The genetic engineering industry in the DACH region is dynamic and rapidly evolving, with a multitude of companies focused on innovative solutions in healthcare and agriculture. From biotech startups to well-established pharmaceutical firms, these organizations develop groundbreaking therapies, gene editing technologies, and synthetic biology applications to address critical health issues and food security challenges. This sector is characterized by its emphasis on research, collaboration, and the utilization of advanced technologies. As regulatory environments adapt and public interest grows, the industry is poised to expand further, promising novel treatments that could transform the future of medicine and agriculture in significant ways.


This article highlights 19 prominent investors actively engaged in the genetic engineering sector within DACH. Among them, there are corporate venture arms like Novartis and startups funding firms such as Leaps by Bayer. Hailing from key locations like Zurich, Munich, and Basel, these investors, founded between the late 1990s and 2010s, vary in size and invest in companies working on cutting-edge biotech projects. With total deal counts ranging from 1 to 27 for 2024, they all play a pivotal role in driving innovation across this critical industry.


Top 19 Genetic Engineering 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 specializing in life sciences investments. With a focus on providing funding and support to innovative biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, the fund aims to help develop novel therapeutics and address unmet patient needs. 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 participated in a $36M Series B financing round for the same company, further supporting its gene therapy initiatives. The fund also has a stake in Splice Bio, which is working on innovative gene delivery methods to treat genetic disorders, showcasing their commitment to advancing genetic engineering technologies. Overall, the Novartis Venture Fund is a key player in the life sciences sector, particularly in the realm of genetic engineering.


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, the firm has participated in significant funding rounds for companies involved in genetic engineering, such as EGenesis, which raised $125 million in a Series C round to advance gene editing technologies. Additionally, HBM has invested in PTC Therapeutics, which has raised multiple rounds of funding to support the development of genetic therapies for serious genetic disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. These investments highlight HBM's commitment to advancing genetic engineering and related biotechnologies.


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. 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 active role in advancing genetic engineering technologies and its commitment to enhancing healthcare solutions through innovative approaches.


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 invests in promising drug discovery companies and provides strategic support to help these firms navigate the complexities of drug development. In 2024, Nextech Invest participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Silence Therapeutics, which focuses on RNA therapeutics, and Relay Therapeutics, which is advancing its pipeline of targeted therapies. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to supporting innovative biotechnology firms that are likely engaged in genetic engineering and related technologies.


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. Leaps by Bayer provides funding and active incubation to support the development of innovative solutions in these sectors. Among their notable transactions, they participated in a Series B funding round for Metagenomi, a gene editing startup, which raised $175 million in January 2022, and another $100 million in January 2023. Additionally, they invested in EGenesis, which raised $191 million in a Series D round in September 2024, further emphasizing their commitment to advancing genetic engineering technologies.


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, based in Ingelheim Am Rhein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The fund focuses on investing in pioneering science and biotechnology innovations, particularly in the healthcare sector. It provides both capital and expertise to startups, helping them develop and commercialize their products. Notable transactions include a $14 million seed financing round for Delonix Bioworks, which is building synthetic biology vaccine platforms, and a significant investment in Actym Therapeutics, which is advancing immunotherapies for cancer treatment. Additionally, the fund participated in the seed financing of Asgard Therapeutics, further emphasizing its commitment to supporting innovative biotech companies that may utilize genetic engineering techniques.


7. 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's focus on innovative solutions and partnerships aims to address unmet medical needs and enhance the efficiency of bringing new therapeutics to market. Notably, Evotec has made significant investments in the genetic engineering space, including the acquisition of Rigenerand Srl for €23 million, which secured a cell therapy manufacturing facility, enhancing their capabilities in cell therapy processing technology. Additionally, their acquisition of Just Biotherapeutics for $90 million aimed to bolster their expertise in biologics across various therapeutic areas. Evotec has also participated in funding rounds for companies like Topas Therapeutics and OxVax, further solidifying their role as a key player in the genetic engineering industry.


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 by providing capital and strategic guidance to help them develop innovative medical solutions. Notable transactions include their involvement in TOLREMO therapeutics, which raised significant funding to advance its pipeline for treating solid tumors, indicating a focus on genetic engineering applications in oncology. Additionally, their participation in funding rounds for companies like Scenic Biotech and Azafaros further highlights their commitment to investing in biotech firms that may be engaged in genetic engineering research and development. Their portfolio reflects a dedication to fostering innovation in the biotechnology space, making them a relevant player in the genetic engineering sector.


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 Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in deep tech investments across Europe. The firm provides funding and strategic support to science and technology startups, focusing on sectors such as climate tech, industrial technology, and health & bio. Notably, Verve Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Memo Therapeutics, which raised substantial amounts in Series C financing to advance drug development, including a Phase II trial of a therapeutic drug. They also invested in Limula, which raised over $6.8 million in a seed round, indicating their active role in supporting innovative health and biotech startups. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to fostering advancements in the health sector, which often includes genetic engineering applications.


10. 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 healthcare company based in Switzerland, specializing in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Founded in 1896, Roche has a long history of developing innovative solutions for various health conditions, with a particular focus on cancer treatments and in-vitro diagnostics. In recent years, Roche has made significant investments in the genetic engineering sector, including the acquisition of Spark Therapeutics for $4.8 billion, a company known for its gene therapy developments. Additionally, Roche acquired Poseida Therapeutics for $1.5 billion in 2024, further solidifying its position in the genetic engineering field. Other notable transactions include the acquisition of Foundation Medicine, which specializes in genomic profiling, and Mirus Bio, which focuses on RNA interference technologies. These transactions demonstrate Roche's strategic interest in enhancing its capabilities in genetic engineering and related biotechnologies.


11. 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 in sectors such as therapeutics and medical devices. Notably, Wellington Partners has been involved in several key transactions in the genetic engineering space. For instance, they participated in EGenesis's Series B and C funding rounds, which focus on advancing xenotransplantation technologies. Additionally, they led a seed funding round for Seamless Therapeutics, a biotechnology company aiming to enhance its technology platform. Furthermore, their investment in SNIPR Biome, a company utilizing CRISPR technology, underscores their active role in the genetic engineering field. Overall, Wellington Partners is dedicated to helping innovative startups develop breakthrough technologies and achieve market success in the life sciences sector.


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 supports its clients with financial resources and access to a network of industry experts, helping them navigate the challenges of growth and development. Notably, they have invested in companies like Sirion Biotech, which focuses on viral vector platforms and cell modeling, and mbiomics, a microbiome biotech company developing microbiome-based therapeutics. These investments highlight Bayern Kapital's commitment to advancing technologies in the life sciences, including genetic engineering, and their role in fostering innovation in this critical sector.


13. Possible Ventures

  • Website: possible.ventures
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: possible-vc

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has been active in various investment rounds, with a total of 9 investments in 2024 alone. Notably, Possible Ventures has participated in funding rounds for companies in the genetic engineering space, such as Zafrens, a multi-modality drug discovery company that raised $23 million in a Series A round, and Sensible Biotechnologies, which raised $4.2 million for its cell-based platform aimed at cost-efficient mRNA manufacturing. Additionally, they were involved in the Series A funding for Pow.bio, which, while primarily focused on food technology, also intersects with biotechnological applications. These transactions highlight Possible Ventures' engagement in the life sciences and genetic engineering sectors.


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 therapeutic solutions for severe diseases. Notably, Pureos has been involved in several significant transactions in the biotechnology sector, particularly those related to genetic engineering. For instance, they participated in a Series B financing round for Vico Therapeutics, which is developing therapies for genetic disorders, including spinocerebellar ataxia and Huntington's disease. They also supported Vico in a Series A round aimed at advancing their Antisense OligoNucleotides platform. Additionally, Pureos was involved in seed financing for Corlieve Therapeutics, which focuses on novel therapeutics, and participated in a Series C round for Hummingbird Bioscience, further demonstrating their commitment to advancing genetic engineering and biotechnology innovations.


15. redalpine


Redalpine is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in technology and science sectors, providing funding and strategic support to startups. Redalpine has a strong focus on identifying and empowering innovative companies that address significant global challenges, particularly in areas like AI, health tech, and energy. Notably, they have invested in several biotechnology companies relevant to genetic engineering, including ExpressionEdits, which raised $13M in Seed funding to develop a pipeline of protein-based therapeutics. They also participated in the Series A financing of TOLREMO therapeutics, which is involved in the biotech space. These transactions highlight Redalpine's commitment to supporting advancements in genetic engineering and related fields.


16. 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, partnering with academic and pharmaceutical institutions to bridge the gap between drug discovery and patient access. In recent years, Debiopharm has made significant investments in the genetic engineering space, including a $10 million funding round for WhiteLab Genomics, an AI-powered platform for gene and cell therapies. They also led a Series A financing round for Genialis, which focuses on developing clinically validated biomarker models for cancer patients, and participated in funding Iktos, a company that utilizes AI for new drug discovery, including biological products. These transactions highlight Debiopharm's commitment to advancing genetic engineering and related technologies.


17. 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 $96 million Series B investment in Monte Rosa Therapeutics, a company that develops precision medicines, and participation in funding rounds for Neuron23, which focuses on precision neuroimmunology. These investments highlight HBM Partners' commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions, including those that may involve genetic engineering technologies.


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 innovative health solutions and invests in rejuvenation biotech companies, providing both funding and expertise to help these startups develop technologies aimed at extending healthy lifespans. Kizoo has participated in several notable transactions in the biotech sector, including investments in Turn.bio, Oisin Biotechnologies, and AgeX Therapeutics. For instance, they were part of a seed round for Oisin Biotechnologies, which focuses on gene therapy, and they contributed to a $10 million equity financing for AgeX Therapeutics, a company involved in regenerative medicine and cellular therapies. These investments highlight Kizoo's commitment to advancing genetic engineering and biotechnology.


19. BlueYard Capital

  • Website: blueyard.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: blueyard-capital

BlueYard Capital is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across a variety of innovative sectors, including cryptocurrency, biotechnology, and engineering. BlueYard Capital aims to support entrepreneurs by providing funding and resources to develop groundbreaking technologies that address significant global challenges. Notably, they have participated in several relevant transactions in the biotechnology space, such as: 1) ExpressionEdits, a biotechnology company focused on protein-based therapeutics, which raised $13M in Seed funding with BlueYard's participation. 2) Clock Bio, which raised $5.3M in Seed funding, indicating their interest in companies that may be involved in genetic engineering applications. 3) bit.bio, which raised significant funding in both Series A and Venture rounds, focusing on advanced cell programming technologies that are closely related to genetic engineering. These investments highlight BlueYard Capital's commitment to advancing scientific research and innovative solutions in the biotechnology field.



Genetic Engineering 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
EvotecHamburg, Hamburg, Germany5001-1000019933
BiomedVCBasel, Basel, Switzerland1-1020032
Verve VenturesZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50201025
RocheSwitzerland10001+18965
Wellington PartnersMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-5019989
Bayern KapitalLandshut, Bavaria, Germany11-50199527
Possible VenturesMunich, Bavaria, Germany1-1020219
Pureos BioventuresArth, Schwyz, Switzerland11-507
redalpineZurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50200618
DebiopharmLausanne, Vaud, Switzerland201-50019794
HBM Partners AGZug, Zug, Switzerland11-5020010
Kizoo Technology CapitalKarlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany1-1020001
BlueYard CapitalBerlin, Berlin, Germany1-1020169


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