How the Fund-Raising Game Works in Europe

A handful of private European biotechs have raised money, but the process takes time, and the sums aren't great. Since VCs can invest in late-stage companies at the same prices they used to pay for newer ventures, early and mid-stage biotechs are being forced to broaden their search for funds, and meet growing demands for cost cutting and detailed spending plans. Both VCs and biotechs may emerge stronger from the squeeze, however.

Despite barely-twitching public markets and few signs of an upturn, some European biotechs are raising money (see Exhibit 1). Not that the sums are great: many smaller European firms who can't find new investors have resorted to internal, "bridging" rounds, such as that of France's genOway SA[See Deal]. CellFactors PLC, unable to convince institutional investors of their worth, has had to make do for now with the £2.5 million ($4 million) provided by retail/private investors [See Deal].

But European biotech fundraising in 2003 isn't all confined to single digits. In March 2003, German drug discovery group

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Global Vision

Navigating the GLP-1 Opportunity In China: Strategic Imperatives For Western Pharma

 
• By 

The Chinese appetite for GLP-1s is noticeable. While the market opportunity for western pharma is huge, so are the strategic market access challenges, though not unsurmountable, L.E.K. Consulting told In Vivo.

Can Italy Shake Off Its Reputation And Become A Premier Hub For Biotech?

 
• By 

Leading industry experts have spoken to In Vivo about how investment, a change in mindset and a fresh approach to policy may allow Italy to kick-start its biotech ecosystem.

Global Pharma Interest In Korea Undeterred Despite Political Roller Coaster

 
• By 

Despite recent political turmoil, outside investor and corporate interest in South Korean biopharma innovation appears robust or even increasing.

Turning Defense Into Attack: Snapshots Of A Changing Medtech Market And How To Respond

 
• By 

Against a backdrop of shifting trade policies, the end of multilateral market approaches and renewed focus on supply chain resilience, medtechs are doubling down on innovation in products and processes – using AI – and keeping unmet needs and outcomes in the center of the target.

More from In Vivo

Rising leaders 2025: Aneesh Karatt-Vellatt On Maxion Therapeutics’ Antibody Revolution

 
• By 

Aneesh Karatt-Vellatt is leading the charge to redefine how ion channels and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are targeted with antibody therapies, one of the most notoriously challenging classes of drug targets.

Podcast: Scancell’s Cancer Vaccine Progress With NHS Partnership

 
• By 

In the latest podcast interview, Phil L'Huillier, CEO of Scancell, discussed the company's work in cancer vaccine development, and its selection as the first British biotech to be a part of the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad.

Geopolitical Volatility Not Dimming A Healthy Mid-Term Outlook For Life Sciences Deals

 
• By 

New report by global law firm Taylor Wessing and Bayes Business School forecasts a steadily increasing volume of major life sciences M&A in the coming five years, but highlights concerns over cybersecurity and unrealistic valuations. Taylor Wessing partner Andrew Edge spoke to In Vivo.