The pharmaceutical clinical trials industry in the DACH region, comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare innovations. This sector is characterized by biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, and research organizations that collaborate to conduct rigorous clinical trials. These entities offer a range of services from drug development to regulatory compliance, ensuring therapies meet safety standards before reaching the market. A noteworthy trend is the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in trial design, promising to streamline processes and reduce timelines. As patient-centric approaches gain traction, the industry is poised for growth, aligning research endeavors with real-world needs.


The investment scene for pharmaceutical clinical trials in DACH is marked by a blend of venture capital firms and corporations dedicated to biopharma innovations. Headquartered mainly in major hubs like Basel, Munich, and Zurich, these investors range from large established firms such as Novartis to nimble venture capital entities like Leaps by Bayer. Recent activity reported in 2024 includes a striking number of deals across the board, reflective of the robust demand for cutting-edge drug development. Companies in this sector drive forward not just financial backing but also strategic collaborations that enhance clinical trial outcomes.


Top 18 Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials Investors in DACH


1. 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. 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 a $26.6 million investment in PTC Therapeutics in 2005, which is known for its work in rare diseases and has undergone various clinical trials. In 2021, the fund led a Series B financing for Kedalion Therapeutics, which has a technology that has successfully completed a feasibility study, indicating potential for further clinical development. Additionally, the fund invested $30 million in Avila Therapeutics in 2009, a company that has been involved in developing targeted therapies, further emphasizing the fund's commitment to supporting clinical advancements in the pharmaceutical sector.


2. HBM Healthcare Investments AG


HBM Healthcare Investments AG is a venture capital firm based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in the healthcare sector, managing a diversified portfolio that includes investments in human medicine, biotechnology, medical technology, and diagnostics. HBM Healthcare has been involved in several significant transactions, particularly with PTC Therapeutics, where they participated in multiple funding rounds aimed at supporting the late-stage clinical development of innovative therapies. Notably, they contributed to a $30 million financing round in 2012, which was intended to advance clinical trials for ataluren, a treatment for nonsense mutation Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. Their active engagement in funding rounds for companies involved in clinical trials underscores their commitment to the pharmaceutical sector.


3. 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 is a prominent pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 1996. The company specializes in developing and manufacturing innovative medicines aimed at addressing serious diseases across various therapeutic areas. Novartis emphasizes research and development to enhance patient outcomes globally. In recent years, Novartis has made significant investments in the pharmaceutical sector, including the acquisition of AveXis for $8.7 billion, which focuses on gene therapies for rare diseases. They also acquired Gyroscope Therapeutics for $800 million, enhancing their gene therapy capabilities for eye diseases, particularly targeting advanced dry age-related macular degeneration. Furthermore, Novartis is set to acquire Calypso Biotech for $250 million, which focuses on autoimmune treatments, indicating their active role in sectors that are heavily involved in clinical trials. These transactions underscore Novartis's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical innovations through clinical research.


4. Nextech Invest


Nextech Invest is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in biotechnology with a particular emphasis on cancer therapeutics. The firm provides strategic support and financial backing to promising drug discovery companies, helping them navigate the complexities of drug development. Notable transactions include leading Series B and C funding rounds for Blueprint Medicines, which focuses on genomically defined product candidates, and participation in funding for Kura Oncology, which is developing therapies for cancer. Additionally, Nextech has invested in Autolus and MacroGenics, both of which are engaged in innovative drug development. Their portfolio reflects a strong commitment to advancing the pharmaceutical clinical trials landscape.


5. 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 venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on biotechnology and agriculture, investing in early-stage companies that are pursuing scientific breakthroughs to tackle major global challenges in health and food security. In 2024 alone, Leaps by Bayer has made 16 investments, demonstrating their active role in the investment landscape. Notably, they co-led a $80 million Series B financing round for NextPoint Therapeutics, which is advancing novel immuno-oncology programs into clinical trials, specifically targeting the HHLA2 pathway to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. This investment highlights their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, their involvement in other funding rounds for companies like Immunitas Therapeutics, which is developing therapies for solid tumors and hematological malignancies, further emphasizes their focus on advancing clinical programs in the pharmaceutical industry.


6. Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund

  • Website: boehringer-ingelheim-venture.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Ingelheim Am Rhein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5

Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 2010, located in Ingelheim Am Rhein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The fund specializes in investing in pioneering science and biotechnology innovations, particularly within the healthcare sector. They provide both capital and expertise to startups, focusing on areas such as immuno-oncology and digital health. Notably, the fund has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like T3 Pharmaceuticals, which raised $27 million in a Series C round for their live bacteria cancer immunotherapy, and Hookipa Pharma, which secured $60 million in a Series C round for their immunotherapy developments. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical innovations and supporting clinical trials in the oncology space.


7. Wellington Partners


Wellington Partners is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in life sciences investments. The firm focuses on early- and growth-stage companies, providing both capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs in sectors such as therapeutics and medical devices. Notably, Wellington Partners has participated in several significant funding rounds for immatics biotechnologies, a company that is developing adoptive cell therapies currently in clinical trials. Their investments include a $104 million post-IPO equity round in 2020 and a $58 million Series E financing round in 2017, which was specifically aimed at advancing immatics' clinical trial pipeline. This track record highlights Wellington Partners' commitment to supporting innovative startups in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly those engaged in clinical research and development.


8. BiomedVC

  • Website: biomedvc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: biomedvc

BioMedVC is a venture capital firm based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in the life sciences sector, focusing on supporting biotech startups with capital and strategic guidance to develop innovative medical solutions. Notably, BiomedVC has been involved in several significant transactions, particularly with Affimed Therapeutics AG, which is engaged in the development of therapeutic antibodies. BiomedVC participated in multiple funding rounds for Affimed, including a Series D financing round that raised EUR 15.5 million, aimed at funding the clinical development of Affimed's therapeutic pipeline. Additionally, they were involved in a Series C round that raised €20 million, specifically for clinical validation of Affimed's proprietary technology and ongoing development of its pipeline. These transactions highlight BiomedVC's commitment to supporting companies that are actively engaged in pharmaceutical clinical trials and development.


9. Verve Ventures

  • Website: verve.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: investiere-venture-capital

Verve Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in deep tech investments across Europe, providing funding and strategic support to science and technology startups. Their investment focus includes sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the pharmaceutical sector, particularly with Memo Therapeutics. In 2023, they participated in a Series C financing round for Memo Therapeutics, which raised CHF 25 million to complete a Phase II trial of AntiBKV and prepare for Phase III manufacturing. Additionally, they were part of earlier funding rounds for Memo Therapeutics, which aimed to develop technologies and progress antibody candidates towards clinical trials. This involvement highlights their commitment to supporting innovations in the pharmaceutical industry.


10. Bayern Kapital

  • Website: bayernkapital.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Landshut, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: bayern-kapital-gmbh

Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in providing investment and growth capital to innovative high-tech startups and scale-ups in Bavaria, with a strong emphasis on sectors such as life sciences and software. Bayern Kapital supports its clients not only with financial resources but also by granting access to a network of industry experts, aiding them in navigating the challenges of growth and development. Notably, Bayern Kapital has participated in significant transactions within the pharmaceutical sector, including a Series C financing round for CatalYm, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on novel immunotherapies for cancer, and multiple funding rounds for Tubulis, a company developing a new class of antibody-drug conjugates. These investments highlight Bayern Kapital's active role in the pharmaceutical clinical trials landscape, reinforcing their commitment to advancing healthcare innovations.


11. HBM Partners AG


HBM Partners AG is an investment management firm based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in healthcare investments, focusing on venture, growth, and buy-out financing for private companies, as well as public company investments in the biopharma, medtech, diagnostics, and healthcare sectors. HBM Partners serves institutional and professional clients, providing capital and strategic support to enhance value creation. Notably, HBM Partners has participated in significant funding rounds for companies involved in pharmaceutical clinical trials, such as Hookipa Pharma, which raised $60 million in a Series C round, and ITeos Therapeutics, which raised $125 million in a Series B round. Additionally, they co-led a $110 million Series C funding for Numab Therapeutics, aimed at advancing clinical development in oncology. These transactions highlight HBM Partners' commitment to investing in companies that are actively engaged in the pharmaceutical clinical trials process.


12. Evotec

  • Website: evotec.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: evotec

Evotec SE is a biotechnology company based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 1993. The company specializes in drug discovery and development, collaborating with pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms to provide a comprehensive range of services from discovery to manufacturing. Evotec aims to address unmet medical needs and enhance the efficiency of bringing new therapeutics to market. In 2024, Evotec participated in a Series B funding round for Tubulis, which raised approximately $139.3 million, indicating their commitment to supporting innovative drug development. Additionally, they were involved in earlier funding rounds for Tubulis and Immunitas Therapeutics, which raised significant amounts to advance their clinical programs. These transactions highlight Evotec's active role in the pharmaceutical clinical trials landscape, as they invest in companies that are likely to be developing new therapies and conducting clinical trials.


13. Roche

  • Website: roche.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1896
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: roche

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, based in Switzerland, is a leading healthcare company that specializes in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Founded in 1896, Roche has a long history of developing innovative solutions aimed at improving health outcomes, particularly in the field of oncology. The company has made significant investments in the pharmaceutical sector, including the acquisition of Foundation Medicine for $2.4 billion, which focuses on personalized cancer treatment through genomic profiling. Additionally, Roche acquired Flatiron Health for $1.9 billion, a company that develops oncology-focused electronic health record software, further emphasizing Roche's commitment to enhancing clinical research capabilities. Roche also led a $175 million Series C funding round for Flatiron Health, aimed at advancing their OncologyCloud platform and supporting initiatives in clinical research and value-based care. These transactions highlight Roche's active engagement in the pharmaceutical clinical trials landscape, making them a key investor in this field.


14. Debiopharm


Debiopharm is a biopharmaceutical company based in Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland, founded in 1979. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of innovative therapies targeting high unmet medical needs, particularly in cancer and infectious diseases. Debiopharm partners with academic and pharmaceutical institutions to bridge the gap between drug discovery and patient access. In recent years, Debiopharm has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to the pharmaceutical clinical trials context. For instance, they participated in a Series A financing round for Genialis, which raised over $13 million to expand its ResponderID platform aimed at developing clinically validated biomarker models for cancer patients. Additionally, Debiopharm led a Series B financing round for BC Platforms, which raised $10 million to launch new technologies integrating complex clinical and genomic data. Their involvement in these funding rounds demonstrates their commitment to advancing pharmaceutical research and supporting clinical trials.


15. Pureos Bioventures


Pureos Bioventures is a venture capital firm based in Arth, Schwyz, Switzerland, specializing in investments in innovative drug development companies, particularly in the biotechnology sector. Founded with a mission to support biotechnology firms, Pureos provides both capital and strategic guidance to help advance therapeutic solutions for severe diseases. Notable transactions include participation in a $125 million Series C financing round for Hummingbird Bioscience, which is focused on developing therapies that are likely to enter clinical trials. Additionally, they were involved in funding rounds for ImCheck Therapeutics, which raised significant capital to support Phase IIa clinical trials for cancer therapies. Their recent investment in Memo Therapeutics further underscores their commitment to supporting companies that are engaged in the pharmaceutical clinical trials process.


16. TVM Capital Life Science

  • Website: tvm-capital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: tvm-capital

TVM Capital Life Science is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1983, specializing in investments within the life sciences sector. The firm provides funding and strategic support to innovative companies in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health, with a mission to transform healthcare through breakthrough therapies and medical products. Notable transactions include a Series D funding of approximately $40.7 million for TME Pharma in 2010 and a Series A funding of $40 million for Albireo Pharma in 2008. These investments highlight their commitment to supporting companies that are likely involved in pharmaceutical clinical trials, further solidifying their role in the industry.


17. b2venture

  • Website: b2venture.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: btovpartners

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They collaborate with a community of angel investors, enhancing their investment strategy and positioning them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has been involved in significant transactions within the pharmaceutical sector, including a $56 million Series B investment in Healx, a company focused on drug discovery for rare diseases, and a $24 million financing round for Araris Biotech, which is developing antibody-drug conjugates for clinical use. Their participation in these funding rounds indicates a commitment to supporting advancements in pharmaceutical clinical trials and therapies.


18. Kizoo Technology Capital

  • Website: kizoo.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: kizoo

Kizoo Technology Capital GmbH is a biotechnology investment firm based in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in innovative health solutions, particularly in rejuvenation biotech companies. Kizoo supports its portfolio companies in their research and development efforts, focusing on technologies aimed at extending healthy lifespans. Notable transactions include investments in MAIA Biotechnology, Turn.bio, and LIfT Biosciences, the latter of which is preparing for mouse trials, highlighting Kizoo's involvement in the pharmaceutical clinical trials context. Their recent investment in Mogling Bio, a startup focused on rejuvenating aging stem cells, further emphasizes their commitment to advancing biotech solutions that may lead to significant health innovations.



Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Novartis Venture FundBasel, Basel, Switzerland11-50199610
HBM Healthcare Investments AGZug, Zug, Switzerland1001-500020018
NovartisBasel, Basel, Switzerland10001+19967
Nextech InvestZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50199813
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
Boehringer Ingelheim Venture FundIngelheim Am Rhein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany11-5020105
Wellington PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019989
BiomedVCBasel, Basel, Switzerland1-1020032
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
HBM Partners AGZug, Zug, Switzerland11-5020010
EvotecHamburg, Hamburg, Germany5001-1000019933
RocheSwitzerland10001+18965
DebiopharmLausanne, Vaud, Switzerland201-50019794
Pureos BioventuresArth, Schwyz, Switzerland11-507
TVM Capital Life ScienceMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019830
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
Kizoo Technology CapitalKarlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany1-1020001


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