Sofinnova Partners’ Biotech Fund Exceeds Target at €165M
Sofinnova Partners (“Sofinnova”), a leading European life sciences venture capital firm with offices in Paris, London, and Milan, has announced the final close of Sofinnova Biovelocita II. The fund exceeded its target, raising €165 million with strong backing from major pharmaceutical companies such as Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Pfizer Ventures. This achievement expands Sofinnova’s biotech acceleration strategy beyond Italy into France, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, with plans to extend into other European markets.
The fund has already evaluated over 300 projects and made multiple investments in groundbreaking European biotech startups. Among these are BioClec, which is pioneering novel Alzheimer’s treatments; Forth Therapeutics, a University of Edinburgh spin-off focusing on precision fibrosis therapies; and Signadori Bio, a cell therapy platform originating from research at the Gustave Roussy Institute.
Graziano Seghezzi, Managing Partner of Sofinnova Partners, stated, “We have developed a pan-European strategy with a world-class team to create and support biotech startups across Europe, building on the success of Biovelocita I in Italy. The exceptional response from our pharmaceutical partners and the fact that we exceeded our funding target validate our approach. This milestone underscores our dedication to fostering innovation, empowering visionary entrepreneurs, and shaping the future of healthcare.”
Sofinnova Biovelocita II is led by partners Gabriella Camboni, Matthieu Coutet, Alex Leech, and Zhizhong Joel Yao. It is the largest pan-European accelerator dedicated to building and operating the next generation of biotech companies. The strategy provides scientific founders with comprehensive support, including direct management, financial resources, and access to Sofinnova’s extensive network and infrastructure. This approach is backed by over a decade of experience in accelerating biotech and medtech startups, which has already led to the creation of transformative life science companies.
In addition to its established portfolio, Sofinnova Partners plans to launch several new startups, further driving innovation in the biotech sector. By fostering cutting-edge scientific advancements, the firm aims to bring novel treatments to market and improve global healthcare.
Sofinnova’s Strategic Vision and Expansion
Sofinnova Biovelocita II represents a crucial step in Sofinnova’s broader mission of catalyzing biotech innovation throughout Europe. By leveraging its expertise, infrastructure, and vast network, the firm aims to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and commercial success. The accelerator’s expansion beyond Italy signals Sofinnova’s commitment to strengthening the European biotech ecosystem, ensuring that groundbreaking research is translated into viable therapeutic solutions.
The firm’s investment strategy revolves around identifying and nurturing high-potential biotech startups at their earliest stages. By partnering with top-tier research institutions, universities, and pharmaceutical companies, Sofinnova ensures that its portfolio companies benefit from cutting-edge scientific insights and industry expertise. The accelerator’s proactive involvement in company creation and development allows it to address key challenges in biotech innovation, including securing funding, navigating regulatory pathways, and scaling operations.
Sofinnova’s expansion into France, the UK, and Denmark aligns with the firm’s vision of fostering a robust European biotech ecosystem. These countries are home to some of the world’s leading biomedical research centers and academic institutions, providing fertile ground for biotech innovation. By tapping into these ecosystems, Sofinnova aims to accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies and medical technologies that address unmet medical needs.
A Strong Network of Industry Leaders
One of the key factors behind Sofinnova Biovelocita II’s success is its strong network of industry leaders and investors. The fund’s backing from Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Pfizer Ventures underscores the pharmaceutical industry’s confidence in Sofinnova’s acceleration strategy. These partnerships provide portfolio companies with access to invaluable industry expertise, strategic guidance, and potential collaboration opportunities.
By fostering close ties with leading pharmaceutical companies, Sofinnova ensures that its startups are well-positioned for success. These collaborations enable early-stage biotech firms to benefit from industry insights, clinical development support, and commercialization expertise. Such strategic partnerships are essential for bridging the gap between scientific innovation and market adoption, ultimately accelerating the development of life-saving therapies.
Notable Portfolio Companies and Innovations
The startups supported by Sofinnova Biovelocita II are at the forefront of biotech innovation, tackling some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare. Among them:
- BioClec: Focused on developing groundbreaking therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, BioClec aims to revolutionize treatment options for neurodegenerative disorders.
- Forth Therapeutics: A University of Edinburgh spin-off, Forth Therapeutics is pioneering precision therapies for fibrosis, targeting diseases with significant unmet medical needs.
- Signadori Bio: Built on research from the Gustave Roussy Institute, Signadori Bio is developing an advanced cell therapy platform with the potential to transform cancer treatment.
These companies exemplify Sofinnova’s commitment to supporting high-impact biotech startups that have the potential to revolutionize medicine. Through its accelerator program, Sofinnova provides these startups with the resources, expertise, and strategic support needed to navigate the complexities of biotech development.
The Future of Biotech Acceleration in Europe
With over €4 billion under management and a track record of backing more than 500 companies over the past 50 years, Sofinnova Partners continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the biotech landscape. The success of Sofinnova Biovelocita II underscores the growing demand for early-stage biotech investment and the importance of dedicated acceleration programs in driving scientific breakthroughs.
Looking ahead, Sofinnova Partners plans to expand its acceleration initiatives, further strengthening its presence in key European biotech hubs. By continuing to support the next generation of biotech entrepreneurs, the firm aims to drive scientific discovery, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the advancement of global healthcare.
About Sofinnova Partners
Sofinnova Partners is a leading European life sciences venture capital firm with offices in Paris, London, and Milan. The firm’s diverse team includes professionals with deep expertise in medicine, science, and business. Sofinnova Partners specializes in company building, investing across all stages of biotech development, from early-stage startups to late-stage companies. The firm collaborates with visionary entrepreneurs and industry leaders to develop transformative innovations that have the potential to shape the future of healthcare.
Founded in 1972, Sofinnova Partners has a five-decade track record of identifying and nurturing breakthrough biotech innovations. With over €4 billion under management, the firm remains at the forefront of life sciences investment, supporting pioneering companies that are driving medical advancements worldwide. For more information, visit sofinnovapartners.com.
By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence, Sofinnova Partners continues to be a driving force in the biotech industry. As Sofinnova Biovelocita II paves the way for new discoveries and groundbreaking treatments, the firm remains committed to its mission of advancing life sciences for the benefit of patients and society at large.
