V-Bio Ventures Market Research Report

Background

Overview

V-Bio Ventures is an independent venture capital firm established in 2015, specializing in the development and financing of young, innovative life science companies. The firm is headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, and operates throughout Europe, focusing on startups with high growth potential in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors. V-Bio Ventures collaborates closely with the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), a leading life sciences research institute, to identify and nurture groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

Mission and Vision

V-Bio Ventures aims to transform scientific innovation into products that positively impact people's lives. By leveraging its extensive network and sector expertise, the firm seeks to be an integral part of the ventures it supports, contributing more than just capital to their success.

Industry Significance

As a prominent venture capital firm in the life sciences sector, V-Bio Ventures plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific research and commercial application. Its investments support the growth of companies that address unmet medical needs and contribute to advancements in healthcare and sustainable agriculture.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

V-Bio Ventures focuses on investing in private companies with differentiated technologies that address unmet needs. The firm seeks innovative and transformational technologies with high societal and environmental impact potential, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Areas of Specialization

The firm's primary areas of specialization include:

• Therapeutics: Investing in drug discovery and development to address various medical conditions.

• Diagnostics: Supporting medical therapies through innovative diagnostic solutions.

• Sustainable Agriculture: Fostering agricultural innovations that promote sustainability.

Key Technologies Utilized

V-Bio Ventures emphasizes the development of technologies that offer transformational improvements in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors. The firm has a preferred relationship with VIB, enabling access to cutting-edge research and innovations.

Primary Markets Targeted

The firm primarily targets the European market, with a focus on Belgium, leveraging its strong ties with local research institutions and the biotech ecosystem. However, V-Bio Ventures also considers investments across Europe, aiming to support high-growth potential startups in the life sciences sector.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

V-Bio Ventures has successfully raised two funds to date:

• V-Bio Fund 1: Launched in 2015 with €63 million in capital commitments.

• V-Bio Fund 2: Closed in March 2022 with €110 million in capital commitments, exceeding its €100 million target.

Notable Investors

The firm's investors include:

• European Investment Fund (EIF): A cornerstone investor in both funds.

• ParticipatieMaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV): A Flemish investment company.

• Federale Participatie- en Investeringsmaatschappij (FPIM): A federal investment company.

• BNP Paribas Fortis Private Equity: A private equity firm.

• KBC Private Partners Life Sciences: A private equity firm focusing on life sciences.

• Family Offices: Including Korys (Colruyt family) and De Eik (Van Waeyenberge family).

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is utilized to:

• Invest in Early-Stage Companies: Providing funding to startups in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors.

• Support Company Creation: Fostering the development of new ventures based on outstanding science.

• Advance Therapies: Helping portfolio companies advance therapies into clinical development.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

V-Bio Ventures has invested in several companies with promising pipelines, including:

• Confo Therapeutics: Developing antibody-based therapeutics targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).

• Agomab: Focused on developing therapies for fibrotic diseases.

• Precirix: Specializing in targeted radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment.

Stages of Development

The portfolio companies are at various stages of development, from preclinical to clinical phases, with some advancing therapies into clinical trials.

Target Conditions

The target conditions addressed by these companies include:

• Chronic Pain: Through companies like Biodol Therapeutics.

• Fibrotic Diseases: Addressed by Agomab.

• Cancer: Targeted by Precirix with radiopharmaceuticals.

Anticipated Milestones

Anticipated milestones include:

• Clinical Trial Initiations: Advancing therapies into clinical trials.

• Regulatory Filings: Preparing for Investigational New Drug (IND) applications.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

V-Bio Ventures supports companies developing proprietary technologies, such as:

• Allosteric Inhibitors: Developed by Biodol Therapeutics for chronic pain treatment.

• Radiopharmaceuticals: Developed by Precirix for targeted cancer therapy.

Significant Scientific Methods

The firm emphasizes the use of innovative scientific methods, including:

• Chemical Biology Technologies: Utilized by Orionis Biosciences for drug discovery.

• Radiopharmaceutical Targeting: Applied by Precirix in cancer treatment.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, the firm's portfolio companies may incorporate AI in their research and development processes.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Christina Takke: Managing Partner. Co-founded V-Bio Ventures in 2015. Holds a PhD in Developmental Biology from the University of Cologne, Germany.

• Willem Broekaert: Managing Partner. Co-founded V-Bio Ventures in 2015. Holds an MSc and PhD in BioScience Engineering from the University of Leuven, Belgium.

• Shelley Margetson: Managing Partner. Joined in December 2020. Holds a BA in Business Economics and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

• Ward Capoen: Partner. Joined in 2016. Holds a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Gent, Belgium, and an MBA from Vlerick Business School, Leuven, Belgium.

Leadership Changes

In December 2020, Shelley Margetson joined V-Bio Ventures as Managing Partner, bringing her extensive experience in European biotechnology companies.