The science and technology non-profit industry in Europe is pivotal for driving innovation and impactful research. This sector includes organizations that support advancements in healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental technologies. Often affiliated with universities and research institutions, these companies provide essential funding and resources to emerging startups. As societal challenges grow, the demand for innovative solutions intensifies. Many organizations are now looking towards sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies. The increasing emphasis on climate change and economic resilience is reshaping the funding landscape, presenting opportunities for essential breakthroughs that could benefit societies across Europe.


The list includes a mix of investors, ranging from venture capital firms to corporate entities. Headquartered across Europe, these investors vary in size, with some operating with thousands of employees while others are more compact teams. Founded from 1958 to 2015, they span decades of investment experience. In 2024, each made significant commitments, reflecting their interest in sciences and technology. With numerous transactions, companies like Novo Holdings and Accenture are marked for their active contribution to pushing innovative boundaries in the non-profit sector.


Top 15 Science and Technology Non Profit 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 a range of funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, designed to assist startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing and scaling their technologies. The EIC provides not only financial support but also business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and innovation prizes. In recent transactions, the EIC has been involved in several grant funding initiatives, such as a $4.4 million grant to Pulse in July 2023, a $2.9 million grant to Qubit Pharmaceuticals in June 2021, and a $75,000 grant to Inobiostar in April 2023. These transactions highlight the EIC's active role in funding projects that advance scientific and technological innovation, reinforcing its position as a significant player in the non-profit investment landscape.


2. Accenture

  • Website: accenture.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 51
  • LinkedIn: accenture

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and has made significant strides in helping businesses innovate and navigate digital transformation. Accenture's investment activities include notable transactions in the science and technology sectors, such as their participation in the seed funding round for Good Chemistry, a venture focused on computational chemistry, which highlights their interest in scientific advancements. Additionally, their acquisition of TalentSprint Educational Services indicates a commitment to enhancing educational technology, further aligning with the goals of science and technology development. Other investments, such as those in Pixxel and PeaceGeeks, also reflect their engagement in innovative technology solutions, making Accenture a relevant player in the science and technology non-profit landscape.


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 is dedicated to investing in life science companies at various stages of development. The firm provides both capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. Notable transactions include leading a $73M Series A funding round for Muna Therapeutics, which focuses on developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, and participating in a $49M Series A financing for Inozyme Pharma, aimed at advancing enzyme replacement therapies for serious genetic conditions. Additionally, Novo Holdings led an €8M Series A investment in Deep Branch Biotechnology, which is innovating in sustainable feed ingredients. These investments reflect Novo Holdings' commitment to fostering innovation in the life sciences, making it a significant player in the science and technology non-profit sector.


4. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, it provides a range of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024 alone, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, showcasing its active role in the business landscape. Notably, they have supported significant projects in the science and technology sector, such as the £1.5m funding for the Powering The Future exhibition at the Glasgow Science Centre, which aims to educate the public about energy. Additionally, they invested in Fixed Phage, contributing to the development of bacteriophage technology to combat antimicrobial resistance, and supported Sustainable Marine Energy in deploying tidal energy systems. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's commitment to advancing scientific research and technology, particularly in areas that have a positive impact on society.


5. Agoranov

  • Website: agoranov.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn: agoranov

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, Île-De-France, founded in 2000. With a team size of 11-50, they provide personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs to early-stage startups primarily in the technology and science sectors. Notable transactions include support for companies like C12 Quantum Electronics, which focuses on quantum technology, and Meiogenix, a genomic startup. These investments highlight Agoranov's commitment to fostering innovation in science and technology, making them a significant player in the startup ecosystem.


6. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB), founded in 1958 and based in Luxembourg, is a public entity that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2021, the EIB facilitated a significant debt financing of $404,638,311 for University College Dublin, which is involved in various research initiatives. Similarly, in 2014, Ulster University raised $250,337,538 through debt financing, further showcasing the EIB's commitment to supporting educational institutions. The EIB also provided a grant of $263,332,646 to Dublin City University in 2016, emphasizing its role in funding educational and research projects. Additionally, the EIB's involvement in the funding round for Algorithmiq, a company developing quantum algorithms for life sciences, highlights its engagement in advancing technology and innovation in the non-profit sector. Overall, the EIB's diverse portfolio of investments reflects its dedication to promoting growth and job creation in science and technology.


7. 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 founded in 2009, based in Twickenham, England. The organization provides funding and support to innovators and entrepreneurs who are addressing unmet health and care needs within the NHS and social care system. Their goal is to accelerate the development of innovative technologies and solutions that improve patient care and increase efficiencies in healthcare delivery. SBRI Healthcare has been involved in several significant transactions, including grants to prominent institutions such as Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, University of Manchester, University College London (UCL), Royal Marsden Hospital, and HELIX Centre. These grants, which total millions of dollars, reflect SBRI Healthcare's commitment to fostering innovation in the science and technology sector, particularly in healthcare.


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. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions within the science and technology sectors, including investments in AddBIO AB, which focuses on biotechnology, and Nanolyze, a company engaged in scientific research. Additionally, Almi has supported SARomics Biostructures, further emphasizing its involvement in the science and technology landscape. These investments reflect Almi's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting enterprises that contribute to advancements in science and technology.


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 AIRNA's Series A and B funding rounds, where Forbion played a significant role in raising a total of $215 million to support innovative therapies. Additionally, Forbion led the Series A financing for Prilenia Therapeutics, which raised $62.5 million to fund late-stage trials for Huntington’s disease and ALS. They also participated in VectorY Therapeutics' Series A round, which raised $138 million for developing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. These transactions highlight Forbion's active involvement in advancing scientific research and technology in the life sciences sector.


10. Future Planet Capital


Future Planet Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2015. They manage over $400 million in assets and focus on impact-led investments that address global challenges, particularly those aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In 2021, they acquired the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, which emphasizes their commitment to fostering innovation in the science and technology sectors. They have also participated in seed funding rounds for companies like NeoVac, which is involved in innovative solutions, and Resurrect Bio, which focuses on enhancing plant immunity through gene editing. These transactions highlight Future Planet Capital's active role in supporting high-growth companies that contribute to scientific and technological advancements.


11. 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. In 2024 alone, they have made 41 investments, showcasing their active role in the investment landscape. Notable transactions include a £1.8 million seed funding round for Kuano, a drug discovery company that aims to enhance drug design through quantum simulation, and a $10 million Series A financing for Camena Bioscience, which is developing an enzyme-based DNA synthesis platform. These investments highlight Mercia's commitment to fostering scientific and technological advancements, making them a significant player in the science and technology investment space.


12. Parkwalk Advisors


Parkwalk Advisors is an investment management firm based in London, England, founded in 2009. They specialize in venture capital investments, particularly in university spin-outs and innovative technologies. The firm manages various EIS funds aimed at providing capital appreciation and tax reliefs for investors. Parkwalk Advisors focuses on high-growth companies across sectors such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, and cleantech. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Phasecraft, which is pioneering advancements in quantum computing, raising £13m in a Series A funding round in 2023 and previously securing £3.7m in a seed round in 2020. Their investment in Carbometrics, which focuses on carbon management technologies, further illustrates their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in science and technology. Through these investments, Parkwalk Advisors plays a role in fostering technological advancements that can have a positive impact on society.


13. Oxford Science Enterprises


Oxford Science Enterprises is a venture capital firm based in Oxford, England, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in creating and funding businesses that emerge from scientific research at the University of Oxford. They provide not only financial support but also business development resources and access to lab space for academic founders. Their investment portfolio includes notable companies such as ORCA Computing, which focuses on photonic quantum computing, and First Light Fusion, a company working on commercial fusion energy. In 2022, Oxford Science Enterprises participated in a $45 million Series C funding round for First Light Fusion, aimed at accelerating the development of fusion energy technology. Additionally, they co-led a growth round for Prolific, a platform that enhances research participation. These transactions highlight their active role in advancing science and technology, making them a significant player in the sector.


14. Leaps by Bayer

  • Website: leaps.bayer.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: leapsbybayer

Leaps by Bayer is a Berlin-based venture capital firm founded in 2015, dedicated to investing in biotechnology and agriculture. The firm aims to support early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to address major global challenges, particularly in health and food security. Leaps by Bayer provides not only funding but also active incubation to help develop innovative solutions. Notable transactions include their participation in the Series A funding of Gandeeva Therapeutics, which raised $40 million to advance its AI-driven platform for precision medicine. They also invested in Dewpoint Therapeutics across multiple funding rounds, including a Series C round of $150 million, focusing on developing platforms that modulate biomolecular condensates. Additionally, they supported Paratus Sciences in a Series A round of $100 million, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing scientific innovation.


15. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. With a focus on addressing the funding gap in the market, BGF has become one of the most active investors in the region, boasting a fund of £2.5 billion to support growing companies. Notably, BGF has made significant investments in the science and technology sectors, including BioCity Group, the UK's largest life science incubator, which aims to foster the development of young life science companies. Additionally, BGF has invested in M Squared Lasers, a technology firm that utilizes its funding for research and development, and Enhanc3D Genomics, which is advancing its proprietary technology platform with BGF's support. Their recent investment in ViaNautis Bio also highlights their commitment to advancing drug delivery technologies. Through these transactions, BGF demonstrates a strong alignment with the goals of fostering innovation and growth in the science and technology sectors.



Science and Technology Non Profit Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
AccentureDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+200151
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
SBRI HealthcareTwickenham, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020093
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
ForbionNaarden, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200623
Future Planet CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020157
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
Parkwalk AdvisorsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200917
Oxford Science EnterprisesOxford, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201511
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153


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