The active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) manufacturing industry in the US focuses on producing the essential components of medications. Companies in this sector range from large multinationals to innovative startups, specializing in various APIs crucial for pharmaceuticals. With increased regulatory scrutiny and rising demand for specialized drugs, the industry is shifting towards more fragmented and flexibly produced APIs. Additionally, there is growing investment in sustainable production processes and biotechnology-driven methods, which aim to reduce waste and enhance efficiency. This evolution reflects a robust market poised to address an ever-growing need for new and effective treatments in healthcare.


The list of investors highlighted here showcases a mix of venture capital firms, corporate investors, and varying company sizes located primarily in major US cities like New York and San Francisco. Founded between 1946 and 2016, these firms collectively participated in over 500 deals in 2024 alone. With investments primarily concentrated in the life sciences and health sectors, these investors are key players in fueling innovation within the active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing space. Their geographical reach and focus signify a strong commitment to the future of pharmaceutical development in the United States.


Top 17 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Manufacturing Investors in the US


1. OrbiMed

  • Website: orbimed.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 52
  • LinkedIn: orbimed-advisors

OrbiMed is an investment firm based in New York, specializing in healthcare investments since its founding in 1989. With approximately $17 billion in assets under management, OrbiMed focuses on biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services. They have made notable investments in companies relevant to the active pharmaceutical ingredients sector, such as Uquifa, which raised funds in 2017, and Vivimed Labs, which secured significant post-IPO equity funding in 2017 and 2018. These transactions highlight OrbiMed's commitment to supporting innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, including the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.


2. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. In 2022, SOSV participated in a pre-seed funding round for Capra Biosciences, which raised $1.8 million to build its production-scale reactor and expand its capabilities, including the production of lubricants. This involvement highlights SOSV's interest in companies that may be engaged in the active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing sector, particularly through their support of health technology startups. SOSV's diverse investment portfolio includes 170 investments in 2024, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape.


3. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Over the years, Y Combinator has successfully launched more than 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in the pharmaceutical sector, including SFA Therapeutics, which raised $125,000 in a seed round in August 2021, and Intact Therapeutics, which secured $150,000 in a pre-seed round in March 2019. Additionally, it has invested in Persist AI and Invitris, both of which are involved in innovative healthcare solutions. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in early-stage companies that may contribute to active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing.


4. Perceptive Advisors


Perceptive Advisors is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm provides capital solutions and investment management services to both private and public healthcare companies, with a focus on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Their expertise in the healthcare industry enables them to support innovation and growth through strategic investments. Notable transactions include their participation in Zymeworks' $61.5 million Series A financing, which supports the development of therapeutic candidates, and their involvement in debt financing for Aquestive Therapeutics, which raised $50 million. Additionally, they participated in Series C financing for Blueprint Medicines and Series D financing for CytomX Therapeutics, both of which are engaged in advancing therapeutic pipelines. These transactions highlight Perceptive Advisors' commitment to investing in the pharmaceutical sector, which may encompass active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing.


5. New Enterprise Associates (NEA)

  • Website: nea.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn: new-enterprise-associates

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. With a focus on investment management and advisory services, NEA specializes in supporting startups, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm emphasizes long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, providing both funding and strategic guidance to help them navigate the challenges of building successful businesses. NEA has been involved in several notable transactions in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, including a seed round for Prospex Medical, which focuses on medical technologies, and significant funding rounds for Novast Pharmaceuticals, which raised $25 million in Series C funding and $50 million in Series B funding. Additionally, NEA participated in a post-IPO equity round for Seagen, a company known for its innovative cancer therapies. These transactions highlight NEA's active role in the pharmaceutical industry, making them a relevant player in the active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing context.


6. Pfizer

  • Website: pfizer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1849
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: pfizer

Pfizer Inc. is a leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology company founded in 1849 and headquartered in New York, New York. With over 10,000 employees, Pfizer develops and produces a diverse range of medicines and vaccines aimed at improving patient health outcomes globally. In recent years, Pfizer has made significant investments and acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the pharmaceutical sector. Notably, Pfizer announced a $31 billion acquisition of Seagen, a company that specializes in cancer therapies, which may involve the development of specific active pharmaceutical ingredients. Additionally, the acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion further demonstrates Pfizer's commitment to expanding its therapeutic offerings. These transactions highlight Pfizer's active role in the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape, including the potential involvement in active pharmaceutical ingredients production.


7. Vivo Capital

  • Website: vivocapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: vivo-capital

Vivo Capital is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in healthcare investments. Founded in 1996, the firm provides venture capital, private equity, and public equity investments to healthcare companies, facilitating innovation and growth in the sector. Vivo Capital has been involved in several significant transactions, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Notably, they have led multiple financing rounds for Sagent Pharmaceuticals, which focuses on the development and manufacturing of injectable pharmaceuticals. Their investments in Sagent, including a $53 million Series A round in 2007 and subsequent extensions totaling $60 million, highlight their commitment to supporting companies that are integral to the pharmaceutical supply chain. This focus on healthcare and pharmaceuticals positions Vivo Capital as a key player in the active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing landscape.


8. ARCH Venture Partners

  • Website: archventure.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: arch-venture-partners

ARCH Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1986. The firm specializes in biotechnology investments, providing funding and strategic support to innovative companies in the life sciences sector. They primarily focus on early-stage biotech firms that are developing groundbreaking medical solutions. Notably, ARCH has been involved in significant transactions such as the Series B funding for Resilience, a biopharmaceutical company that raised over $800 million to transform pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies in response to COVID-19. This investment highlights their commitment to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for companies like Sonoma Pharmaceuticals and Just - Evotec Biologics, further demonstrating their active role in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.


9. Frazier Healthcare Partners


Frazier Healthcare Partners is a venture capital firm based in Seattle, Washington, specializing in healthcare and life sciences investments. Founded in 1991, the firm focuses on growth buyout investments in profitable healthcare businesses and innovative biopharmaceuticals. They have been involved in significant transactions, including the acquisition of Adare Pharmaceuticals, which encompasses a specialty contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and pharmaceutical technology businesses. This acquisition highlights their commitment to the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. Additionally, Frazier has participated in various funding rounds for companies like Sierra Oncology and Aclaris Therapeutics, which are engaged in biopharmaceutical development, further emphasizing their active role in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.


10. IndieBio

  • Website: indiebio.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 76
  • LinkedIn: indiebio

IndieBio is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them develop innovative solutions across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals. IndieBio has been involved in several transactions, notably with companies like Capra Biosciences and Proteinea, which have raised funds through convertible notes and pre-seed rounds. These companies are engaged in biotechnology, which may encompass the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients, indicating IndieBio's potential relevance in this sector. With 76 investments in 2024 alone, IndieBio is actively supporting biotech entrepreneurs, making it a significant player in the investment landscape for innovative biotech solutions.


11. Janus Henderson Investors

  • Website: janushenderson.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 39
  • LinkedIn: janus-henderson-emea

Janus Henderson Investors is a private equity firm based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in asset management, offering a range of investment products including ETFs, mutual funds, and managed accounts. With a global presence and a focus on disciplined investment strategies, Janus Henderson serves individual investors, financial professionals, and institutional clients. In the pharmaceutical sector, they have made significant investments, including a $100 million participation in the Series D financing of FORMA Therapeutics, which is advancing treatments for sickle cell disease. They also participated in funding rounds for companies like Galecto, which raised $64 million, and Everest Medicines, which secured $310 million, indicating their active role in supporting pharmaceutical development and innovation.


12. Invus

  • Website: invus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 35
  • LinkedIn: invus

Invus is a venture capital investment firm based in New York, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in equity investments and investment management, partnering with owner-managers across various industries to enhance business performance and create sustainable value. Invus focuses on long-term growth and operates globally, leveraging its expertise to navigate complex investment landscapes. Notably, Invus has participated in significant funding rounds for pharmaceutical companies, including Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, which raised substantial amounts in post-IPO equity, and Morphic Therapeutic, which secured $80 million in a Series B funding round aimed at financing clinical trials for its oral integrin therapeutics. These transactions highlight Invus's active role in the pharmaceutical sector, aligning with interests in active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing.


13. Samsara BioCapital

  • Website: samsaracap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: samsara-biocapital

Samsara BioCapital is a biotechnology investment firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in innovative therapies and providing essential support to entrepreneurs in the medical field. With a focus on the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, Samsara BioCapital has been involved in several notable transactions that highlight their active role in the industry. For instance, they co-led a $259 million Series C financing round for Alumis, which aims to develop treatments for autoimmune diseases, and participated in a Series E financing round for Sutro Biopharma, raising $85.4 million to support their therapeutic pipeline. These investments demonstrate Samsara's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical development, including the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients, making them a relevant player in this space.


14. Redmile Group

  • Website: redmilegroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: redmile-group

Redmile Group is an investment management firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in providing asset management and investment strategies to high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. With a focus on the financial services sector, Redmile Group has made significant investments in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Notable transactions include a $50 million investment in Blueprint Medicines, which focuses on targeted therapies for cancer, and a $70 million investment in CytomX Therapeutics, known for its innovative Probody therapeutics. Additionally, they participated in a $52 million post-IPO equity round for Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, which is involved in developing therapies for autoimmune diseases. These transactions highlight Redmile Group's active role in supporting companies that are likely engaged in the development and manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.


15. Polaris Partners

  • Website: polarispartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: polaris-partners

Polaris Partners is a venture capital firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1996. The firm specializes in healthcare and biotechnology investments, partnering with entrepreneurs to provide funding and strategic guidance to help them innovate and grow their businesses. Polaris has a diverse portfolio that includes companies focused on transformative healthcare solutions. Notably, they have invested in Avitide, a biotech company that raised significant funding in multiple rounds, indicating a strong focus on biopharmaceuticals. Their involvement in companies like Acceleron Pharma and Transform Pharmaceuticals further highlights their commitment to the pharmaceutical sector, which includes active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing. With 19 investments in 2024 alone, Polaris Partners continues to play a significant role in supporting early-stage companies in bringing their products to market, including those in the API space.


16. Casdin Capital, LLC

  • Website: casdincapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: casdin-capital-llc

Casdin Capital, LLC is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm focuses on investing in healthcare, biotechnology, synthetic biology, and technology, providing funding and strategic partnerships to innovative companies. Notable transactions include a $50 million investment in Codexis, a company known for its enzyme technology that can be applied in the production of pharmaceuticals, and participation in funding rounds for Blueprint Medicines, which is advancing genomically defined product candidates. Additionally, Casdin Capital has invested in Decibel Therapeutics, which is involved in developing therapeutics that may include active pharmaceutical ingredients. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to advancing research and development in the life sciences, making them a relevant player in the pharmaceutical landscape.


17. F-Prime


F-Prime Capital is a venture capital firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1946. The firm specializes in creating and investing in healthcare and technology companies, providing both venture capital investments and advisory services to entrepreneurs. F-Prime has a global presence and expertise that enables them to effectively support start-ups in developing innovative solutions. Notably, F-Prime has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Caplin Point Laboratories, which raised over $30 million in 2019, and Enzene Biosciences, which secured $50 million in equity funding in 2023. These investments highlight F-Prime's engagement in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in companies involved in the development and manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.



Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
OrbiMedNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200198952
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Perceptive AdvisorsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50199945
New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200197757
PfizerNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+184910
Vivo CapitalPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-200199619
ARCH Venture PartnersChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)11-50198632
Frazier Healthcare PartnersSeattle, Washington, United States (USA)51-200199127
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Janus Henderson InvestorsDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)1001-5000201739
InvusNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200198535
Samsara BioCapitalPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)11-50201627
Redmile GroupSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50200715
Polaris PartnersBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)11-50199619
Casdin Capital, LLCNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020129
F-PrimeCambridge, Massachusetts, United States (USA)11-50194639


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