The pharmaceutical consulting industry in the DACH region is a dynamic sector focused on providing expert advice and specialized services to pharmaceutical companies. It includes consulting firms, investment groups, and biotech startups that offer services ranging from market analysis and regulatory guidance to drug development and commercialization strategies. With an increasing focus on personalized medicine and advanced technologies, this industry is evolving rapidly, leading to novel therapeutic solutions and innovative business models. As companies adapt to complex regulatory environments and shifting market demands, the role of consulting services becomes more crucial than ever in ensuring successful product launches and sustainable growth.


This selection of 18 pharmaceutical consulting investors highlights various types of firms active in the DACH region. From venture capitals like Novartis Venture Fund in Basel to corporate investors such as Roche in Switzerland, these firms have diverse backing and strategies. Most were founded in the late 1990s to early 2000s, showcasing their strong history in the industry. The total deal count for 2024 reflects active engagement, with investments focused on breakthrough therapies and cutting-edge biotechnological advancements, exemplifying a solid commitment to healthcare innovation.


Top 18 Pharmaceutical Consulting 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. The firm focuses on providing funding and support to innovative biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, helping them develop novel therapeutics and address unmet patient needs. In recent years, the fund has participated in several notable transactions, including a $53 million Series B funding round for Amphista Therapeutics, which was co-led by other prominent investors, and a Series B financing for Kedalion Therapeutics, where Novartis had an exclusive option to acquire the company. These investments highlight the fund's active role in supporting companies that are at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation, making it a key player in the life sciences 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. In 2024, HBM Healthcare Investments has made 8 investments, showcasing their active role in the healthcare market. Notable transactions include their investment in SAI Life Sciences, which raised $2.75 million in 2019, and their involvement with Swixx Biopharma, where they co-invested alongside Mérieux Equity Partners in a funding round that secured close to €100 million for the company. This funding is aimed at supporting Swixx's growth, highlighting HBM's commitment to fostering development in the pharmaceutical sector. Their strategic investments in companies that operate within the pharmaceutical consulting space further solidify their relevance in this industry.


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, 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. In recent years, Novartis has made significant investments and acquisitions to enhance its portfolio. Notably, in 2018, they acquired Endocyte for $2.1 billion, which bolstered their radioligand therapy pipeline for prostate cancer treatments. Additionally, they acquired AveXis for $8.7 billion, focusing on gene therapies for neurological diseases. In 2024, Novartis announced the acquisition of Calypso Biotech for $250 million, targeting autoimmune treatments. These strategic moves highlight Novartis's commitment to innovation and its active role in the pharmaceutical sector, making it a relevant player in the pharmaceutical consulting landscape.


4. 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 offers strategic support to help these firms navigate the complexities of drug development. Their portfolio includes significant investments in companies like MolecularMD, which raised $6 million in Series B funding, and Arrakis Therapeutics, which secured $75 million in Series B funding. Additionally, they participated in the $56 million Series B financing round for Jounce Therapeutics, which focuses on advancing monoclonal antibody cancer immunotherapy programs. Most recently, Nextech Invest invested $67 million in Delphia Therapeutics in a Series A round in 2024. These transactions underscore their commitment to supporting innovative biotechnology firms in the pharmaceutical sector.


5. 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 based in Ingelheim Am Rhein, Germany, founded in 2010. The fund specializes in investing in pioneering science and biotechnology innovations, particularly within the healthcare sector. They support startups focusing on areas such as immuno-oncology and digital health, providing both capital and expertise to help these companies develop and commercialize their products. Notable transactions include their participation in Rgenta Therapeutics' Series A funding round, which raised $52 million to advance RNA-targeting programs, and their involvement in etherna immunotherapies' Series B financing, which raised EUR 34 million to develop mRNA-based therapeutic products. These investments highlight their commitment to fostering innovation in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.


6. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A. is a prominent corporate investor based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. As a leading testing, inspection, and certification company, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. In 2023, SGS acquired a majority stake in Nutrasource Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Services Inc., a global Contract Research Organization, which reported FY revenues of approximately CAD 20 million. This acquisition highlights SGS's commitment to expanding its pharmaceutical consulting capabilities. Additionally, SGS has entered into agreements to acquire companies like Analisis Quimico y Microbiologico SAS, enhancing its pharmaceutical testing services. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate SGS's focus on integrating pharmaceutical consulting into its broader service offerings, making it a significant player in the industry.


7. 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 investment 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. Leaps by Bayer provides not only funding but also active incubation to support the development of innovative solutions. Notable transactions include a $239 million Series D investment in Recursion Pharmaceuticals, which is known for its work in drug discovery using AI, and a $150 million Series C investment in Dewpoint Therapeutics, a company developing therapies based on biomolecular condensates. Additionally, they participated in multiple funding rounds for Dewpoint, including Series A and B, showcasing their commitment to advancing pharmaceutical innovations. Their investment in Gandeeva Therapeutics, which focuses on AI-driven precision medicine, further emphasizes their involvement in the pharmaceutical sector.


8. 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 range of services from discovery to manufacturing. Evotec aims to address unmet medical needs and enhance the efficiency of bringing new therapeutics to market through innovative solutions and partnerships. Notably, Evotec has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its consulting capabilities, including the acquisition of Cyprotex PLC, a pre-clinical contract research organization, for £55.7 million in 2016, and Aptuit LLC for $300 million in 2017, which expanded their services in the respiratory and fibrosis therapeutic areas. These acquisitions reflect Evotec's commitment to enhancing its drug discovery capabilities and providing valuable consulting services to the pharmaceutical industry.


9. 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. They support their clients not only with financial resources but also by granting access to a network of industry experts, which is crucial for navigating the challenges of growth and development in various sectors, including life sciences and software. Notably, Bayern Kapital has participated in significant transactions such as the Series A funding for mbiomics GmbH, a microbiome biotech company that raised EUR 13 million to develop microbiome-based therapeutics. This investment highlights their commitment to the life sciences sector. Additionally, they have been involved in funding rounds for Tubulis, a company that has raised substantial amounts in Series B funding, indicating their active role in supporting companies that may have pharmaceutical applications. Overall, Bayern Kapital's focus on high-tech and life sciences positions them as a relevant player in the pharmaceutical consulting landscape.


10. 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 focus spans various sectors, including climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in several significant transactions in the health and bio sectors, such as their investment in Nagi Bioscience, which raised CHF 12.4 million in a Series A funding round to develop innovative laboratory equipment aimed at reducing animal testing. They also invested in InterAx Biotech, a spin-off from ETH Zürich, which is working on a systems biology platform. These investments highlight Verve Ventures' commitment to supporting advancements in health-related technologies, making them a relevant player in the pharmaceutical consulting landscape.


11. 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 for cancer and infectious diseases. Debiopharm partners with academic and pharmaceutical institutions to bridge the gap between drug discovery and patient access, focusing on high unmet medical needs. Notably, they have participated in significant funding rounds, such as leading the Series B and C investments in BC Platforms, a genomic data management company, which aims to expand its global network of clinical and genomics data. Additionally, Debiopharm was involved in the Series A funding for VeriSIM Life, a company that is working on a virtual drug development engine, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing pharmaceutical technologies and consulting. Their investments reflect a strategic interest in enhancing the pharmaceutical landscape through innovative solutions and partnerships.


12. 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. Notable transactions include a $57 million Series A investment in Aspreva Pharmaceuticals Corp in 2004, which highlights their early involvement in the pharmaceutical industry. They also participated in a $38.7 million Series D round for Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals in 2004, and more recently, they invested in Aculys Pharma's $22.9 million Series B round in 2022. These transactions demonstrate HBM Partners' commitment to supporting innovative companies in the pharmaceutical space, making them a relevant player in the pharmaceutical consulting landscape.


13. Wellington Partners


Wellington Partners is a Munich-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in life sciences. The firm invests in early- and growth-stage companies, providing both capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Their investment focus includes therapeutics and medical devices, aiming to help innovative startups develop breakthrough technologies and achieve market success. Notable transactions include a Series A investment in Confo Therapeutics, which raised €30M to advance its drug candidate testing, and a Series A round for Aignostics, which secured €14 million to expand its AI platform in the U.S. These investments underscore Wellington Partners' commitment to fostering innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.


14. 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 workforce of over 10,000 employees and is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for various health conditions, with a strong focus on cancer treatments and in-vitro diagnostics. The company has made significant investments in the pharmaceutical sector, including notable acquisitions such as Foundation Medicine for $2.4 billion, which enhances their capabilities in personalized medicine and genomic profiling. Additionally, Roche acquired Marcadia Biotech for up to $537 million, focusing on diabetes drug development, and Tensha Therapeutics for $115 million, which is aimed at advancing drug therapies. Most recently, Roche acquired Telavant for $7.1 billion, further solidifying its position in the pharmaceutical market. These transactions highlight Roche's strategic approach to enhancing its pharmaceutical consulting capabilities and improving health outcomes through comprehensive offerings.


15. 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 by providing capital and strategic guidance to help them develop innovative medical solutions. Their investment portfolio includes notable transactions such as Roche Glycart, which raised $13.6 million in Series A funding in 2003, and TOLREMO therapeutics, which raised $39 million in Series A funding in 2023 to accelerate its clinical studies for solid tumors. Additionally, they participated in earlier funding rounds for TOLREMO therapeutics, showcasing their commitment to nurturing biotech companies through various stages of development. Their clientele primarily consists of entrepreneurs and startups in the biotechnology industry, seeking to bring new health technologies to market, which often requires consulting services in the pharmaceutical domain.


16. Pureos Bioventures


Pureos Bioventures is a venture capital firm based in Arth, Schwyz, Switzerland, specializing in investments in innovative drug development companies with a strong emphasis on biotechnology. The firm provides not only capital but also strategic guidance to its portfolio companies, helping them advance their therapeutic solutions for severe diseases. In recent years, Pureos has participated in several significant funding rounds, including a Series C round for Hummingbird Bioscience, which raised $125 million, and a seed financing round for Engimmune Therapeutics, which secured CHF 15.5 million to develop novel T-cell receptor therapeutics. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to supporting companies that are at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation, making them a valuable player in the pharmaceutical consulting space.


17. 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 focuses on providing funding and strategic support to innovative companies in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health. Notable transactions include a $20.4 million venture round for Definiens, a company specializing in image analysis, and significant investments in Vivoryon Therapeutics, which raised $19.4 million and $54 million in earlier funding rounds. Additionally, they invested $40 million in Albireo Pharma during its Series A round. These transactions highlight TVM Capital's commitment to supporting breakthrough therapies and medical products, making them a relevant player in the pharmaceutical consulting landscape.


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, founded in 2000 and based in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a venture capital firm specializing in biotechnology investments. The firm focuses on innovative health solutions, particularly in the rejuvenation biotech sector. Kizoo supports biotech startups in their research and development efforts, aiming to extend healthy lifespans through advanced technologies. Notable transactions include seed investments in Ichor Therapeutics, Antoxerene, and MAIA Biotechnology, each raising significant funds to develop their health-related technologies. Most recently, Kizoo invested in Mogling Bio, a startup dedicated to rejuvenating aging stem cells, which are crucial for blood cell production and immune function. These investments highlight Kizoo's commitment to advancing health solutions, making them a relevant player in the pharmaceutical consulting space.



Pharmaceutical Consulting 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
Boehringer Ingelheim Venture FundIngelheim Am Rhein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany11-5020105
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
EvotecHamburg, Hamburg, Germany5001-1000019933
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
DebiopharmLausanne, Vaud, Switzerland201-50019794
HBM Partners AGZug, Zug, Switzerland11-5020010
Wellington PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019989
RocheSwitzerland10001+18965
BiomedVCBasel, Basel, Switzerland1-1020032
Pureos BioventuresArth, Schwyz, Switzerland11-507
TVM Capital Life ScienceMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019830
Kizoo Technology CapitalKarlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany1-1020001


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