The biotechnology industry in Europe thrives on innovation, research, and development. Companies operate in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and agricultural biotechnology, creating solutions that address pressing health and environmental issues. With rising investment in gene editing, immunotherapies, and personalized medicine, the sector is rapidly progressing toward transforming healthcare. Fascinatingly, Europe is home to numerous groundbreaking biotech startups and well-established firms, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for scientific advancements. Collaborations between academia and industry are on the rise, underlining a shared commitment to enhancing quality of life through cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices.


The investors featured in this list represent a unique mix of venture capital and private equity firms from across Europe. Concentrated in hubs like Paris, Basel, and Amsterdam, each investor varies in size and strategy, impacting the biotechnology sector differently. Some entities, such as Novo Holdings and Sofinnova Partners, have been active since the 1990s, while others, like Bpifrance French Tech Accélération, were founded more recently. Notably, in 2024, these investors collectively made over 500 transactions, investing in innovative companies striving to make a difference in healthcare.


Top 12 Biotechnology Investors in Europe


1. Novo Holdings

  • Website: novoholdings.dk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn: novo-a-s

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It is dedicated to managing the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and focuses on investing in life science companies across various stages of development. The firm provides not only capital but also strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. Notably, Novo Holdings has made significant investments in the biotechnology sector, including a €90.3 million investment in Evotec, which is involved in drug discovery and development, and participation in a Series C funding round for Checkmate Pharmaceuticals, which is developing innovative therapies for cancer treatment. Additionally, they have invested in Galecto, a company focused on developing treatments for fibrotic diseases. These transactions highlight Novo Holdings' commitment to advancing biotechnology and supporting innovative healthcare solutions.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several significant transactions within the biotechnology sector, such as providing funding to Vaxxel for the development of an intranasal vaccine candidate against bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia, and supporting Olgram in its efforts to develop anti-infectious molecules. Additionally, Bpifrance participated in funding rounds for Xenothera, which is working on an anti-COVID-19 drug candidate. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in the biotechnology industry, reinforcing its relevance as an investor in this field.


3. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions within the biotechnology field, such as providing funding to RemedyBio, which raised over $9 million in a venture round, and Xenothera, which secured significant funding to accelerate its development. Additionally, the EIC has supported other biotech ventures through grants, such as the $2.7 million grant to RemedyBio and $2.5 million to Xenothera, showcasing its active role in the biotechnology sector.


4. Sofinnova Partners


Sofinnova Partners is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in life sciences investments, focusing on supporting innovative healthcare startups through funding and strategic guidance. They are particularly active in the biopharma and medtech sectors. Notable transactions include their investments in ProQR Therapeutics, where they participated in both Seed and Series A rounds, and in GlycoEra, where they co-led a Series A financing round aimed at developing therapeutic technologies. Additionally, they were involved in the Seed financing of Home Biosciences, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing biotechnology and healthcare solutions.


5. Novartis Venture Fund

  • Website: nvfund.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10

The Novartis Venture Fund, founded in 1996 and based in Basel, Switzerland, is a venture capital firm that specializes in life sciences investments. The fund focuses on providing funding and support to innovative biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, helping them develop novel therapeutics to address unmet patient needs. Notable transactions include significant investments in Merus, where they participated in multiple funding rounds (Series B and C) to support the company's oncology and infectious disease product pipeline. Additionally, they invested in Acorda Therapeutics during its Series A round, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing biotechnology. The fund's strategy is to partner with companies that are at the forefront of biopharmaceutical innovation, making it a key player in the biotechnology investment landscape.


6. HBM Healthcare Investments AG


HBM Healthcare Investments AG is an investment company based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2001. It specializes in the healthcare sector, managing a diversified portfolio that includes investments in human medicine, biotechnology, medical technology, and diagnostics. The firm is known for its active role in financing biotechnology companies, as demonstrated by its participation in notable transactions such as Galecto's Series C and D funding rounds, which raised significant capital for the development of therapies for conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, HBM has invested in C4 Therapeutics, which focuses on advancing degrader drug candidates, further highlighting its commitment to biotechnology innovation. With a count of 8 investments in 2024 alone, HBM Healthcare Investments continues to seek growth opportunities in the dynamic healthcare market.


7. Forbion

  • Website: forbion.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Naarden, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: forbion-capital-partners

Forbion is a venture capital firm founded in 2006, located in Naarden, North Holland, Netherlands. The firm specializes in the life sciences and bioeconomy sectors, providing investment management and support to biotech companies. Forbion collaborates with entrepreneurs and academic institutions to develop innovative therapies and technologies aimed at improving patient outcomes. Notably, Forbion has been involved in significant transactions within the biotechnology sector, including multiple funding rounds for Bluebird Bio, where they participated in Series A, B, and D rounds, contributing to the advancement of therapies for conditions like Beta-Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia. Additionally, Forbion invested in argenx, supporting their development of antibody-based therapies. These transactions highlight Forbion's commitment to fostering innovation in the biotechnology industry.


8. Life Sciences Partners (LSP)

  • Website: lspvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: lsp-bioventures

Life Sciences Partners (LSP) is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1987. The firm specializes in private equity investments within the healthcare sector, particularly focusing on drug development and medical technology. LSP connects investors with innovative healthcare companies, providing capital and support to foster advancements that address unmet medical needs. Notable transactions include their early investments in argenx, where they participated in both Series A and Series B funding rounds, helping the company raise significant capital for its biotechnology initiatives. Additionally, LSP led a EUR 24 million Series A financing round for eTheRNA, a company developing mRNA-based immunotherapy, and participated in a Series B2 financing round for the same company. These transactions highlight LSP's active role in the biotechnology sector and their commitment to supporting innovative healthcare solutions.


9. Abingworth

  • Website: abingworth.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1973
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: abingworth

Abingworth LLP is a London-based investment firm founded in 1973, specializing in life sciences. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to biopharmaceutical companies, primarily those in the biotechnology sector seeking funding for clinical development. Abingworth employs a multi-pronged investment strategy that includes venture investments and clinical co-development financing. Notable transactions include a $210 million investment in Gilead Sciences through post-IPO equity, a $24.6 million investment in Alnylam Pharmaceuticals during a private equity round, and multiple investments in CRISPR Therapeutics, including $29 million in Series B and $35 million in Series A funding. Additionally, Abingworth provided $100 million to CymaBay Therapeutics to fund a phase 3 study of the drug seladelpar, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative biotechnology solutions.


10. Novartis

  • Website: novartis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: novartis

Novartis AG, based in Basel, Switzerland, is a leading pharmaceutical company founded in 1996. The company focuses on developing and manufacturing innovative medicines across various therapeutic areas, with a strong commitment to research and development aimed at improving patient outcomes. In recent years, Novartis has made notable investments in the biotechnology sector, including participation in funding rounds for companies like Intellia Therapeutics, which raised $70 million in Series B financing to enhance its gene editing capabilities. Additionally, Novartis invested in Caribou Biosciences, a CRISPR startup, during its Series A and B funding rounds, demonstrating their interest in cutting-edge biotechnological advancements. These transactions reflect Novartis's strategic approach to integrating biotechnology into its portfolio, reinforcing its role as a significant investor in the biotechnology industry.


11. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In the biotechnology context, the EIB has been involved in notable transactions such as providing €75 million in funding to CureVac for its infectious disease vaccine programs, including its Covid-19 vaccine candidate. Additionally, the EIB has supported Evotec with substantial post-IPO debt financing, raising over $160 million in 2023 and nearly $90 million in 2017. Furthermore, the EIB provided €50 million to BioNTech SE to aid in research and development, market access, and manufacturing development for its advanced treatments. These transactions highlight the EIB's active role in financing biotechnology initiatives, particularly in the realm of health and vaccine development.


12. Nextech Invest


Nextech Invest is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in biotechnology with a strong emphasis on cancer therapeutics. The firm actively invests in promising drug discovery companies, providing not only financial support but also strategic guidance to help these companies navigate the complexities of drug development. In recent years, Nextech Invest has participated in several significant transactions within the biotechnology sector. For instance, they led a $55 million Series C financing round for Arvinas, a company focused on advancing its oncology pipeline, and participated in a $56 million Series B round for Jounce Therapeutics, which is developing monoclonal antibody cancer immunotherapy programs. Additionally, they have been involved in funding rounds for Hexagon Bio, which raised substantial amounts to support its biotechnology initiatives. These activities highlight Nextech Invest's commitment and relevance in the biotechnology industry.



Biotechnology Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Sofinnova PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-200197225
Novartis Venture FundBasel, Basel, Switzerland11-50199610
HBM Healthcare Investments AGZug, Zug, Switzerland1001-500020018
ForbionNaarden, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200623
Life Sciences Partners (LSP)Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50198715
AbingworthLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019736
NovartisBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+19967
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Nextech InvestZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50199813


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