The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in the DACH region is characterized by its cutting-edge research and development focused on innovative treatments. Companies range from large multinational corporations to agile biotech startups, all working to create new therapies for chronic diseases, genetic disorders, and cancer. This dynamic landscape also embraces advancements in personalized medicine and biomanufacturing technologies, aiming for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, the industry's sustainability efforts are gaining ground, with increasing investments in eco-friendly production methods. As a result, DACH is likely to remain a pivotal player in global pharmaceutical advancement for years to come.


This list features a mix of venture capital and corporate investors concentrated in the DACH area, reflecting varying specialties and strategies. Based in cities like Berlin, Basel, and Munich, these firms range from small teams to large entities, with assets under management typically from 1 to over 10,000 employees. Established between 1983 and 2015, they collectively made 126 investments in 2024 alone, which highlights their active participation and influence in pharmaceutical innovation and development, particularly in biotech and life sciences domains.


Top 18 Pharmaceutical Manufacturing 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 fund focuses on providing funding and support to innovative biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, helping them develop novel therapeutics and address unmet patient needs. Notable transactions include a $33.7 million Series A investment in Acorda Therapeutics, which is involved in developing therapies for neurological disorders, and a $26.6 million investment in PTC Therapeutics, known for its work in genetic disorders. Additionally, the fund participated in multiple funding rounds for Alios BioPharma, which focuses on developing respiratory therapeutics, including a $41 million Series B financing aimed at advancing their clinical development. These investments highlight the fund's active role in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, making it a significant player in supporting the development of new drugs and therapies.


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 Investments actively seeks growth opportunities in the rapidly evolving healthcare market. Notably, they have been involved in several significant transactions, particularly with PTC Therapeutics, a company focused on developing innovative therapies for genetic disorders. HBM participated in multiple funding rounds for PTC Therapeutics, including a $30 million financing round in 2012 aimed at supporting late-stage clinical development of treatments for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. Their consistent investment in such pharmaceutical companies highlights their commitment to advancing healthcare solutions, reinforcing their relevance in the pharmaceutical manufacturing 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 the development and manufacturing of innovative medicines aimed at addressing serious diseases across various therapeutic areas. Novartis emphasizes research and development to enhance patient outcomes globally. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Hexal for $8.3 billion in 2005, which expanded their generic drug manufacturing capabilities, and the acquisition of AveXis for $8.7 billion in 2018, enhancing their gene therapy portfolio. Additionally, their acquisition of Endocyte for $2.1 billion in 2018 aimed to bolster their radioligand therapy pipeline for prostate cancer treatments. These strategic investments highlight Novartis's active role in pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.


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 provides strategic support to help these firms navigate the complexities of drug development. Notable transactions include leading Series B and C rounds for Blueprint Medicines, which focuses on genomically defined product candidates, and participating in a significant private placement for Silence Therapeutics, which is advancing clinical development for its drug candidates. These investments highlight Nextech Invest's commitment to supporting companies that are not only developing innovative therapies but also engaging in the manufacturing processes necessary for bringing these drugs to market.


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 within the healthcare sector. It provides both capital and expertise to startups, particularly in areas such as immuno-oncology and digital health. Notable transactions include a Series B financing round for eTheRNA, which raised EUR 34 million to develop proprietary mRNA technologies and therapeutic products, and a Series C funding round for T3 Pharmaceuticals, which closed at $27 million for their live bacteria cancer immunotherapy. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing through innovative therapeutic solutions.


6. 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. In 2024 alone, Leaps by Bayer has made 16 investments, demonstrating its active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they co-led a $80 million Series B financing round for NextPoint Therapeutics, which is advancing novel immuno-oncology programs targeting the HHLA2 pathway to enhance anti-tumor immune responses. This transaction highlights their commitment to supporting innovative pharmaceutical solutions. Additionally, their participation in other funding rounds, such as those involving biopharmaceutical companies, further emphasizes their focus on health-related advancements, making them a significant player in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.


7. 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. Notable transactions include a Series A investment in Roche Glycart, which raised $13.6 million in 2003, and multiple investments in TOLREMO therapeutics, which raised significant funding in 2020 and 2023 to advance their cancer therapies. These investments highlight BiomedVC's commitment to fostering innovation in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, making them a key player in the development of new health technologies.


8. 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 focus is on innovative startups that are developing breakthrough technologies in sectors such as therapeutics and medical devices. Notable transactions include a $68 million Series A investment in SciRhom in 2024, which is likely focused on therapeutic advancements, and significant funding rounds for ImCheck Therapeutics, including $53 million in Series B and $103 million in Series C, aimed at supporting cancer treatment developments. Additionally, they participated in a $104 million post-IPO equity round for immatics biotechnologies, further emphasizing their commitment to the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape.


9. 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 their participation in Nabriva Therapeutics, which raised EUR 15 million to support its biotechnology initiatives, and Aspreva Pharmaceuticals, which raised $57 million in Series A funding. More recently, HBM co-led a $110 million Series C funding round for Numab Therapeutics, aimed at advancing its multi-specific antibody pipeline in oncology and inflammation. Additionally, they have invested in Aculys Pharma, which raised significant funds for its sleep disorder candidate, further demonstrating their active role in the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape.


10. 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, providing a comprehensive range of services from initial discovery to manufacturing. Evotec collaborates with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms to address unmet medical needs and improve the efficiency of bringing new therapeutics to market. Notable transactions include their acquisition of Just Biotherapeutics for $90 million, aimed at enhancing their biologics capabilities, and their participation in funding rounds for companies like Tubulis, which raised significant amounts in Series B funding. These activities underscore Evotec's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation.


11. 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. In the health sector, Verve Ventures has made significant investments, including a notable Series C funding round for Memo Therapeutics, which raised CHF 25 million to support the completion of a Phase II trial and prepare for drug manufacturing for Phase III. They also participated in funding rounds for other health-related companies, such as Biograil and Oxford Medical Products, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting innovative companies in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.


12. 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, particularly in sectors such as life sciences and software. Bayern Kapital has been involved in several significant transactions in the pharmaceutical manufacturing context, including a Series A financing round for Immunic AG, which focuses on developing therapies for autoimmune diseases. They also participated in a Series C financing round for CatalYm, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel immunotherapies for cancer, and have been involved in multiple funding rounds for Tubulis, a company focused on developing targeted therapeutics. These transactions highlight Bayern Kapital's active role in supporting the growth of companies within the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.


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 is a leading healthcare company based in Switzerland, specializing in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Founded in 1896, Roche has established itself as a pioneer in developing innovative solutions for various health conditions, particularly in cancer treatments and in-vitro diagnostics. The company actively invests in the pharmaceutical sector, as demonstrated by its strategic acquisitions, including Roche Glycart, Spark Therapeutics, and Tensha Therapeutics, which focus on cutting-edge therapies and technologies. In 2023, Roche further solidified its position in the industry by acquiring Telavant for $7.1 billion, showcasing its commitment to enhancing its pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and improving health outcomes through comprehensive offerings.


14. 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 focus on biotechnology. The firm provides capital and strategic guidance to its portfolio companies to help advance their therapeutic solutions for severe diseases. In 2024 alone, Pureos Bioventures has made 7 investments, demonstrating their active engagement in the sector. Notable transactions include their participation in a €116 million funding round for AM Pharma, which is focused on a pivotal Phase III trial for a treatment related to sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. Additionally, they led a financing round for Tridek-One, aimed at developing candidates for autoimmune diseases. These transactions highlight Pureos Bioventures' commitment to supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing and drug development initiatives.


15. Brenntag

  • Website: brenntag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: brenntag

Brenntag SE is a leading chemical distributor based in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 1874. The company connects chemical manufacturers and users, providing a wide range of specialty and industrial chemicals, along with value-added services. Brenntag serves approximately 195,000 customers across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas, simplifying access to complex supply chains. In recent years, Brenntag has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the pharmaceutical sector, including the acquisition of PharmaSpecial in August 2024, which enhances its capabilities in the life sciences market. Additionally, Brenntag's acquisition of PIC Química e Farmacêutica, also announced in August 2024, further solidifies its commitment to the pharmaceutical industry, as these companies generated significant sales in the sector. These transactions highlight Brenntag's active role in pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution, making it a relevant player in this field.


16. SHS Capital


SHS Gesellschaft für Beteiligungsmanagement mbH, commonly known as SHS Capital, is a private equity firm based in Germany, founded in 1993. The firm specializes in healthcare investments, focusing on providing capital and strategic support to fast-growing healthcare companies. SHS Capital aims to help these companies scale and succeed in the market. Notable transactions include their investment in Develco Pharma Schweiz, which raised approximately $10.9 million in a venture round in October 2024, indicating their active role in the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, their involvement with companies like evitria and c-LEcta further highlights their commitment to supporting businesses within the healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.


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 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 $40 million Series A investment in Albireo Pharma in 2008, which focuses on developing novel therapies for liver diseases, and significant funding rounds for Vivoryon Therapeutics, which raised €54 million in Series B in 2009 and €19.4 million in a venture round in 2012, targeting innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. These investments highlight TVM Capital's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation in the healthcare sector.


18. Earlybird Venture Capital


Earlybird Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in investing in European technology innovators, providing financial resources and strategic support to startups, particularly in the digital health and deep tech sectors. Earlybird has been involved in significant transactions within the pharmaceutical manufacturing context, including a Series C funding round for ImCheck Therapeutics, which raised $103 million to support cancer treatment development. Additionally, they have invested in Greywolf Therapeutics, which raised substantial amounts in Series B funding in 2023 and 2024, focusing on innovative therapeutic solutions. These transactions highlight Earlybird's active role in nurturing early-stage companies in the pharmaceutical sector, demonstrating their commitment to advancing healthcare innovation.



Pharmaceutical Manufacturing 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
Leaps by BayerBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50201516
BiomedVCBasel, Basel, Switzerland1-1020032
Wellington PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019989
HBM Partners AGZug, Zug, Switzerland11-5020010
EvotecHamburg, Hamburg, Germany5001-1000019933
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
RocheSwitzerland10001+18965
Pureos BioventuresArth, Schwyz, Switzerland11-507
BrenntagEssen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+18748
SHS CapitalGermany11-5019932
TVM Capital Life ScienceMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019830
Earlybird Venture CapitalGermany51-200199729


Want to find more investors focusing on the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the pharmaceutical manufacturingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!