The genetic engineering industry in Europe is at the forefront of scientific advancement, revolutionizing medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. It includes a wide range of companies, from biotech startups developing gene therapies to established firms focused on crop enhancement. The area is thriving with innovation, resulting in therapies targeting rare diseases and sustainable agricultural practices. With the adoption of advanced technologies like CRISPR, the industry is rapidly evolving, making significant strides towards safer and more effective solutions. As this sector grows, Europe aims to foster collaborations that propel research, development, and successful commercialization of genetic innovations.


The roster of genetic engineering investors in Europe highlights the fusion of corporate, venture capital, and private equity interests dedicated to biotechnology. Headquartered across key cities such as Paris, Basel, and London, these investors vary in size and age, from established entities founded in the 1970s to more recent entrants. In 2024, these investors completed a significant number of deals, showcasing their commitment to innovation in genetic technology. Their involvement reflects a strategic approach to enhancing health solutions and transforming agricultural practices, solidifying Europe's position in the global genetic engineering market.


Top 17 Genetic Engineering 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 various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. The EIC also provides business acceleration services, networking opportunities, and prizes to foster innovation across different sectors. Notably, the EIC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the genetic engineering field, such as providing grants to Enduro Genetics and Celeris Therapeutics, as well as participating in a Series B financing round for ARTHEx Biotech, which is advancing clinical trials for its genetic engineering-related therapies. These activities highlight the EIC's commitment to supporting advancements in genetic engineering and related biotechnologies.


2. 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 key transactions in the genetic engineering sector, including a $100 million investment in Metagenomi, a gene editing startup, and a $65 million Series A-1 financing round for iECURE, which specializes in genetic therapies. Additionally, they have invested in Verve Therapeutics and Obsidian Therapeutics, both of which are involved in innovative genetic engineering approaches. These investments highlight Novo Holdings' active role in the genetic engineering industry.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor 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 by providing a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within the genetic engineering sector, such as investing in GenSight Biologics, which raised substantial funds through post-IPO equity rounds, and DNA Script, which secured large investments in its Series B and C funding rounds. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the genetic engineering field.


4. Sofinnova Partners


Sofinnova Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1972, specializing in life sciences investments. The firm focuses on supporting innovative healthcare startups through funding and strategic guidance, particularly in the biopharma and medtech sectors. Notably, Sofinnova has been involved in significant transactions within the genetic engineering context, such as their investments in ProQR Therapeutics, which raised over $57 million in Series A funding for its RNA-based therapies, and GenSight Biologics, which has raised multiple rounds of funding for its gene therapy solutions aimed at treating retinal diseases. These transactions highlight Sofinnova's commitment to fostering advancements in genetic engineering and related fields.


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 is a venture capital firm based in Basel, Switzerland, specializing in life sciences investments. Founded in 1996, the fund focuses on providing funding and support to innovative biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. Their investment strategy is aimed at addressing unmet patient needs through the development of novel therapeutics. Notably, the fund has been involved in significant transactions within the genetic engineering space, such as co-leading a €32M Series A financing round for GenSight Biologics, which is developing gene replacement therapy for Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy. Additionally, they have invested in SpliceBio, a company focused on overcoming gene delivery challenges in gene therapy, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing genetic engineering technologies. Their portfolio reflects a strong alignment with the genetic engineering industry, making them a key player in this sector.


6. 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. Notably, Forbion has made significant investments in companies such as Bluebird Bio, which raised substantial funding across multiple rounds (Series B, C, and D) to advance gene therapies for genetic disorders. Additionally, Forbion invested in UniQure, which focuses on gene therapy solutions. These transactions highlight Forbion's commitment to supporting innovative therapies and technologies in the genetic engineering space.


7. 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 human medicine, biotechnology, medical technology, and diagnostics. The firm seeks growth opportunities in the rapidly evolving healthcare market. Notably, HBM has invested in EGenesis, which raised $125 million in a Series C round to advance its gene editing technologies. Additionally, HBM has been involved with PTC Therapeutics, a company focused on developing therapies for genetic disorders, participating in multiple funding rounds to support their clinical development efforts. These investments highlight HBM's commitment to advancing genetic engineering and related biotechnologies.


8. 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, France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting early-stage startups across various innovative sectors, particularly in technology and science. Agoranov provides personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs to help startups grow. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions within the genetic engineering space, including investments in GenSight Biologics, which focuses on gene therapy for retinal diseases, DNA Script, which is developing DNA synthesis technology, and Eligo Bioscience, which is working on gene editing technologies. These investments highlight Agoranov's commitment to fostering innovation in the genetic engineering sector.


9. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg that provides financial services such as loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. Founded in 1958, EIB serves both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In the context of genetic engineering, EIB has been involved in several notable transactions, including a €40 million credit facility to Cellectis to support its research, development, and innovation activities, and a €75 million funding agreement with CureVac for its infectious disease vaccine programs, including its Covid-19 vaccine candidate. Additionally, EIB has provided debt financing to GenSight Biologics and MolMed, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting advancements in the genetic engineering field.


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 within the healthcare sector, connecting investors with innovative healthcare companies. LSP focuses on addressing unmet medical needs through advancements in drug development and medical technology. Among its notable transactions, LSP co-led a $50 million Series A financing in SNIPR Biome, a company leveraging CRISPR technology for microbiome applications, highlighting its commitment to genetic engineering. Additionally, LSP has invested in DNA Script, which raised significant funding in Series B and C rounds, focusing on DNA synthesis technology. These investments underscore LSP's active role in the genetic engineering landscape.


11. 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 improve patient outcomes across various therapeutic areas. Notably, Novartis has made strategic investments in the genetic engineering space, including participation in funding rounds for Intellia Therapeutics, which focuses on gene editing and delivery systems, and Caribou Biosciences, a CRISPR technology startup. These investments highlight Novartis's commitment to advancing genetic engineering technologies and integrating them into their broader pharmaceutical portfolio.


12. Nextech Invest


Nextech Invest is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in biotechnology with a strong emphasis on cancer therapeutics. The firm invests in promising drug discovery companies and provides strategic support to help these firms navigate the complexities of drug development. In 2024, Nextech Invest has been involved in several notable transactions, including a $120 million private placement for Silence Therapeutics, which focuses on advancing its clinical development of genetic therapies. Additionally, they participated in a $30 million private placement for Relay Therapeutics, which is advancing its preclinical pipeline, including genetic engineering approaches. Their investment in Arvinas, which is developing innovative therapies targeting cancer, further highlights their commitment to supporting companies that leverage genetic engineering in their therapeutic strategies.


13. 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 variety of services, including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In 2024, Scottish Enterprise was involved in 55 investments, demonstrating its active role in enhancing Scotland's economic landscape. Among its notable transactions, Scottish Enterprise has invested in several companies within the genetic engineering sector, such as Concinnity Genetics, which raised $3,806,865 in a seed round in December 2024, and Tay Therapeutics, which secured $2,178,783 in a seed round in November 2021. Furthermore, their participation in the funding of Axol Bioscience, which focuses on human induced pluripotent stem cell products, highlights their commitment to advancing biotechnology and genetic research. These transactions illustrate Scottish Enterprise's strategic focus on supporting innovative companies in the genetic engineering domain.


14. 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, particularly those in the biotechnology sector seeking funding for clinical development. Abingworth employs a multi-pronged investment strategy, including venture investments and clinical co-development financing. Among their notable transactions, they participated in funding rounds for CRISPR Therapeutics, raising $35 million in Series A and $29 million in Series B, both in 2015, which are pivotal in the field of genetic engineering. Additionally, they co-led a €32 million Series A financing round for GenSight Biologics, a company developing gene replacement therapies for Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). These investments highlight Abingworth's commitment to advancing innovative treatments in the genetic engineering space.


15. M Ventures

  • Website: m-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: merck-ventures

M Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in transformative ideas within the biotechnology and technology sectors, focusing on healthcare, life sciences, and advanced technology. M Ventures provides funding and strategic guidance to startups, helping them achieve commercial success. Notably, M Ventures has been involved in several key transactions in the genetic engineering space, including leading funding rounds for DNA Script, which raised a total of $165 million in Series C, $50 million in Series B, and $13.2 million in Series A, all of which are pivotal for advancements in DNA synthesis technology. Additionally, they led a £37.5 million financing round for Nucleome Therapeutics, which aims to explore the human genome for drug discovery, particularly for autoimmune diseases. Their investment in FoRx Therapeutics also highlights their engagement in biotechnology, further solidifying their role in the genetic engineering landscape.


16. 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, with the goal of enhancing their growth and competitiveness. Almi has been involved in several notable transactions in the biotechnology and genetic engineering sectors. For instance, they invested in Strike Pharma, a company developing innovative cancer treatments, which highlights their focus on advancing medical technologies. Additionally, Almi has supported Countagen and Beactica Therapeutics AB, both of which are engaged in biotechnology and genetic engineering initiatives. These investments reflect Almi's commitment to fostering innovation in the life sciences, particularly in areas that intersect with genetic engineering.


17. 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 align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their portfolio includes innovative companies across various sectors, including those in the genetic engineering space. Notably, Future Planet Capital has invested in Pencil Biosciences, which is developing a fully synthetic gene modulation and editing platform, and Resurrect Bio, which aims to enhance plants' immune systems through gene editing. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting high-growth companies that are addressing critical global challenges through advanced technologies in genetic engineering.



Genetic Engineering Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Novo HoldingsHellerup, Denmark51-200199945
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Sofinnova PartnersParis, Île-De-France, France51-200197225
Novartis Venture FundBasel, Basel, Switzerland11-50199610
ForbionNaarden, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200623
HBM Healthcare Investments AGZug, Zug, Switzerland1001-500020018
AgoranovParis, Île-De-France, France11-50200042
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Life Sciences Partners (LSP)Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50198715
NovartisBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+19967
Nextech InvestZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50199813
Scottish EnterpriseGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
AbingworthLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019736
M VenturesAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200918
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Future Planet CapitalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020157


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