The pharmaceuticals industry in Europe is a dynamic field focused on discovering, developing, and delivering medicines to improve health outcomes. This sector includes multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and startups that innovate in drug development, delivery systems, and therapeutics. Europe is transitioning towards personalized medicine and sustainable health solutions, shaping the future of patient-centric therapies. With regulatory frameworks adapting to new technologies and growing emphasis on collaboration between firms and academia, the industry is positioned to meet the rising demand for efficacious treatments and innovative healthcare solutions. Interesting trends include a notable increase in biopharmaceuticals and advancements in gene therapies.


This list highlights 13 notable investors shaping the European pharmaceuticals landscape. These include venture capital firms like Forbion and Novartis Venture Fund, alongside corporate players such as SBRI Healthcare and the European Innovation Council. With headquarters across various prominent locales, such as Basel and Paris, these firms range in size from small teams to thousands of employees. They share a commitment to fueling innovation within the pharmaceuticals sector, evident in their substantial investment activity in 2024, which saw significant deal counts from participants spanning different stages of investment.


Top 13 Pharmaceuticals 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 manages the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and focuses on investing in life science companies at various stages of development. The firm provides capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. Notably, Novo Holdings has participated in several significant transactions in the pharmaceuticals sector, including a $78 million funding round for Reata Pharmaceuticals aimed at developing therapies for chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes, as well as multiple funding rounds for PTC Therapeutics to support the clinical development of treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. These investments highlight Novo Holdings' active role in the pharmaceuticals industry, reinforcing its commitment to advancing healthcare innovations.


2. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship throughout 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. In 2024, the EIC has made 57 investments, demonstrating its active role in fostering innovation. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding rounds for pharmaceutical companies such as Antabio, which raised €25 million in a Series B financing round to advance its antibacterial combination therapy, and Ability Pharmaceuticals, which secured funding for its cancer treatment initiatives. These transactions highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting advancements in the pharmaceuticals sector, alongside its broader mission to promote innovation across multiple industries.


3. 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 a range of 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 significant transactions within the pharmaceuticals sector, particularly with Amolyt Pharma, where it participated in multiple funding rounds (Series A, B, and C) totaling over $200 million. These investments are aimed at advancing Amolyt Pharma's pipeline of therapeutics for rare endocrine and related disorders, showcasing Bpifrance's commitment to supporting pharmaceutical innovation. Additionally, Bpifrance's involvement in the biotech sector is further highlighted by its participation in funding rounds for Therachon, a company developing novel protein therapeutics for achondroplasia, indicating a broader interest in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.


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 innovative healthcare startups in the biopharma and medtech sectors. Sofinnova Partners provides funding and strategic guidance to foster scientific advancements and sustainability in healthcare. Notable transactions include leading a $138 million Series C financing round for Amolyt Pharma, which is advancing therapeutics for rare endocrine disorders, and participating in multiple funding rounds for CinCor Pharma, which is developing a small molecule inhibitor for hypertension and related conditions. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting the development of pharmaceuticals that address critical health issues.


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 and address unmet patient needs. Notable transactions include a $26.6 million investment in PTC Therapeutics in 2005, a $33.7 million Series A investment in Acorda Therapeutics in 2001, and multiple rounds of funding for FORMA Therapeutics, including a $25.5 million Series B round in 2009. These investments highlight the fund's active role in the pharmaceuticals sector, as it seeks to support companies that are at the forefront of developing new treatments and therapies.


6. HBM Healthcare Investments AG


HBM Healthcare Investments AG is a venture capital firm based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in the healthcare sector, managing a diversified portfolio that includes investments in human medicine, biotechnology, medical technology, and diagnostics. HBM Healthcare Investments actively seeks growth opportunities in the rapidly evolving healthcare market. Notably, the firm has been involved in significant financing rounds for PTC Therapeutics, a company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for genetic disorders. Their investments in PTC Therapeutics include multiple funding rounds, such as a $30 million financing round in 2012 and earlier rounds raising $50 million and $26.6 million in 2009 and 2005, respectively. These transactions highlight HBM's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical innovations and supporting companies that are pivotal in the healthcare landscape.


7. 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 pharmaceuticals context, the 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. The EIB also supported Evotec with significant post-IPO debt financing, raising over $160 million in 2023 and $90 million in 2017. Additionally, the EIB financed BioNTech with $100 million in post-IPO debt in 2020, and it provided debt financing to Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, which raised over $14 million in 2022. These transactions highlight the EIB's active role in the pharmaceuticals industry, particularly in supporting innovative companies and initiatives that contribute to public health.


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 develop innovative therapies and technologies aimed at addressing unmet medical needs and improving patient outcomes. Notable transactions include investments in Insmed, Acorda Therapeutics, and Gyroscope Therapeutics, which focus on developing therapies for serious medical conditions. For instance, Acorda Therapeutics raised $55.3 million in a Series B round, while Gyroscope Therapeutics secured $148.6 million in a Series C round, showcasing Forbion's active role in the pharmaceuticals landscape. Additionally, Forbion led a Series A financing round for Prilenia, which is focused on late-stage trials for Huntington’s disease and ALS, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing pharmaceutical innovations.


9. 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 developing and manufacturing 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 AveXis in April 2018 for $8.7 billion, which underscores their strategic focus on expanding their portfolio in the pharmaceuticals sector. Additionally, Novartis has been involved in funding rounds for companies like Rani Therapeutics, which is working on innovative drug delivery systems, further highlighting their active role in the pharmaceuticals industry.


10. 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. Notably, LSP has been involved in several significant transactions in the pharmaceuticals context, including multiple funding rounds for Amolyt Pharma, which raised $138 million in Series C financing in January 2023, $80 million in Series B financing in September 2021, and $74 million in Series A financing in July 2019. Additionally, LSP has invested in companies like KuDOS Pharmaceuticals Ltd and 4-Antibody AG, further solidifying their role in the pharmaceutical investment landscape.


11. 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 seed funding for GammaDelta Therapeutics, which is focused on developing immunotherapies for cancer. Additionally, they participated in significant funding rounds for Portola Pharmaceuticals, demonstrating their commitment to advancing pharmaceutical innovations.


12. SBRI Healthcare

  • Website: sbrihealthcare.co.uk
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Twickenham, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sbri-healthcare

SBRI Healthcare is a not-for-profit healthcare innovation program based in Twickenham, England, founded in 2009. It provides funding and support to innovators and entrepreneurs who are addressing unmet health and care needs within the NHS and social care system. The program aims to accelerate the development of innovative technologies and solutions that improve patient care and increase efficiencies in healthcare delivery. Notably, SBRI Healthcare has been involved in several transactions relevant to the pharmaceuticals sector, including grants to companies like Therakind, which raised significant amounts in 2012 and 2014, and Blueberry Therapeutics, which received funding in 2014. These transactions highlight SBRI Healthcare's role in supporting pharmaceutical innovations and its commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes.


13. 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. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions within the pharmaceuticals sector, including investments in LipUm, which raised $297,874 in a seed round, and Oblique Therapeutics, which secured $2,500,000 in a venture round. Additionally, they have supported Umecrine Cognition and Pila Pharma in their funding efforts, demonstrating a clear interest in fostering innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Their recent involvement with Dicot Pharma, which received a grant, further emphasizes their active role in supporting pharmaceutical ventures.



Pharmaceuticals Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
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
NovartisBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+19967
Life Sciences Partners (LSP)Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50198715
AbingworthLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019736
SBRI HealthcareTwickenham, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020093
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947


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