The active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) manufacturing industry in Europe plays a crucial role in global healthcare. This sector focuses on producing the essential components needed for pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring that medications are safe and effective. Companies range from large multinational corporations to nimble startups, often specializing in biologics, small molecules, or novel therapeutics. As the demand for personalized medicine and innovative treatments grows, the industry is adapting by investing in advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Interestingly, Europe continues to lead in regulations and quality standards, setting benchmarks that influence global API production.


This list highlights 15 prominent investors in the active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing sector across Europe. The investors include both venture capital firms and corporate entities, indicating varied approaches to funding. Headquartered in locations such as Stockholm, Basel, and Brussels, these organizations range in size from small enterprises to large institutions. Founded mainly from the 1950s to the 2000s, their deal counts in 2024 showcase a robust interest in the APIs landscape, demonstrating their commitment to driving innovation and growth in the industry.


Top 15 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Manufacturing 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, focused on managing the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Founded in 1999, it invests in life science companies at various stages of development, providing capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. Notably, Novo Holdings has made significant investments in the active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Catalent Pharma Solutions for $16.5 billion, which includes manufacturing sites for producing Novo's GLP-1 drugs. Additionally, their acquisition of Xellia Pharmaceuticals for approximately $700 million allows for enhanced research and development and expanded global manufacturing capabilities. These strategic investments highlight Novo Holdings' active role in the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape, particularly in the API domain.


2. 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 a range of 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 diverse sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the pharmaceutical industry, such as providing grants to Alkion BioInnovations and Legacy Healthcare, as well as a significant funding award to Exactmer for research in the synthesis and manufacture of oligonucleotide therapeutics. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in supporting advancements in pharmaceutical technologies, particularly in the area of active pharmaceutical ingredients.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. It aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance fosters entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, they have been involved in transactions such as Activ'Inside, a natural active ingredients food producer, which raised €4 million to develop new extraction technology and intensify clinical studies. They also supported Alkion BioInnovations through multiple grants, although these are not directly related to active pharmaceutical ingredients. Furthermore, they participated in funding Provepharm Life Solutions, a pharmaceutical company, indicating their engagement in the pharmaceutical sector. However, their broader focus on various industries may dilute their relevance specifically to active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing.


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, particularly in the biopharma and medtech sectors. They have been involved in several significant transactions, including funding rounds for Ablynx, a company known for its Nanobody platform, and DMC Biotechnologies, which raised substantial capital in Series A and B funding rounds. Their participation in these transactions highlights their commitment to fostering scientific advancements in healthcare, which may include the development and manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.


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. Notably, the fund has been involved in multiple funding rounds for Evolva, a company that specializes in synthetic biology and the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Evolva raised significant amounts in Series A and B funding rounds, including $15.5 million in December 2009 and $27.8 million in October 2009. These transactions highlight the fund's commitment to supporting companies that are integral to the pharmaceutical supply chain, including those involved in API manufacturing.


6. HBM Healthcare Investments AG


HBM Healthcare Investments AG is a venture capital firm based in Zug, Switzerland, specializing in the healthcare sector. Founded in 2001, the firm manages a diversified portfolio of healthcare companies, focusing on human medicine, biotechnology, medical technology, and diagnostics. In 2019, HBM invested in SAI Life Sciences, which raised approximately $2.75 million in a venture round, indicating their interest in companies involved in active pharmaceutical ingredients. Additionally, their investments in other biotech firms, such as Galecto and Everest Medicines, further demonstrate their commitment to supporting the development of pharmaceutical products, which often includes active pharmaceutical ingredients as a critical component of their manufacturing processes. HBM Healthcare Investments serves investors seeking growth opportunities in the rapidly evolving healthcare market, making them a significant player in the pharmaceutical investment landscape.


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. The EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, the EIB has been involved in several transactions relevant to the pharmaceutical industry, such as providing debt financing to Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, which raised approximately $14 million in July 2022, and supporting Evotec, a company that raised over $160 million in post-IPO debt in February 2023. Additionally, the EIB financed Antibiotice, which raised around $26 million in November 2023. These transactions highlight the EIB's commitment to supporting the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the context of active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing.


8. 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. In recent years, Almi has been involved in several transactions within the pharmaceutical sector, including investments in companies like Prolevi Bio, which raised $280,506 in a Seed Round in 2022, and Pila Pharma, which secured $123,485 in a Pre-Seed Round in 2015. Additionally, Almi participated in the funding of Amniotics, which raised $2,117,204 in a Venture Round in 2019. These transactions highlight Almi's engagement with companies that are relevant to the active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing context, showcasing its potential interest in this industry.


9. 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 their involvement in Acorda Therapeutics, which raised $55.3 million in a Series B round, and their recent participation in a $28 million seed financing round for Orbis Medicines, aimed at developing macrocycle drugs. These transactions highlight Forbion's commitment to supporting innovative therapies and technologies, which may encompass the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients.


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 a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 1987. The firm specializes in private equity investments in the healthcare sector, connecting investors with innovative healthcare companies. LSP focuses on drug development and medical technology, aiming to foster advancements in healthcare that address unmet medical needs. Notable transactions include leading a €24 million Series A financing round for eTheRNA, a company developing mRNA-based immunotherapy, and participating in a €39 million Series B2 financing round for the same company. Additionally, LSP has invested in Vivoryon Therapeutics, which raised significant funding in various rounds, indicating their active role in supporting companies that may be involved in pharmaceutical development, including potential API manufacturing.


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 venture capital firm founded in 1973, specializing in life sciences investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to biopharmaceutical companies, helping them develop innovative treatments. Abingworth employs a multi-pronged investment strategy that includes 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, which highlights their commitment to supporting drug development processes that may involve active pharmaceutical ingredients. Additionally, their involvement with companies like Adaptate Biotherapeutics, which raised $18 million to advance therapeutic antibody programs, further illustrates their engagement in the biopharmaceutical sector, where API manufacturing is a critical component. Overall, Abingworth's investments are aligned with the pharmaceutical development landscape, making them a relevant player in the active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing context.


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, founded in 1996 and based in Basel, Switzerland, is a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and manufacturing innovative medicines that address serious diseases. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Novartis emphasizes research and development to enhance patient outcomes globally. Notably, Novartis has made several strategic acquisitions that bolster its position in the active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing sector. These include the acquisition of the European generics business of BASF Pharma for €115 million in 2000, which expanded their generics portfolio, and the acquisition of Hexal for $8.3 billion in 2005, further enhancing their capabilities in the generics market. Additionally, the acquisition of Fougera Pharmaceuticals for $1.525 billion in 2012 underscores their commitment to expanding their manufacturing capabilities in the pharmaceutical space. These transactions highlight Novartis's active role in the API manufacturing landscape, making them a significant investor in this field.


13. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, based in Glasgow, Scotland, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. 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 business growth. Among its notable transactions, Scottish Enterprise provided grants to Merck KGaA and Valneva, the latter receiving up to £20 million for research and development related to vaccine manufacturing. Additionally, their investment in Aquapharm Biodiscovery highlights their engagement in the biopharmaceutical sector, further emphasizing their relevance in supporting active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing.


14. Andera Partners

  • Website: anderapartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1953
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: anderapartners

Andera Partners is a private equity firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1953. The firm specializes in investment management, focusing on providing financial support and strategic guidance to companies across various sectors, including life sciences and infrastructure. They have been involved in several notable transactions in the life sciences sector, such as their investment in Minafin, which raised funds in 2017 and operates in the pharmaceutical manufacturing space. Additionally, Andera Partners participated in funding rounds for Vivoryon Therapeutics, a company focused on developing therapies for serious diseases, and ReViral, a biotech firm advancing antiviral treatments. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting innovation and growth in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in areas that may involve active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing.


15. Seventure Partners

  • Website: seventure.fr
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: seventure-partners

Seventure Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1997, specializing in managing funds for innovative companies in the digital technology and life sciences sectors. With a team size of 11-50, they focus on supporting startups and growth-stage companies through strategic funding. Notably, Seventure has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Galecto, which raised $64 million in a Series D round aimed at advancing clinical studies for pulmonary fibrosis treatments, and Proteon Therapeutics, which raised over $24 million in Post-IPO equity. These transactions highlight their commitment to investing in the life sciences, including potential active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing, as they support companies developing critical therapies and treatments.



Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Manufacturing 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
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
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
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Andera PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-200195310
Seventure PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France11-50199721


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