in 2011 in San Jose, California, by Dr. Sung Park and Prof. Kumar Wickramasinghe to commercialize Photo-induced Force Microscopy (PiFM) and Photo-induced Force IR Spectroscopy (PiF-IR) — nanoscale characterization techniques that combine the spatial resolution of atomic force microscopy (AFM) with the chemical specificity of infrared spectroscopy. The company's product line, the Vista series of nano-IR microscopes (Vista One, Vista 75, Vista 200, and Vista 300), targets research and industrial customers requiring chemical analysis at sub-20 nm scales, with claimed ~5 nm spatial resolution and ~1 cm-1 spectral resolution. Use cases span polymer and catalyst research, semiconductor defect and contamination analysis, battery materials characterization, nanoplastic environmental forensics, and art conservation. Molecular Vista also operates Contract Analysis Services for fee-for-service nanoscale chemical analysis as an alternative to direct instrument purchase.
The company monetizes primarily through capital equipment sales (high-ASP nano-IR microscopes) priced on a quote basis with multi-year service contracts, complemented by recurring fee-for-service contract analysis revenue. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales with demonstrations, sample analysis, and direct engagement, supported by a global distributor network covering ~20 countries across five continents and a Hong Kong-registered subsidiary in Shanghai. The 2020 partnership with Park Systems — founded by the same Dr. Sung Park — provides additional distribution and technology alignment. To date the company has financed development largely through non-dilutive sources, including two NSF grants totaling ~$1.59M (2012 and 2014) and a 2020 Park Systems investment, with no disclosed venture capital or institutional private equity rounds.
Molecular Vista's positioning rests on three claims: it is the only commercializer of true non-contact AFM-IR spectroscopy (PiFM), founded by the inventor of the technique; it delivers FTIR-like spectral results at the nanoscale in milliseconds with higher resolution and SNR than competing nano-FTIR; and its instruments are non-contact, non-damaging, and simple to prepare. The company operates with a small team (11-50 employees), including PhD-level leadership across applications, engineering, and science roles, and emphasizes customer partnership, backwards compatibility, and a science-focused culture.
Molecular Vista firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Molecular Vista
- Legal name
- Molecular Vista Inc.
- Website
- https://molecularvista.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Molecular Vista designs and sells Vista series nano-IR microscopes using its proprietary Photo-induced Force Microscopy (PiFM) technology, enabling nanoscale chemical analysis for academic researchers, semiconductor manufacturers, battery developers, and art conservators via direct sales and a global distributor network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Molecular Vista industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Scientific Instruments - Nanoscale Chemical Analysis
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Quantum Spectroscopy & Chemical/Biological Sensing (HDAGAHAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Quantum Sensor Components & Subsystems (Lasers, Vacuum, Photonics, Diamond/NV, MEMS) (HDAGAHAM)
Keywords
Where Molecular Vista is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Jose
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Molecular Vista business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Instrument Sales: Sale of Vista series nano-IR microscopes (Vista 300, Vista 200, Vista 75, Vista One) - high-precision scientific instruments for nanoscale chemical analysis
- Contract Analysis Services: Fee-for-service nanoscale chemical analysis for customers who need expert analysis without purchasing instruments. Expedited service available.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom instrumentation pricing based on model and configuration |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Molecular Vista product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Molecular Vista designs, manufactures, and sells the Vista series of nano-IR microscopes (Vista 300, Vista 200, Vista 75, Vista One) based on proprietary Photo-induced Force Microscopy (PiFM) and Photo-induced Force IR Spectroscopy (PiF-IR) technology. These instruments combine atomic force microscopy with infrared spectroscopy to perform chemical analysis at the nanoscale with ~5 nm spatial resolution and ~1 cm-1 spectral resolution. The company also offers contract analysis services that perform expert nanoscale chemical characterization on customer-submitted samples using PiFM technology.
Product overview
Molecular Vista offers the Vista series of nano-IR microscopes featuring photo-induced force microscopy (PiFM) and photo-induced force IR spectroscopy (PiF-IR) technology. The product line includes four instrument tiers (Vista 300, Vista 200, Vista 75, Vista One) ranging from advanced automated systems to entry-level solutions, all enabling nanoscale chemical analysis with sub-10nm spatial resolution. The company also provides contract analysis services as an alternative to direct instrument purchase.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Vista One: Nano-IR chemical analysis microscope featuring photo-induced force microscopy technology
- Vista 75
- Vista 200
- Vista 300
Products and services
- Vista 300 The company's most advanced nanoscale chemical analysis system in the Vista series, featuring automated capabilities for high-resolution nano-IR spectroscopy and microscopy using PiFM/PiF-IR technology. Designed for researchers requiring the highest performance and throughput.
- Vista 200 Mid-range nanoscale chemical analysis instrument in the Vista series for nano-IR spectroscopy and microscopy applications, targeting researchers needing sub-10nm spatial resolution with PiFM/PiF-IR capabilities.
- Vista 75 Entry-level nanoscale chemical analysis instrument in the Vista series for nano-IR spectroscopy and microscopy applications, providing access to PiFM/PiF-IR technology for researchers with smaller budgets.
- Vista One First-generation nano-IR microscope featuring PiFM technology with a low-profile head scanner design. Released in 2013 as the company's inaugural product.
- Contract Analysis Services Professional fee-for-service laboratory offering that performs nanoscale chemical analysis on customer-submitted samples using PiFM and PiF-IR technology. Expedited service available for time-critical samples. Targets customers who need expert analysis without purchasing instrumentation.
Quantifiable outcome
- Spatial resolution of approximately 5 nm for chemical analysis
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Molecular Vista
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Molecular Vista technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Molecular Vista partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.
- Park SystemscorePartnership established in 2020 between Molecular Vista and Park Systems, both companies founded by Dr. Sung Park. This partnership leverages shared expertise in atomic force microscopy technology.
- Anfatec Instruments AGregionalGermany and Switzerland distributor. Located at Melanchthonstr. 28, 08606 Oelsnitz(V), Germany.
- Japan Laser Corporation (JLC)regionalJapan distributor. Located at 2-14-1, Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-0051 Japan.
- Molecular Vista (HONGKONG) Co., Ltd.regionalChina and Hong Kong distributor. Located at Room 113-2, Meilin Creative Park A3, No.228 Banting Road, Shanghai, 201615.
- Toshniwal BrothersregionalIndia distributor. Located at # 11, AECS Layout, 4th Main, 3rd Cross, Sanjaynagar 1st Stage, Geddalahalli, Bangalore - 560 094, India.
- New Road Agencies LtdregionalIsrael distributor. Located at 4 Egoz St., Modi'in Industrial Park, Shoham 7319900, Israel.
- NanoWin CorpregionalKorea distributor. Located at BA-0514 (HyunDai Cluster), 165 MiSaGangByeonHanGang-ro, HaNam-si, GyeongGi-do 12902, Korea.
- Righttek Co., LtdregionalTaiwan distributor. Located at 5th Floor, No. 109, Wugong Road, Wugu District, New Taipei City 248, Taiwan.
- MilliceregionalSingapore distributor. Located at Block 4012, Techplace I #05-09 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 Singapore 569628.
- ST Instruments B.V.regionalBenelux and Scandinavia distributor. Located at Energieweg 20B, 2964 LE Groot-Ammers, The Netherlands.
- Milexia France SASregionalFrance distributor. Located at Espace Technologique de Saint-Aubin, Batiment Mercury II, 91190 Saint-Aubin, France.
- Gambetti Kenologia SrlregionalItaly distributor. Located at Via Volta n degrees 27, 20082 Binasco (MI), Italy.
- MSA SystemregionalPoland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia distributor. Located at Osmanska 12, 02-823 Budynek Warsaw, Warszawa, Poland.
- NanoTeamregionalRomania distributor. Located at Str. Capitan Grigore Ignat, 26, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, 400401, Romania.
- Quantum Design UK and Ireland LtdregionalUK distributor. Located at 1 Mole Business Park, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7BA, UK.
- SnowHouse Solutions, Inc.regionalCanada distributor. Located at 66 Montée du Bois-Franc, Lac-Beauport, Québec, G3B 1Y5 Canada.
- IntercovamexregionalMexico distributor. Located at Calle Nueva China 400, Rincón del Valle, 62240 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
- Quark PhotonicsregionalAustralia and New Zealand distributor.
- InstrutecnicaregionalBrazil distributor. Located at Av. Santa Isabel, 1798 - Vila Santa Isabel, Campinas - SP, 13084-643, Brazil.
- Vortex CompanyregionalColombia distributor. Located at CALLE 127a No 53a-45, Piso 7 Oficina 167, Bogota D.C., Colombia.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Molecular Vista competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Renishaw: Renishaw is well known for Raman spectroscopy and offers combined AFM-Raman systems (RaPID), positioning it as an emerging competitor in correlative nanoscale chemical analysis alongside PiFM.
- Attocube Systems: Attocube develops cryogenic and low-temperature scanning probe microscopy systems used in advanced materials and quantum research, serving a partially overlapping customer base of nanoscale researchers.
- Nanonics Imaging: Nanonics Imaging is a niche AFM/SPM manufacturer offering multi-probe and correlative microscopy systems that compete for advanced nanoscale characterization research budgets at universities and industrial labs.
Broad incumbents
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Fisher is a broad incumbent in scientific and analytical instrumentation (FTIR, electron microscopy, etc.) that competes indirectly for the same materials characterization and semiconductor analytical budgets.
- Agilent Technologies: Agilent supplies analytical laboratory instruments including FTIR and spectroscopy systems, positioning it as a broad incumbent whose established product lines compete for the same analytical chemistry capex Molecular Vista targets.
- HORIBA Scientific: HORIBA manufactures a broad portfolio of scientific analytical instruments including Raman, photoluminescence, and spectroscopy systems, competing for the same materials and life-science characterization budgets.
- Oxford Instruments (Asylum Research): Asylum Research, now part of Oxford Instruments, makes high-end AFMs (Cypher, MFP-3D) frequently used for the same nanoscale spectroscopy and materials research applications as Molecular Vista's Vista systems.
- Park Systems: Park Systems is a leading global AFM manufacturer and Molecular Vista's 2020 strategic partner; they share a co-founder (Sung Park) and compete for adjacent nanoscale imaging budgets while also channeling PiFM into their installed base.
Direct peers
- NT-MDT Spectrum Instruments: NT-MDT manufactures AFMs and related scanning probe microscopy tools for materials and life-science research, competing for similar academic and industrial nanoscale characterization budgets.
- Bruker: Bruker is the dominant commercial provider of nanoscale IR spectroscopy via its nano-IR and s-SNOM product lines, directly competing with Molecular Vista's PiFM/PiF-IR in both academic and semiconductor customer accounts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Molecular Vista social profiles
Digital presenceMolecular Vista financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Molecular Vista leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Molecular Vista funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Molecular Vista 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 Molecular Vista
What does Molecular Vista do?
Molecular Vista designs, manufactures, and sells the Vista series of nano-IR microscopes (Vista 300, Vista 200, Vista 75, Vista One) based on proprietary Photo-induced Force Microscopy (PiFM) and Photo-induced Force IR Spectroscopy (PiF-IR) technology. These instruments combine atomic force microscopy with infrared spectroscopy to perform chemical analysis at the nanoscale with ~5 nm spatial resolution and ~1 cm-1 spectral resolution. The company also offers contract analysis services that perform expert nanoscale chemical characterization on customer-submitted samples using PiFM technology.
Is Molecular Vista a public or private company?
Molecular Vista is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Molecular Vista founded?
Molecular Vista was founded in 2011. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Molecular Vista based?
Molecular Vista is headquartered in San Jose, United States, in the North America region.
How does Molecular Vista make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Instrument Sales are the primary driver. The others are contract Analysis Services.
Who are Molecular Vista's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Renishaw, Attocube Systems and Nanonics Imaging. Broad incumbents are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Agilent Technologies, HORIBA Scientific, Oxford Instruments (Asylum Research) and Park Systems. Direct peers are NT-MDT Spectrum Instruments and Bruker.
Does Molecular Vista have an API?
No public API is recorded for Molecular Vista.
What industry is Molecular Vista in?
Molecular Vista's product category is Scientific Instruments - Nanoscale Chemical Analysis. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAGAHAH, Quantum Spectroscopy & Chemical/Biological Sensing, with a secondary code of HDAGAHAM, Quantum Sensor Components & Subsystems (Lasers, Vacuum, Photonics, Diamond/NV, MEMS). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.