The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Europe plays a crucial role in global healthcare. It consists of companies that develop, produce, and market a wide array of medications and vaccines. Known for its innovation and advanced research capabilities, the industry is characterized by a mix of corporate giants, venture capitalists, and start-ups, all contributing to breakthroughs in health-related solutions. A noticeable trend is the increased focus on personalized medicine and biologics, prompting firms to enhance their manufacturing processes and invest strategically in cutting-edge technologies. European companies strive to meet growing global healthcare demands while adapting to regulatory challenges.


The investors on this list range from corporate giants to venture capital firms, primarily located across key European cities like Basel, Paris, and Amsterdam. Established between 1953 and 1999, these investors vary in size from small teams of just a few members to corporations with thousands of staff. In 2024, they engaged in numerous investment activities, with notable commitments from Novo Holdings making 45 investments to Bpifrance French Tech Accélération with 198. These figures illustrate the vibrant investment environment present in the pharmaceutical manufacturing space, reflecting a strong interested in innovation and development within the sector.


Top 13 Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Investors in Europe


1. 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 also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in significant transactions within the pharmaceutical manufacturing context, such as a €25 million Series B financing round for Antabio SAS, which is focused on developing next-generation antibacterial treatments. Additionally, the EIC participated in a Series A funding round for EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, which is working on a lead compound targeting COPD. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in supporting pharmaceutical innovation and development.


2. 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 manages the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and invests primarily in life science companies at various stages of development. The firm provides capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. Notably, in 2024, Novo Holdings announced the acquisition of Catalent Pharma Solutions for $16.5 billion, which includes a significant deal for manufacturing sites that will produce Novo's GLP-1 drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic. This acquisition highlights their active role in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Additionally, they have invested in Evotec, contributing €90.3 million to support the expansion of its services and pipeline growth, and have participated in funding rounds for CymaBay Therapeutics, further emphasizing their focus on the pharmaceutical sector.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm 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 firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within the pharmaceutical sector, such as a $100 million investment in Valneva, a company focused on developing vaccines, and multiple funding rounds for Amolyt Pharma, which is advancing therapeutics for rare endocrine disorders. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.


4. Sofinnova Partners


Sofinnova Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1972, specializing in life sciences investments. The firm focuses on supporting innovative healthcare startups through funding and strategic guidance, particularly in the biopharma and medtech sectors. Notable transactions include leading a $138 million Series C financing round for Amolyt Pharma, which is advancing its pipeline of therapeutics for rare endocrine disorders. Additionally, Sofinnova has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Ablynx, a company recognized for its Nanobody platform, showcasing their commitment to biopharmaceutical innovation. Their investment strategy aims to foster scientific advancements and sustainability in healthcare, making them a significant player in the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape.


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 a $33.7 million Series A investment in Acorda Therapeutics in 2001, which is involved in developing therapies for neurological disorders, and a $26.6 million investment in PTC Therapeutics in 2005, a company focused on developing treatments for genetic disorders. Additionally, the fund participated in multiple funding rounds for Alios BioPharma, including a Series B financing of $41 million in 2014, aimed at supporting the clinical development of respiratory therapies. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.


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 actively seeks growth opportunities in the rapidly evolving healthcare market. Notably, HBM has been involved in significant financing rounds for PTC Therapeutics, a company focused on developing innovative therapies for genetic disorders. Their investments include a $30 million financing round in 2012, a $50 million equity financing in 2009, and several earlier rounds totaling over $60 million in the early 2000s. These transactions highlight HBM's commitment to supporting pharmaceutical development, particularly in the biotechnology space.


7. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In the pharmaceutical manufacturing context, EIB has been involved in several notable transactions, such as providing $75 million in funding to CureVac for its infectious disease vaccine programs, including its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Additionally, EIB has supported Evotec with substantial post-IPO debt financing, raising over $160 million in 2023 and nearly $90 million in 2017. EIB also financed Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries with $14 million in debt financing in 2022 and supported Antibiotice with $26 million in post-IPO debt in 2023. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to investing in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in innovative companies and projects that align with public health objectives.


8. 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. Notable transactions include a significant investment in Aiolos Bio, which raised $245 million in Series A funding to develop its lead drug candidate for asthma, and multiple investments in Prilenia, which focuses on late-stage trials for Huntington’s disease and ALS. These transactions highlight Forbion's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical innovations and therapies, reinforcing its relevance in the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape.


9. 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 an investment firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1987. LSP specializes in private equity investments within the healthcare sector, connecting investors with innovative healthcare companies. The firm focuses on drug development and medical technology, aiming to foster advancements that address unmet medical needs. Notable transactions include their involvement with Amolyt Pharma, where they participated in multiple funding rounds (Series A, B, and C) aimed at advancing therapeutics for rare endocrine disorders. Additionally, LSP was part of a €39M Series B2 financing round for eTheRNA immunotherapies, showcasing their commitment to supporting companies in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. Through these investments, LSP plays a significant role in the development of new drugs and therapies, reinforcing their relevance in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.


10. 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, helping them develop innovative treatments. Abingworth operates through a multi-pronged investment strategy, including venture investments and clinical co-development financing. Notable transactions include a $100 million investment in CymaBay Therapeutics to fund a phase 3 study of the drug seladelpar, and participation in a Series A2 funding round for Adaptate Biotherapeutics, which raised $18 million to advance its therapeutic antibody program. Additionally, Abingworth has seeded GammaDelta Therapeutics, an immunotherapy company, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical sector. Their diverse portfolio and focus on clinical development underscore their relevance in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.


11. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses by offering tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among their notable transactions, Almi has invested in several pharmaceutical companies, including LipUm, which raised $297,874 in a seed round in 2016, and Amniotics, which secured $2,117,204 in a venture round in 2019. Other significant investments include Oblique Therapeutics, which raised $2,500,000 in 2015, and Pila Pharma, which received $123,485 in a pre-seed round. These transactions highlight Almi's commitment to supporting innovation and development in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.


12. 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 is a prominent pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 1996. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of innovative medicines aimed at addressing serious diseases across various therapeutic areas. Novartis emphasizes research and development to enhance patient outcomes globally. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Hexal for $8.3 billion in 2005, which expanded their generic drug manufacturing capabilities, and the acquisition of AveXis for $8.7 billion in 2018, enhancing their gene therapy portfolio. Additionally, their acquisition of Endocyte for $2.1 billion in 2018 aimed to bolster their radioligand therapy pipeline for prostate cancer treatments. These strategic investments highlight Novartis's active role in pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.


13. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. Based in Glasgow, it provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, showcasing its active role in supporting businesses across various sectors. Notably, it has made significant contributions to the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, including a £20 million funding package awarded to Valneva for the research and development of their Covid-19 vaccine candidate, VLA2001, and other vaccines. This funding is structured as two grants, with the first grant of up to £12.5 million specifically aimed at supporting vaccine manufacturing processes. Additionally, Scottish Enterprise has participated in funding rounds for companies like NuCana, which is focused on developing anti-cancer drugs, further highlighting its commitment to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing in Scotland.



Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Sofinnova PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-200197225
Novartis Venture FundBasel, Basel, Switzerland11-50199610
HBM Healthcare Investments AGZug, Zug, Switzerland1001-500020018
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
ForbionNaarden, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200623
Life Sciences Partners (LSP)Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50198715
AbingworthLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019736
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
NovartisBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+19967
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155


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