The biomedical engineering industry in Europe plays a crucial role in improving healthcare through technology. Companies range from startups to established firms, focusing on innovative medical devices, diagnostics, and biopharmaceuticals. This sector not only emphasizes patient care but also addresses emerging health challenges. With advancements in personalized medicine and digital health solutions, the industry is evolving rapidly. European initiatives often promote collaboration between academia and industry, fueling invention and accessibility. The growth in telemedicine and remote monitoring solutions continues to reshape how medical services are delivered across the continent, making healthcare more efficient and patient-centric.


In 2024, a mix of 17 investors drove significant engagement in the biomedical engineering sector across Europe. These venture capital firms, corporate investors, and public entities ranged in size from small teams to large organizations, located in major cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and London. Most investors were founded in the late 20th century or early 21st century and actively backed innovative startups. Their 2024 investments collectively involved a broad spectrum of companies, contributing to the advancement of medical technologies and healthcare solutions.


Top 17 Biomedical Engineering Investors in Europe


1. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across 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 the biomedical engineering context, the EIC has been involved in notable transactions such as the Series A funding of Lattice Medical, which raised $7,842,714 in October 2022, and multiple grants to CorTec, a company focused on neurotechnology, totaling over $2.4 million in 2022. These investments highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the biomedical sector, alongside its broader mission to promote innovation across various industries.


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, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several significant transactions within the biomedical engineering sector, including a seed round investment in Lattice Medical, which raised $2,623,609 in November 2018, and participation in a €15 million Series A extension financing for Pixium Vision, a developer of retinal implant systems, in November 2013. Additionally, they participated in a post-IPO equity round for Pixium Vision in July 2020, further demonstrating their active role in supporting biomedical innovation.


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 participated in several relevant transactions in the biomedical engineering sector, including a $33 million growth capital round for SI-BONE, Inc., which focuses on expanding its U.S. sales organization and ongoing clinical studies. They also led a $17.1 million Series B financing round for CorWave, a medical technology company, and recently invested $65 million in Nalu Medical, which specializes in chronic neuropathic pain solutions. These investments highlight Novo Holdings' commitment to advancing innovations in biomedical engineering and related fields.


4. 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 biomedical engineering, including grants to companies like Bioinduction, which received funding in 2017 and 2018, and Vivo Smart Medical Devices, which raised significant funds in 2013. These transactions highlight SBRI Healthcare's commitment to fostering advancements in healthcare technology, making it a relevant player in the biomedical engineering sector.


5. 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. They have a diverse portfolio that includes investments in biopharma and medtech sectors, which are critical areas within biomedical engineering. Notable transactions include a €15 million Series A extension financing for Pixium Vision, a developer of retinal implant systems, and participation in Corwave's funding rounds, which focus on medical technology advancements. Their commitment to fostering scientific advancements and sustainability in healthcare positions them as a significant player in the biomedical engineering investment landscape.


6. 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 corporate startup incubator based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in supporting technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. They primarily focus on early-stage startups across various innovative sectors. Notably, Agoranov has been involved in several transactions within the biomedical engineering space, including investments in Pixium Vision, a company focused on vision restoration technologies; Corwave, which develops innovative solutions for cardiac support; Sensome, known for its smart medical devices; and Hemarina, which specializes in oxygen carriers for medical applications. These investments highlight Agoranov's commitment to fostering innovation in the biomedical engineering sector, making them a relevant player in this field.


7. 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, that provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Founded in 1994, Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions within the biomedical engineering sector, including investments in OssDsign AB, a medtech company specializing in craniofacial implants, and BONESUPPORT, which focuses on bone regeneration technologies. Additionally, Almi has participated in funding rounds for other innovative companies like Moroxite F and Celluminova, further showcasing their engagement in the biomedical field. This diverse portfolio highlights Almi's role as a supportive investor in the growth of biomedical engineering solutions.


8. 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 2024, the EIB was involved in 99 investments, showcasing its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions in the biomedical engineering sector, the EIB provided €75 million in funding to German company CureVac for its vaccine programs, including its Covid-19 vaccine candidate. This funding was structured in three tranches tied to specific milestones. Additionally, the EIB has engaged in debt financing for companies like CARMAT, which raised over $34 million, and Xeltis, which secured approximately $16.9 million. More recently, the EIB supported Protembis and WISE with debt financing, further emphasizing its involvement in the biomedical engineering landscape.


9. 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 specializing in life sciences investments. With a focus on innovative biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, the fund aims to provide funding and support to help these companies develop novel therapeutics and address unmet patient needs. Notable transactions include leading a $21.8 million Series C financing round for Ablation Frontiers, which is focused on investigational devices, and participating in funding rounds for Myopowers Medical Technologies, which is preparing for clinical trials to obtain CE mark in Europe. These investments demonstrate the fund's active role in supporting advancements in biomedical engineering and medical technologies.


10. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several significant transactions within the biomedical engineering sector. For instance, it participated in the funding rounds for Versono Medical, which raised over $7 million, and SurgaColl Technologies, which secured €2 million in funding. Additionally, Enterprise Ireland was part of the €2.3 million seed funding round for Atrian Medical, a company focused on developing treatments for atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, it has also invested in SymPhysis Medical, which raised funds in both 2022 and 2024. These transactions highlight Enterprise Ireland's active role in supporting the growth of biomedical engineering companies.


11. 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 within the healthcare sector, connecting investors with innovative healthcare companies. LSP 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 biomedical engineering field, particularly with Xeltis, a company dedicated to developing polymer-based heart valve replacements. LSP participated in multiple funding rounds for Xeltis, including a $52 million Series C round in 2017, which was aimed at supporting clinical activities and product development for their aortic and pulmonary valve programs. This involvement highlights LSP's commitment to investing in cutting-edge biomedical engineering solutions.


12. Scottish Enterprise


Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, focused on economic development in Scotland. It provides a range of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. With a significant presence in the investment landscape, Scottish Enterprise has been involved in various transactions that support the biomedical engineering sector. Notably, they provided funding to Biogelx, a company specializing in biomaterials, through both Seed and Series A rounds. Additionally, they supported Össur, a company developing upper limb prosthetic solutions, with a grant aimed at enhancing their engineering capabilities. Their investment arm, the Scottish Investment Bank, also participated in funding rounds for companies like SIRAKOSS, which focuses on synthetic bone grafts. These activities highlight Scottish Enterprise's role in fostering growth and innovation within the biomedical engineering field.


13. HBM Healthcare Investments AG


HBM Healthcare Investments AG is an investment company based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2001. It specializes in the healthcare sector, managing a diversified portfolio that includes investments in human medicine, biotechnology, medical technology, and diagnostics. In 2022, HBM Healthcare Investments participated in multiple funding rounds for Vascular Dynamics, a medical device company focused on innovative solutions in the vascular space. Notably, they were involved in a $20 million equity financing round and several convertible note transactions, showcasing their active role in supporting advancements in medical technology. This strategic focus on healthcare investments positions HBM Healthcare Investments as a key player in the rapidly evolving biomedical engineering landscape.


14. 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 investments in Acorda Therapeutics, which raised $55.3 million in Series B funding, and Bluebird Bio, which raised significant amounts across multiple funding rounds, including $60 million in Series D and $35 million in Series B. These investments highlight Forbion's commitment to advancing innovative therapies and technologies in the biomedical field, making them a relevant player in the biomedical engineering investment landscape.


15. 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 across various therapeutic areas. Notably, Novartis has made significant investments in the biomedical engineering field, including a $300 million investment in Freenome during its Series D funding round in December 2021, which focuses on early cancer detection using advanced blood tests. Additionally, Novartis has invested in Kuros Biosciences, contributing to their Series A and B funding rounds, which are centered on regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. These transactions highlight Novartis's commitment to advancing biomedical engineering technologies and improving healthcare solutions.


16. 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. Notably, they have participated in significant transactions relevant to biomedical engineering, such as the €15 million Series A extension financing for Pixium Vision, a developer of retinal implant systems, and a venture round for Stanmore Implants Worldwide, which raised approximately $19.9 million for implantable medical devices. Their portfolio also includes investments in companies like Kuros Biosciences and CRISPR Therapeutics, further demonstrating their commitment to advancing technologies in the life sciences and biomedical engineering sectors.


17. 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 and focuses on providing financial support and strategic guidance to companies across various sectors, including life sciences and infrastructure. In the biomedical engineering context, Andera Partners has been involved in significant transactions such as their participation in funding rounds for MedLumics, a medical device company that is developing cardiac devices, and Axonics Modulation Technologies, which focuses on innovative neuromodulation therapies. These investments highlight Andera Partners' commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the biomedical engineering sector, making them a notable player in this field.



Biomedical Engineering 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
SBRI HealthcareTwickenham, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020093
Sofinnova PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-200197225
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Novartis Venture FundBasel, Basel, Switzerland11-50199610
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
Life Sciences Partners (LSP)Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50198715
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
HBM Healthcare Investments AGZug, Zug, Switzerland1001-500020018
ForbionNaarden, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200623
NovartisBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+19967
AbingworthLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019736
Andera PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-200195310


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