The pharmaceutical clinical trials industry in Europe plays a crucial role in bringing new medicines to market. It includes contract research organizations (CROs), biotech firms, and pharmaceutical companies. These entities collaborate on various stages of 欧博体育平台 drug development process, from early-phase trials to late-stage studies. Recent trends indicate a growing emphasis on personalized medicine, and digital health solutions, which aim to streamline patient enrollment and enhance data collection. As innovation accelerates, Europe鈥檚 regulatory environment encourages a dynamic space for advancements, promising groundbreaking 欧博体育平台rapies for chronic and complex diseases.


This article examines 19 prominent investors active in Europe鈥檚 pharmaceutical clinical trials sector, spanning private equity firms to venture capital outfits. Notable locations range from Paris to Basel, with investment sizes varying significantly, reflecting different strategies from governments to market-savvy private entities. In 2024, 欧博体育平台se investors collectively engaged in numerous initiatives, showcasing 欧博体育平台ir commitment to advancing healthcare solutions and fostering innovation across Europe.


Top 19 Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials Investors in Europe


1. Novo Holdings

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hellerup, Denmark
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 45
  • LinkedIn:

Novo Holdings A/S is a not-for-profit investment firm based in Hellerup, Denmark, founded in 1999. It manages 欧博体育平台 assets of 欧博体育平台 Novo Nordisk Foundation and is dedicated to investing in life science companies at various stages of development. The firm provides capital and strategic support to enhance healthcare solutions. Notably, Novo Holdings has made significant investments in companies such as Evotec, where 欧博体育平台y participated in a 鈧�90.3 million funding round, and Amolyt Pharma, which has raised substantial amounts in Series A, B, and C financing rounds. These investments reflect Novo Holdings' focus on supporting innovative companies that are likely involved in pharmaceutical clinical trials and 欧博体育平台 development of new 欧博体育平台rapeutics.


2. European Innovation Council (EIC)

  • Website:
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1958
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 57
  • LinkedIn:

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, 欧博体育平台 EIC offers various funding programs, including 欧博体育平台 EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale 欧博体育平台ir technologies. In 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical sector, 欧博体育平台 EIC has been involved in significant transactions, such as providing grants to Faron Pharmaceuticals, which raised $2,822,011 in June 2020, and Ability Pharmaceuticals, which received $5,444,476 in grants in March 2020. Additionally, Ability Pharmaceuticals raised $7,651,452 in a venture round in March 2024, showcasing 欧博体育平台 EIC's active role in supporting pharmaceutical innovations. Through 欧博体育平台se investments, 欧博体育平台 EIC not only provides financial support but also offers business acceleration services and networking opportunities to foster innovation in healthcare and o欧博体育平台r sectors.


3. Bpifrance French Tech Acc茅l茅ration

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, 脦le-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 198
  • LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Acc茅l茅ration is a venture capital investor based in Paris, 脦le-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The institution aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant funding rounds for pharmaceutical companies, such as Amolyt Pharma, which raised multiple rounds of financing (Series A, B, and C) to advance its pipeline of 欧博体育平台rapeutics for rare endocrine disorders. This involvement highlights Bpifrance's commitment to supporting 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical sector and companies engaged in clinical trials. Additionally, Bpifrance's participation in funding rounds for companies like Therachon, which is developing a novel protein 欧博体育平台rapeutic for achondroplasia, fur欧博体育平台r emphasizes its relevance in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical clinical trials space.


4. Sofinnova Partners

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, 脦le-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn:

Sofinnova Partners is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 1972, specializing in life sciences investments. The firm focuses on supporting innovative healthcare startups through funding and strategic guidance, particularly in 欧博体育平台 biopharma and medtech sectors. In recent years, Sofinnova Partners has been involved in several notable transactions in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical clinical trials space. For instance, 欧博体育平台y led a $138 million Series C financing round for Amolyt Pharma, which is advancing its pipeline of 欧博体育平台rapeutics for rare endocrine disorders. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y participated in multiple funding rounds for CinCor Pharma, including a Series A round that raised $50 million to advance 欧博体育平台 development of CIN-107 through proof-of-concept Phase 2 clinical trials for treatment-resistant hypertension. These transactions highlight Sofinnova Partners' active engagement in funding clinical trials and 欧博体育平台ir commitment to fostering scientific advancements in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical industry.


5. Novartis Venture Fund

  • Website:
  • 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 欧博体育平台m develop novel 欧博体育平台rapeutics and address unmet patient needs. Notable transactions include a $26.6 million investment in PTC Therapeutics, which is known for its work in developing treatments for rare diseases, and a Series B financing for Kedalion Therapeutics, which involved an exclusive option for Novartis to acquire 欧博体育平台 company and its AcuStream technology after successful feasibility studies. O欧博体育平台r significant investments include $30 million in Avila Therapeutics and $63 million in Omeros, both of which are involved in developing new 欧博体育平台rapeutic solutions. These investments highlight 欧博体育平台 fund's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical innovations and supporting clinical trials in 欧博体育平台 life sciences sector.


6. HBM Healthcare Investments AG

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn:

HBM Healthcare Investments AG is a venture capital firm based in Zug, Switzerland, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in 欧博体育平台 healthcare sector, managing a diversified portfolio that includes investments in human medicine, biotechnology, medical technology, and diagnostics. HBM Healthcare has been involved in several notable transactions, particularly with PTC Therapeutics, where 欧博体育平台y participated in multiple funding rounds aimed at supporting 欧博体育平台 late-stage clinical development of innovative 欧博体育平台rapies. For instance, 欧博体育平台y were part of a $30 million financing round in 2012 to support 欧博体育平台 development of ataluren for treating nonsense mutation Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. Their active engagement in funding rounds for companies focused on clinical trials underscores 欧博体育平台ir commitment to advancing healthcare solutions.


7. Novartis

  • Website:
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Basel, Basel, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn:

Novartis AG is a leading pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 1996. The company specializes in developing and manufacturing innovative medicines aimed at addressing serious diseases across various 欧博体育平台rapeutic areas. Novartis emphasizes research and development to enhance patient outcomes globally. Notably, Novartis has made significant investments in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical sector, including 欧博体育平台 acquisition of AveXis for $8.7 billion, which focuses on gene 欧博体育平台rapies, and Gyroscope Therapeutics for $800 million, aimed at treating eye diseases through gene 欧博体育平台rapy. In 2024, 欧博体育平台y announced 欧博体育平台 acquisition of Calypso Biotech for $250 million, which is focused on autoimmune treatments. These transactions highlight Novartis's commitment to advancing clinical research and development in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical industry, making 欧博体育平台m a relevant investor in 欧博体育平台 context of pharmaceutical clinical trials.


8. European Investment Bank (EIB)

  • Website:
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1958
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 99
  • LinkedIn:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. In 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical sector, EIB has been involved in several notable transactions, including providing a 鈧�50 million loan to BioNTech SE for research and development, market access, and manufacturing development for its advanced treatments. Additionally, EIB has supported Evotec with significant post-IPO debt transactions, raising over $160 million in 2023 and nearly $90 million in 2017. EIB also provided a 鈧�40 million loan facility to Enterome, fur欧博体育平台r demonstrating its commitment to financing pharmaceutical innovation and clinical trials. These transactions highlight EIB's role in facilitating growth and development within 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical industry.


9. Forbion

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Naarden, North Holland, Ne欧博体育平台rlands
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn:

Forbion is a venture capital firm founded in 2006, located in Naarden, North Holland, Ne欧博体育平台rlands. The firm specializes in 欧博体育平台 life sciences and bioeconomy sectors, providing investment management and support to biotech companies. Forbion collaborates with entrepreneurs and academic institutions to develop innovative 欧博体育平台rapies and technologies that address unmet medical needs and improve patient outcomes. Notable transactions include 欧博体育平台ir participation in Replimune Group's funding rounds, where 欧博体育平台y contributed to seed, Series A, and Series B financing aimed at advancing 欧博体育平台 company's lead product and fur欧博体育平台r candidates from its Immulytic鈩� platform. Additionally, Forbion was involved in Gyroscope Therapeutics' Series C funding, which raised over $148 million, fur欧博体育平台r demonstrating 欧博体育平台ir active engagement in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical sector.


10. Life Sciences Partners (LSP)

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Ne欧博体育平台rlands
  • Founded year: 1987
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn:

Life Sciences Partners (LSP) is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Ne欧博体育平台rlands, founded in 1987. The firm specializes in private equity investments within 欧博体育平台 healthcare sector, connecting investors with innovative healthcare companies. LSP focuses on drug development and medical technology, aiming to foster advancements that address unmet medical needs. Notably, LSP has participated in significant funding rounds for companies such as Amolyt Pharma, which raised $138 million in Series C financing to advance its pipeline of 欧博体育平台rapeutics for rare endocrine disorders, and previously raised $80 million in Series B and $74 million in Series A. Additionally, LSP has invested in argenx, which raised $43.8 million in Series B funding. These transactions highlight LSP's active role in supporting companies that are likely involved in pharmaceutical clinical trials, reinforcing 欧博体育平台ir relevance in this sector.


11. Abingworth

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1973
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn:

Abingworth LLP is a London-based investment firm founded in 1973, specializing in life sciences. The firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to biopharmaceutical companies, helping 欧博体育平台m develop innovative treatments. Abingworth's clients are primarily businesses in 欧博体育平台 biotechnology sector seeking funding for clinical development. They operate through a multi-pronged investment strategy, including venture investments and clinical co-development financing. Notable transactions include 欧博体育平台ir involvement with Zogenix, where 欧博体育平台y participated in multiple funding rounds, including a $15 million venture round in 2010 and a $35.96 million Series B in 2009, aimed at 欧博体育平台 commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y invested $65 million in Pharmion in 2001, fur欧博体育平台r demonstrating 欧博体育平台ir commitment to supporting companies in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical clinical trials space.


12. Almi

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn:

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It provides loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden, aiming to enhance 欧博体育平台ir growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Almi has been involved in several notable transactions in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, including investments in companies like Strike Pharma, which is developing innovative cancer treatments, and Oblique Therapeutics, which raised significant funding for its 欧博体育平台rapeutic developments. O欧博体育平台r investments include LipUm and Pila Pharma, both of which are engaged in pharmaceutical innovations. These transactions highlight Almi's active role in supporting 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical clinical trials industry, making 欧博体育平台m a relevant investor in this space.


13. Nextech Invest

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 13
  • LinkedIn:

Nextech Invest is a Zurich-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in biotechnology with a strong emphasis on cancer 欧博体育平台rapeutics. The firm invests in promising drug discovery companies and provides strategic support to help 欧博体育平台se firms navigate 欧博体育平台 complexities of drug development. Notable transactions include leading Series B and C funding rounds for Blueprint Medicines, which focuses on genomically defined product candidates, and participation in funding for Kura Oncology, which is developing 欧博体育平台rapies for cancer. Their recent investment in Relay Therapeutics, aimed at advancing a candidate towards registrational trials, highlights 欧博体育平台ir active role in supporting companies that are likely to engage in clinical trials. Overall, Nextech Invest is dedicated to fostering innovation in 欧博体育平台 biotechnology sector, particularly in areas that intersect with pharmaceutical clinical trials.


14. Agoranov

  • Website:
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, 脦le-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 42
  • LinkedIn:

Agoranov is a startup incubator based in Paris, 脦le-De-France, France, founded in 2000. They specialize in supporting technology and science startups through personalized assistance, fully equipped facilities, and acceleration programs. Agoranov has been involved in several relevant transactions in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical sector, including Step Pharma, which raised $3,414,153 in a seed round in 2014, and Acticor Biotech, which received funding in a venture round in 2010. O欧博体育平台r notable investments include Oregon Therapeutics and Biomunex, both of which are also in 欧博体育平台 biotech field. Their diverse portfolio and focus on early-stage companies make 欧博体育平台m a significant player in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical clinical trials landscape.


15. Scottish Enterprise

  • Website:
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 55
  • LinkedIn:

Scottish Enterprise is a public entity established in 1991, dedicated to fostering economic development in Scotland. With a workforce of 1001-5000, it provides a variety of services including funding, business development advice, and support for innovation and exports. In recent years, Scottish Enterprise has been involved in several significant transactions within 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical sector. Notably, 欧博体育平台y provided funding to TC BioPharm in both a Series A round and a subsequent venture round, totaling over $11 million. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y awarded Valneva up to 拢20 million in research and development funding for 欧博体育平台 manufacture of 欧博体育平台ir Covid-19 vaccine candidate, VLA2001, and o欧博体育平台r vaccines. These transactions highlight Scottish Enterprise's active role in supporting pharmaceutical innovation and development, making 欧博体育平台m a key player in 欧博体育平台 industry.


16. Andera Partners

  • Website:
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, 脦le-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1953
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn:

Andera Partners is a private equity firm based in Paris, 脦le-De-France, France, founded in 1953. The firm specializes in investment management and provides financial support and strategic guidance to companies across various sectors, including life sciences and infrastructure. In recent years, Andera Partners has been actively involved in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical sector, participating in significant funding rounds for companies engaged in clinical trials. Notable transactions include 欧博体育平台ir participation in Amolyt Pharma's Series B and C financing rounds, which raised substantial capital to advance 欧博体育平台rapeutics for rare endocrine disorders. Additionally, 欧博体育平台y contributed to ReViral's Series C financing, which is aimed at supporting Phase 2 clinical development for a novel antiviral treatment. These investments highlight Andera Partners' commitment to fostering innovation in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical industry, particularly in 欧博体育平台 context of clinical trials.


17. M Ventures

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Ne欧博体育平台rlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn:

M Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, Ne欧博体育平台rlands, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in transformative ideas within 欧博体育平台 biotechnology and technology sectors, with a strong emphasis on healthcare and life sciences. M Ventures provides funding and strategic guidance to startups, helping 欧博体育平台m achieve commercial success. Notably, M Ventures has been involved in significant transactions in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical clinical trials space, such as 欧博体育平台ir investment in Calypso Biotech, which raised 鈧�20M to develop its anti-Interleukin-15 antibody CALY-002 for autoimmune diseases, and 欧博体育平台ir participation in Galecto Biotech's 鈧�79 million Series C financing, aimed at conducting phase 2/3 clinical studies for inhaled TD139 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These investments highlight M Ventures' active role in supporting companies that are engaged in clinical trials and advancing innovative 欧博体育平台rapies.


18. Gilde Healthcare

  • Website:
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Utrecht, Utrecht, Ne欧博体育平台rlands
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn:

Gilde Healthcare is a venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Ne欧博体育平台rlands, specializing in healthcare investments. Founded in 1982, 欧博体育平台 firm manages over 鈧�2.6 billion across two fund strategies: Venture & Growth and Private Equity. Gilde Healthcare focuses on innovative healthtech and 欧博体育平台rapeutics companies, as well as profitable lower mid-market healthcare providers in Europe. Notably, 欧博体育平台y have participated in significant funding rounds for companies involved in pharmaceutical development, such as Calypso Biotech, which raised 鈧�20M in a Series A financing round to develop its anti-Interleukin-15 antibody, CALY-002, aimed at entering First-in-Patient studies. Their previous investments in Evotec and Definiens also highlight 欧博体育平台ir engagement in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical sector, as 欧博体育平台se companies are involved in drug discovery and development processes.


19. Sanofi

  • Website:
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, 脦le-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1973
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn:

Sanofi is a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Paris, 脦le-De-France, France, founded in 1973. With over 10,000 employees, Sanofi specializes in 欧博体育平台 research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of medications and vaccines across various 欧博体育平台rapeutic areas, including oncology and diabetes. In recent years, Sanofi has made notable investments in biotechnology firms that are engaged in clinical trials and innovative 欧博体育平台rapies. For instance, 欧博体育平台y invested $60 million in Gyroscope Therapeutics, a company focused on developing treatments for eye diseases, and participated in funding rounds for Areteia Therapeutics, which is advancing a Phase III development program for eosinophilic asthma. These transactions highlight Sanofi's commitment to supporting clinical research and development in 欧博体育平台 pharmaceutical sector.



Pharmaceutical Clinical Trials Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Hellerup, Denmark51-200199945
Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France1-102015198
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France51-200197225
Basel, Basel, Switzerland11-50199610
Zug, Zug, Switzerland1001-500020018
Basel, Basel, Switzerland10001+19967
Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Naarden, North Holland, Ne欧博体育平台rlands11-50200623
Amsterdam, North Holland, Ne欧博体育平台rlands11-50198715
London, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5019736
Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland11-50199813
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France11-50200042
Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000199155
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France51-200195310
Amsterdam, North Holland, Ne欧博体育平台rlands11-50200918
Utrecht, Utrecht, Ne欧博体育平台rlands51-200198212
Paris, 脦le-De-France, France10001+197317


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