The genetic engineering industry in Benelux is a dynamic, rapidly advancing sector focused on manipulating organisms at the genetic level to develop innovative solutions in healthcare and agriculture. Companies here range from startups specializing in gene therapies and CRISPR technologies to established firms advancing biomanufacturing and agricultural biotechnology. The region is increasingly recognized for its collaborative ecosystem, combining academic research and commercial enterprises. Noteworthy trends include a surge in personalized medicine and vaccine development, illustrating the industry's pivotal role in addressing global health challenges and food security. Benelux's commitment to research fosters an environment primed for breakthroughs.


The list of investors in the genetic engineering space showcases a blend of venture capital firms and corporate entities, with headquarters spanning Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and Brussels. Founded as early as 1980, these investors range significantly in size, with some managing assets across companies focused on transformative healthcare technologies. In 2024 alone, they collectively backed over 250 various investments, highlighting their active engagement. With several firms maintaining robust portfolios, the emphasis on early-stage biotech innovations continues to drive financial interests and future growth in this critical sector.


Top 13 Genetic Engineering Investors in Benelux


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1958, that supports innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. It 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 across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the genetic engineering field, such as providing grants to Enduro Genetics and Celeris Therapeutics, as well as participating in a Series B financing round for ARTHEx Biotech, which is advancing a clinical trial for a genetic engineering-related product. These activities demonstrate the EIC's engagement in the biotechnology and genetic engineering sectors.


2. 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 address unmet medical needs and improve patient outcomes. Notably, Forbion has made significant investments in companies like Bluebird Bio, which raised substantial funding across multiple rounds (Series B, C, and D) to advance gene therapies for genetic disorders. Additionally, Forbion invested in UniQure, which focuses on gene therapy solutions. These transactions highlight Forbion's commitment to supporting innovative therapies and technologies in the genetic engineering space.


3. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg that provides financial services, including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services, to support sustainable projects across various sectors. Founded in 1958, EIB serves both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In the context of genetic engineering, EIB has been involved in several notable transactions. For instance, it provided a €40 million credit facility to Cellectis to support its research, development, and innovation activities. Additionally, EIB has supported GenSight Biologics and CureVac with substantial funding, including a €75 million investment for CureVac's vaccine programs, which are critical in the biotechnology field. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to advancing genetic engineering and biotechnology initiatives.


4. 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, specializing in private equity investments within the healthcare sector. Founded in 1987, LSP connects investors with innovative healthcare companies, focusing on drug development and medical technology. The firm aims to foster advancements in healthcare that address unmet medical needs by providing capital and support. Notably, LSP has been involved in significant transactions within the genetic engineering space, including a $50 million Series A financing in SNIPR Biome, a company dedicated to CRISPR technology and microbiome research. Additionally, LSP has invested in DNA Script, which raised substantial funding in Series B and C rounds, focusing on DNA synthesis technology. These investments reflect LSP's commitment to supporting advancements in genetic engineering and related fields.


5. M Ventures

  • Website: m-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: merck-ventures

M Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in transformative ideas within the biotechnology and technology sectors, focusing on healthcare, life sciences, and advanced technology. M Ventures provides funding and strategic guidance to startups, helping them achieve commercial success. Notably, M Ventures has been involved in several key transactions in the genetic engineering space, including leading a $165 million Series C investment in DNA Script, a company that specializes in DNA synthesis technology. They also led a £37.5 million Series A financing round for Nucleome Therapeutics, which aims to explore the 'dark' regions of the human genome to develop drugs for autoimmune diseases. Additionally, they participated in a seed financing round for FoRx Therapeutics, further emphasizing their active role in supporting biotechnology innovations.


6. BGV (BioGeneration Ventures)


BioGeneration Ventures (BGV) is a venture capital firm founded in 2006, located in Naarden, North Holland, Netherlands. BGV specializes in seed investments in innovative early-stage biotech companies, providing funding and support to help these companies develop disruptive solutions for unmet medical needs. Their portfolio includes various biotech firms focused on advancing healthcare solutions. Notably, BGV has been involved in significant transactions within the genetic engineering context, such as co-leading a €6.5M Series A financing round for Scenic Biotech, a company developing genetic off-switches for cancer and rare genetic diseases. Additionally, BGV participated in funding rounds for argenx, which has made strides in therapeutic development, and Azafaros, further showcasing their commitment to supporting biotech innovations that may include genetic engineering applications.


7. Gilde Healthcare


Gilde Healthcare is a venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, specializing in healthcare investments. Founded in 1982, the firm manages over €2.6 billion across two fund strategies: Venture & Growth and Private Equity. Gilde Healthcare invests in innovative healthtech and therapeutics companies, as well as profitable lower mid-market healthcare providers in Europe. Among their notable transactions, Gilde Healthcare led a significant investment in Splice Bio, which raised €50M to develop gene therapy solutions for Stargardt disease, showcasing their focus on genetic engineering. They also participated in the Series A financing of Calypso Biotech, which is working on anti-Interleukin-15 antibody therapies, indicating their interest in cutting-edge biotechnological advancements. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting companies that are at the forefront of healthcare innovation, including those in the genetic engineering space.


8. Noshaq

  • Website: noshaq.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Belgium
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: noshaq-be

Noshaq is a venture capital investment fund based in Belgium, founded in 1985, that provides financial solutions and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the province of Liege. The firm focuses on funding, project structuring, and business development, particularly in sectors such as biotech and sustainable development. Noshaq aims to foster growth and innovation by actively engaging with its clients and offering tailored financial assistance. Notably, Noshaq has participated in several significant transactions in the biotechnology sector, including leading a €4 million Series A financing round for Samabriva, a company focused on biotechnology solutions. They also contributed to THERAtRAME SA's financing round, which is developing therapeutics targeting cancer, and supported HEPHAISTOS-Pharma in a seed round aimed at advancing its lead candidate towards clinical trials. These investments highlight Noshaq's commitment to fostering innovation in the biotech field, which is closely related to genetic engineering.


9. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Notably, Gimv has been involved in several significant transactions in the genetic engineering space, including: 1) Anjarium Biosciences, which raised CHF 55.5 million in a Series A financing round to advance its therapeutic pipeline programs; 2) Complement Therapeutics, which secured €72 million for their gene therapy targeting geographic atrophy; and 3) ImmunOs Therapeutics, which raised substantial funding across multiple rounds to develop its lead immunotherapy program. These investments highlight Gimv's commitment to supporting companies that are at the forefront of genetic engineering and life sciences innovation.


10. EIT Food

  • Website: eitfood.eu
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 37
  • LinkedIn: eit-food

EIT Food is a not-for-profit organization based in Leuven, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2016. It focuses on transforming the food system through innovation, education, and entrepreneurship. EIT Food supports agrifood startups and entrepreneurs by providing resources, funding opportunities, and educational programs aimed at creating healthier and sustainable food solutions. In 2023 and 2024, EIT Food has been involved in several significant transactions that highlight its commitment to genetic engineering and biotechnology in the food sector. Notably, they awarded €1.8 million to three cultivated protein-pioneering businesses, including LenioBio, which focuses on developing commercial products using 'food grade' cell culture media. Additionally, they provided grants to 3D Bio-Tissues and Quest Meat, both of which are engaged in innovative biotechnological approaches to food production. These initiatives demonstrate EIT Food's active role in fostering advancements in genetic engineering within the agrifood industry.


11. Droia Ventures

  • Website: droiaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zaventem, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: droiaventures

Droia Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zaventem, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in the life sciences sector, focusing on investments in drug development companies. They provide support for clinical proof of concept and scientific validation of innovative therapies, primarily targeting oncology and genetic diseases. Notably, Droia Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Actio Biosciences, which is leveraging its genetics platform to develop therapeutics for rare and common diseases, and Vico Therapeutics, which is advancing therapies for genetic conditions such as spinocerebellar ataxia and Huntington's disease. Their involvement in these transactions underscores their commitment to advancing genetic engineering and therapeutic innovations in the life sciences.


12. V-Bio Ventures

  • Website: v-bio.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Ghent, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: v-bio-ventures

V-Bio Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in life sciences investments, focusing on innovative companies in therapeutics, diagnostics, and sustainable agriculture. V-Bio Ventures aims to transform scientific innovations into impactful products that address unmet needs in healthcare and agriculture. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Coave Therapeutics, which raised substantial amounts in Series B financing, indicating their commitment to advancing therapeutic solutions. Additionally, V-Bio Ventures led a €30 million seed funding round for AstriVax, a company developing a thermostable yellow fever vaccine, showcasing their active role in supporting genetic engineering and vaccine development. Their portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on companies that are likely to leverage genetic engineering technologies to create novel healthcare solutions.


13. Thuja Capital

  • Website: thujacapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: thuja-capital

Thuja Capital Management BV is a venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in healthcare investments, focusing on supporting innovative healthcare ventures from start-up to scale-up. Thuja Capital provides funding and strategic guidance to companies in the biotech and medtech sectors. Notable transactions include their participation in the Series A funding for argenx, which raised $4.5 million in 2010, and their involvement in the seed funding for AstriVax, a company developing a thermostable yellow fever vaccine, which raised €30 million in 2022. Additionally, they invested in Tacalyx, which raised over $7.5 million in 2024, and FundaMental Pharma, which secured €10 million in funding in 2022. These investments highlight Thuja Capital's commitment to advancing healthcare innovations, particularly in the biotech sector, which often intersects with genetic engineering.



Genetic Engineering Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
ForbionNaarden, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200623
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Life Sciences Partners (LSP)Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50198715
M VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200918
BGV (BioGeneration Ventures)Naarden, North Holland, Netherlands1-1020066
Gilde HealthcareUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands51-200198212
NoshaqBelgium11-50198511
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
EIT FoodLeuven, Flanders, Belgium51-200201637
Droia VenturesZaventem, Flanders, Belgium11-5020115
V-Bio VenturesGhent, Flanders, Belgium1-1020156
Thuja CapitalUtrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands1-1020063


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