Investors in Science

We have taken over 70 companies to a successful exit since setting up the Novartis Venture Fund in 1996 – that is three on average per year. These exits have primarily resulted in IPOs and M&As, with several drugs receiving FDA approval. Nearly 40 companies completed initial public offerings (IPO) Over 30 progressed to a merger and acquisition by a number of top pharmaceutical companies.

Novo Holdings is a holding company specializing in life science investor with a focus on creating long-term value.Novo Holdings is a world-leading life science, improving health, sustainability, and generating attractive returns. As the holding and investment company of the Novo Nordisk Foundation,

Lundbeckfonden Ventures is an evergreen life science venture fund established in the autumn of 2009 and wholly owned by Lundbeck Foundation.The Lundbeck Foundation is a commercial foundation with a strong purpose:We create powerful ripple effects that bring discoveries to lives through investing actively in business and science at the frontiers of their fields.

Sustainable Ventures is a catalyst for climate startups and entrepreneurs, offering comprehensive support to scale from inception to exit. They specialize in providing investment, workspaces, and venture support tailored to the unique needs of sustainable businesses. Sustainable Ventures is committed to fostering innovation in climate solutions, aiming to accelerate the growth and impact of startups dedicated to environmental sustainability. With a strategic approach and deep sector expertise, they play a pivotal role in nurturing and advancing the next generation of climate-focused enterprises.

The Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland supports SMEs and startups in the Province of North Holland with financing for early-stage innovation. We provide convertible loans for Proof-of-Concept projects up to 350,000 euros, enabling entrepreneurs to bring their innovative ideas to fruition. The fund was established by the Province of North Holland, UvA Ventures Holding BV, Vrije Universiteit, AMC Ventures Holding BV, HvA Ventures Holding BV, and Sanquin Innovatie BV, and is supported by Europe via the European Regional Development Fund and the RVO. Our aim is to foster a thriving ecosystem for innovation by providing essential financial resources and strategic support

M Ventures is the strategic corporate venture capital fund of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Established in 2009, it manages a fund of €600 million, investing in biotechnology and technology sectors. The fund focuses on healthcare drug development, life science tools, electronics, and frontier technology and sustainability. M Ventures aims to support visionary companies that develop innovative solutions for treating diseases, advancing scientific research, and addressing sustainability challenges. They take an active role in their portfolio companies, collaborating closely with entrepreneurs and co-investors.

Maven 11 Capital is a venture capital fund focused on the blockchain and crypto space. Based in Amsterdam and the Cayman Islands, Maven 11 partners with innovative founders who are redefining ownership through open and inclusive crypto networks. They emphasize active participation, technical fluency, and long-term relationships with their portfolio companies. Maven 11 supports entrepreneurs from inception to growth, with a focus on bold and early-stage investments in the blockchain and crypto sectors.

DOMiNO Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage technology startups across Europe and North America. Founded with a mission to support innovative entrepreneurs, DOMiNO Ventures provides seed and early-stage funding to companies with disruptive technologies and scalable business models. The firm targets sectors such as software, digital media, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. DOMiNO Ventures aims to identify promising startups and help them achieve rapid growth through strategic investment and operational support. Beyond capital infusion, DOMiNO Ventures actively engages with portfolio companies, offering mentorship, access to networks, and guidance in areas crucial for scaling, such as market expansion and product development. This hands-on approach is designed to maximize the potential of early-stage ventures and enhance their competitiveness in the global marketplace. DOMiNO Ventures is known for its agile investment strategy and flexibility in adapting to the evolving needs of startups, aiming to create long-term value for both entrepreneurs and investors.

Deep Science Ventures (DSV) is a pioneering venture studio and fund that specializes in the systematic development and investment of science-driven companies. With a unique approach, DSV optimizes the process of turning cutting-edge scientific discoveries into successful commercial ventures. By bridging the gap between academia and entrepreneurship, DSV nurtures interdisciplinary teams to solve complex challenges and create transformative technologies. Through strategic investment and hands-on support, DSV accelerates the growth of startups at the intersection of science, technology, and business, shaping the future of innovation across diverse industries.

Operational Holding Company scouting, investing and supporting high growth potential early stage companies committed to develop Healthcare Innovation. We have a key strategy focus on MedTech industry and Medical Technologies – medical devices, equipment, digital devices and services – which can provide benefit and value for Patients, Doctors and Healthcare Systems and reward Shareholders with a sound and ethical profit .

XGEN Venture is an Italian alternative investment fund manager (Società di Gestione del Risparmio, or SGR) established in 2021 by the former Genextra team, with over 15 years of activity and significant experience in the startup process, the discovery and the development of novel solutions for high unmet medical needs. The XGEN team is currently investing out of its first fund, XGEN Venture Life Science Fund launched at the end of 2022, while it continues to advise Genextra’s board of directors on the management of its portfolio.

Crescent Capital is a venture capital fund manager based in Belfast, specializing in supporting innovative businesses across Northern Ireland and beyond. With a focus on providing strategic investment and operational support, Crescent Capital helps early-stage and growth-stage companies realize their full potential. Their investment approach is characterized by a deep understanding of local markets combined with a global outlook, enabling them to identify and nurture high-potential ventures. Crescent Capital's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic growth underscores their role as a catalyst for innovation within the region. By leveraging their expertise and network, Crescent Capital aims to create sustainable value and contribute to the development of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northern Ireland.