The laboratory equipment manufacturing industry in Europe encompasses companies that design, produce, and distribute instruments used in research and testing. This sector supports a broad range of applications in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. While large multinational corporations dominate, numerous startups are emerging with specialized solutions that enhance efficiency and precision in laboratories. With technological advancements like automation and artificial intelligence, the industry is evolving rapidly. Notably, Europe is well known for innovative developments such as advanced imaging systems, analytical instruments, and laboratory robotics, reflecting a growing focus on smart solutions that meet modern research demands.


The list of investors highlights a mix of corporate entities, venture capital firms, and private equity players headquartered in key European cities such as Luxembourg, Stockholm, and London. Founded between 1958 and 2015, these investors vary in size, with employee counts ranging from 1 to over 10,000. In 2024, they collectively pursued opportunities in the laboratory equipment manufacturing landscape, undertaking 57 to 198 investments, each emphasizing advancements in laboratory technologies and innovation.


Top 14 Laboratory Equipment Manufacturing Investors in Europe


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 in multiple sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in funding transactions relevant to laboratory equipment manufacturing, such as AcouSort, which raised $2,547,786 in grants for its innovative solutions, and Nagi Bioscience, which secured $2,754,214 in grants. Additionally, DELMIC and Oryl Photonics have also received funding from the EIC, indicating its active role in supporting companies that contribute to laboratory technology advancements.


2. 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 a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector, including a significant investment in Depixus, a French life science tools company, which raised €30.6 million in Series A financing. Other investments include APIX Analytics, C4Diagnostics, and Enalees, which, while not exclusively focused on laboratory equipment, indicate Bpifrance's engagement in the broader life sciences and technology sectors.


3. 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. Novo Holdings provides capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. Notably, they have co-led an over-subscribed USD 200 million Series A and Crossover round in Esco Lifesciences, which is involved in laboratory solutions. Additionally, they have made multiple investments in ProteinSimple, a company that specializes in protein analysis and laboratory equipment, raising significant amounts across several funding rounds from 2006 to 2010. These transactions highlight Novo Holdings' active role in the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector, reinforcing their commitment to advancing technologies that support scientific research and healthcare innovation.


4. 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 companies such as Inhalation Sciences, which focuses on inhalation technology, and Gradientech, which develops innovative solutions for laboratory diagnostics. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector, showcasing their commitment to supporting companies that contribute to advancements in laboratory technologies.


5. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to economic development in Scotland. It provides a variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, it plays a crucial role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. In recent years, Scottish Enterprise has been involved in several significant transactions within the laboratory and biotechnology sectors. For instance, it participated in funding rounds for ŌGI Bio, which raised funds in both 2022 and 2024, indicating a focus on innovative solutions in the life sciences. Additionally, it supported M Squared Lasers, which received a grant in 2019, further demonstrating its commitment to advancing laboratory technologies. The agency's involvement in Biotangents, a company focused on rapid disease detection technology, also highlights its interest in supporting businesses that contribute to laboratory advancements.


6. 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. In 2024, the EIB was involved in 99 investments, demonstrating its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, the EIB has participated in several transactions relevant to the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector, such as providing debt financing to Stilla Technologies, which raised over $34 million for its innovative technologies. Additionally, LUMICKS secured approximately $21.9 million in debt financing from the EIB, further indicating the bank's support for companies in this field. Mobidiag, a company focused on molecular diagnostics, received a EUR 25 million growth capital loan from the EIB to advance its research and development, showcasing the bank's commitment to fostering innovation in laboratory diagnostics. These transactions highlight the EIB's role as a significant investor in the laboratory equipment manufacturing industry.


7. Eurofins

  • Website: eurofins.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: eurofins

Eurofins Scientific SE is a prominent laboratory testing company founded in 1987 and headquartered in Luxembourg. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, Eurofins operates over 900 laboratories across 62 countries, providing a comprehensive range of analytical and testing services. The company serves various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental sectors, focusing on compliance and quality assurance. Eurofins has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its service offerings, including the acquisition of EAG Laboratories for $780 million, which added 21 laboratories globally and expanded their capabilities in analytical testing. Additionally, Eurofins acquired Express Micro Science to strengthen its microbiology services in the UK, further demonstrating its commitment to enhancing laboratory services. These transactions highlight Eurofins' active role in the laboratory sector, making it a significant player in the industry.


8. Indutrade Life Science

  • Website: indutrade.se
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: indutrade-life-science

Indutrade Life Science is a corporate investor based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1978. The company is part of the Indutrade group, which focuses on developing and acquiring companies with high technical expertise across various technology and industrial sectors. Indutrade emphasizes long-term relationships with its customers and operates through a decentralized structure, allowing its subsidiaries to maintain independence while benefiting from the group's resources. In recent years, Indutrade Life Science has made significant strides in the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector, acquiring Labema, a company that imports and delivers laboratory products and diagnostic equipment, and Matriks, a Norwegian laboratory technology company. Additionally, they have signed an agreement to acquire Miclev Medical Products, further enhancing their life science segment. These strategic acquisitions highlight Indutrade's commitment to providing innovative solutions in the laboratory equipment space.


9. 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 through funding and strategic guidance. They have a diverse portfolio that includes investments in biopharma and medtech sectors. Notably, Sofinnova Partners has been involved in several transactions relevant to laboratory equipment manufacturing, such as their investments in Synthace, a bioengineering firm that raised multiple funding rounds to enhance automation and develop the Antha language, which is crucial for laboratory processes. Their investment in Sphere Fluidics also highlights their commitment to supporting companies that are advancing product research and development in the life sciences, further solidifying their relevance in the laboratory equipment manufacturing context.


10. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a prominent testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS operates globally, providing independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in laboratory-related services. Notably, SGS acquired Polymer Solutions Incorporated, a materials analysis laboratory, to bolster its specialized services in testing. Additionally, their acquisition of Analisis Quimico y Microbiologico SAS reflects their commitment to expanding their pharmaceutical testing capabilities. These transactions highlight SGS's active role in the laboratory services sector, making them a significant player in the laboratory equipment manufacturing context.


11. Parkwalk Advisors


Parkwalk Advisors is an investment management firm based in London, England, specializing in venture capital investments in university spin-outs and innovative technologies. Founded in 2009, they manage various EIS funds aimed at providing capital appreciation and tax reliefs for investors. Parkwalk Advisors focuses on high-growth companies across sectors such as AI, life sciences, and cleantech. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Fluidic Analytics, which raised funds in both Series A and Series B rounds, and Microsaic Systems plc, which has engaged in multiple post-IPO equity transactions. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting innovative technologies that are crucial for laboratory environments, further solidifying their role as a relevant investor in the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector.


12. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in various investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among its notable transactions in the laboratory equipment manufacturing context, EQT acquired SPT Labtech, a company focused on laboratory automation and low-volume liquid handling technology, for GBP 650 million in June 2022. Additionally, EQT has invested in HemoCue, a company known for its point-of-care blood testing equipment, and has also acquired a majority stake in Ellab, further emphasizing its active role in the laboratory equipment sector. These investments highlight EQT's strategy to enhance capabilities and support growth in the laboratory equipment manufacturing industry.


13. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is an investment management firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. They operate through various funds and investment vehicles, helping businesses secure necessary funding to scale operations. Notable transactions include their investment in Lab Systems Furniture, which raised $129,832 in debt financing in November 2024, indicating their involvement in laboratory equipment manufacturing. Additionally, they have invested in Sense Biodetection, a UK-based molecular diagnostics company, which raised significant funding to develop and manufacture tests for infectious diseases, showcasing their commitment to the laboratory and diagnostics sector. Their investment in Abingdon Health, a rapid diagnostics company, further emphasizes their focus on companies that contribute to laboratory and healthcare advancements.


14. Future Planet Capital


Future Planet Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2015. They manage over $400M in assets and focus on impact-led investments that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their investment strategy targets innovative companies that address global challenges across various sectors. Notably, Future Planet Capital has been involved in funding rounds for Agilent Raman Spectroscopy, a company specializing in laboratory equipment, which raised funds in multiple rounds from 2008 to 2011. Additionally, they invested in Synthace, a company that develops software for laboratory automation, raising significant amounts in Series A funding in 2017 and 2018. These transactions highlight Future Planet Capital's engagement in the laboratory equipment manufacturing sector, making them a relevant investor in this field.



Laboratory Equipment Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
EurofinsLuxembourg10001+19878
Indutrade Life ScienceStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000197814
Sofinnova PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-200197225
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
Parkwalk AdvisorsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200917
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
Future Planet CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020157


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