BioGeneration Ventures

BioGeneration Ventures is a Netherlands-based private equity firm that focuses on investing in early-stage life sciences companies. Established in 2006, the firm primarily targets start-ups in the Netherlands and is backed by notable institutions such as the Netherlands Genomics Initiative and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, alongside private investors like the holding company of Leiden University and ABN-AMRO Capital. BioGeneration Ventures provides more than just financial support; the firm collaborates closely with scientists, academic institutions, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to enhance the development and commercial viability of the technologies within its portfolio.

Diede Brunen

Senior Associate

Daniela Couto

Partner

Rianne Ellenbroek

Investor

Robbert van de Griendt

Head of Investor Relations and Impact

Keno Gutierrez

Partner

Joost Holthuis

Venture Partner

Max Klement

Principal

Rob de Ree

Venture Partner

Oskar Slotboom

Partner

Alexander Vos

Venture Partner

Edward Van Wezel

Managing Partner

34 past transactions

Dualyx

Series A in 2023
Dualyx engages in the discovery and development of biologicals for the treatment of autoimmune and rare diseases.

Complement Therapeutics

Series A in 2023
Complement Therapeutics operates as a preclinical stage company. Complement Therapeutics develops a precision medicine diagnostic platform allowing it to stratify patients based on their complement-activation profile with the potential to enable both patient selection and serving as an efficacy biomarker in future clinical studies.

Scenic Biotech

Series A in 2022
Scenic Biotech B.V., founded in 2017 and headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, specializes in developing genomics and immunotherapy technologies aimed at addressing cancer and rare genetic diseases at the genetic level. The company focuses on identifying and harnessing disease suppressing genes, which serve as potential drug targets. By creating innovative therapies that target these genetic suppressors, Scenic Biotech aims to unlock new treatment possibilities for patients suffering from severe diseases.

Complement Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2022
Complement Therapeutics operates as a preclinical stage company. Complement Therapeutics develops a precision medicine diagnostic platform allowing it to stratify patients based on their complement-activation profile with the potential to enable both patient selection and serving as an efficacy biomarker in future clinical studies.

River BioMedics

Seed Round in 2022
River BioMedics is a biotech company that aims to develop human 3D in vitro 3D human heart tissue for pre-clinical drug testing. Currently pharmaceutical companies spend a billion dollar figure on the development of a new drug entity, with a 90% chance of it failing to reach the market. The most common reason for failure during this developmental stage is drug induced cardiac toxicity. To solve this issue we develop 3D cardiac tissues, resembling the working human heart, for advanced drug discovery and toxicity screening using a multidisciplinary human stem cell-based approach.

NorthSea Therapeutics

Series C in 2021
NorthSea Therapeutics B.V. is a biotechnology company based in Naarden, the Netherlands, established in 2017. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of novel therapeutics aimed at addressing metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases. It focuses on creating first-in-class, oral lipid therapeutics through its proprietary Structurally Engineered Fatty Acid (SEFA) technology. One of its key products, icosabutate, is a structurally engineered fatty acid designed to treat inflammatory and liver diseases. The SEFA technology enables the development of candidates that exhibit a range of biological effects, effectively targeting issues such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis across various models.

Dunad Therapeutics

Series A in 2021
Dunad Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of next-generation targeted protein degradation therapies.

Complement Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2021
Complement Therapeutics operates as a preclinical stage company. Complement Therapeutics develops a precision medicine diagnostic platform allowing it to stratify patients based on their complement-activation profile with the potential to enable both patient selection and serving as an efficacy biomarker in future clinical studies.

CatalYm

Series B in 2020
CatalYm GmbH, founded in 2016 and based in Munich, Germany, specializes in the development of immuno-oncology therapeutics. The company focuses on creating antibodies that target a placental factor known to be overexpressed in various tumor types. Through its innovative approach, CatalYm aims to enhance cancer treatment options and improve patient outcomes in the field of oncology.

VarmX

Series B in 2020
VarmX B.V., a biotechnology company, develops therapies in the field of hemostasis and thrombosis. It develops PseudoXa, a therapeutic protein that is used to stop bleeding of patients who use blood thinners. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Leiden, the Netherlands.

Citryll

Series B in 2020
Citryll is a private pharmaceutical company that develops pharmaceutical drugs used to treat autoimmune and other human diseases. The company offers formation, function, and clearance of NETs downstream of the protein citrullination pathway catalyzed by Peptidylarginine Deiminase (PAD) enzymes that enable doctors to help in the treatment of lupus, vasculitis, pulmonary fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and organ damage due to sepsis. Citryll was established in 2015 and is headquartered in Oss, The Netherlands.

Azafaros

Series A in 2020
Azafaros B.V. is a Netherlands-based company focused on developing therapeutic agents for the treatment of rare metabolic disorders, specifically lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). The company specializes in the oral administration of aza-sugar compounds, which were discovered by Professor Hans Aerts at Leiden University and Amsterdam UMC and are exclusively licensed to Azafaros. These innovative agents aim to address key disease pathways by targeting the metabolism of glycosphingolipids and are designed to have a dual mode of action that can potentially improve patient outcomes. Through its research and development efforts, Azafaros seeks to provide effective treatments that can significantly enhance the lives of those affected by these severe inherited diseases.

NorthSea Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
NorthSea Therapeutics B.V. is a biotechnology company based in Naarden, the Netherlands, established in 2017. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of novel therapeutics aimed at addressing metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases. It focuses on creating first-in-class, oral lipid therapeutics through its proprietary Structurally Engineered Fatty Acid (SEFA) technology. One of its key products, icosabutate, is a structurally engineered fatty acid designed to treat inflammatory and liver diseases. The SEFA technology enables the development of candidates that exhibit a range of biological effects, effectively targeting issues such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis across various models.

Confo Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Confo Therapeutics is a drug discovery company based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 2015. The company specializes in developing internal drug discovery programs focused on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to address unmet medical needs. Utilizing its proprietary CONFO® technology, Confo Therapeutics stabilizes inherently unstable functional conformations of GPCRs, providing a robust starting point for drug discovery. This approach reveals previously inaccessible structural features of these receptors, facilitating the identification of novel agonists that enhance therapeutic interventions.

Azafaros

Seed Round in 2018
Azafaros B.V. is a Netherlands-based company focused on developing therapeutic agents for the treatment of rare metabolic disorders, specifically lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). The company specializes in the oral administration of aza-sugar compounds, which were discovered by Professor Hans Aerts at Leiden University and Amsterdam UMC and are exclusively licensed to Azafaros. These innovative agents aim to address key disease pathways by targeting the metabolism of glycosphingolipids and are designed to have a dual mode of action that can potentially improve patient outcomes. Through its research and development efforts, Azafaros seeks to provide effective treatments that can significantly enhance the lives of those affected by these severe inherited diseases.

VarmX

Series A in 2018
VarmX B.V., a biotechnology company, develops therapies in the field of hemostasis and thrombosis. It develops PseudoXa, a therapeutic protein that is used to stop bleeding of patients who use blood thinners. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Leiden, the Netherlands.

Escalier Biosciences

Series B in 2018
Escalier Biosciences BV is a privately held biopharmaceutical company developing novel small molecule therapeutics that target ROR?t for the treatment of psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders. Escalier's lead topical and oral drug candidates are currently in late stage preclinical studies. Escalier is registered in The Netherlands with offices in Nijmegen, The Netherlands and Encinitas, California.

NorthSea Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
NorthSea Therapeutics B.V. is a biotechnology company based in Naarden, the Netherlands, established in 2017. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of novel therapeutics aimed at addressing metabolic, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases. It focuses on creating first-in-class, oral lipid therapeutics through its proprietary Structurally Engineered Fatty Acid (SEFA) technology. One of its key products, icosabutate, is a structurally engineered fatty acid designed to treat inflammatory and liver diseases. The SEFA technology enables the development of candidates that exhibit a range of biological effects, effectively targeting issues such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis across various models.

Mellon Medical

Series B in 2017
Mellon Medical provides suturing tools for surgeons to improve medical procedures. The company's goal is to help medical specialists improve patient outcomes by providing them with the best possible suturing tools. It commercializes surgical instruments to allow single-handed stitching, enabling efficient and effective suturing of tubular and layered structures. Mellon Medical was established in 2013 and is headquartered in Nijmegen, Gelderland.

VarmX

Seed Round in 2017
VarmX B.V., a biotechnology company, develops therapies in the field of hemostasis and thrombosis. It develops PseudoXa, a therapeutic protein that is used to stop bleeding of patients who use blood thinners. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Leiden, the Netherlands.

Scenic Biotech

Series A in 2017
Scenic Biotech B.V., founded in 2017 and headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, specializes in developing genomics and immunotherapy technologies aimed at addressing cancer and rare genetic diseases at the genetic level. The company focuses on identifying and harnessing disease suppressing genes, which serve as potential drug targets. By creating innovative therapies that target these genetic suppressors, Scenic Biotech aims to unlock new treatment possibilities for patients suffering from severe diseases.

Cristal Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2017
Cristal Therapeutics BV operates as a clinical stage pharmaceutical company. It develops nanomedicines based on its proprietary CriPec and CriPec ATN platform to treat diseases which include cancer. The company develops technology to transform drugs into nanoparticles. It also provides programs to develop nanomedicines for various therapeutic areas. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Mucosis

Venture Round in 2016
Mucosis B.V. is a clinical stage Dutch biotechnology company developing innovative mucosal vaccines that can be applied needle-free via the nose or mouth. Mucosis’s lead product candidate is SynGEM:registered:, an intranasal vaccine to prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection. Mucosis' vaccines are based on the patented and validated Mimopath:registered: technology. This technology enables a more natural immune response as well as a broad base of protection as was seen in their proof-of-concept animal and human studies of their FluGEM:registered: vaccine candidate.

Cristal Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2014
Cristal Therapeutics BV operates as a clinical stage pharmaceutical company. It develops nanomedicines based on its proprietary CriPec and CriPec ATN platform to treat diseases which include cancer. The company develops technology to transform drugs into nanoparticles. It also provides programs to develop nanomedicines for various therapeutic areas. The company was founded in 2011 and is based in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Mucosis

Venture Round in 2014
Mucosis B.V. is a clinical stage Dutch biotechnology company developing innovative mucosal vaccines that can be applied needle-free via the nose or mouth. Mucosis’s lead product candidate is SynGEM:registered:, an intranasal vaccine to prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection. Mucosis' vaccines are based on the patented and validated Mimopath:registered: technology. This technology enables a more natural immune response as well as a broad base of protection as was seen in their proof-of-concept animal and human studies of their FluGEM:registered: vaccine candidate.

Synaffix BV

Series A in 2014
Synaffix BV is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Oss, the Netherlands, specializing in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology for oncology applications. Founded in 2010, Synaffix has developed proprietary platforms that enhance the efficacy and tolerability of ADCs compared to existing technologies. Its key offerings include GlycoConnect, a site-specific antibody conjugation technology, and HydraSpace, a linker technology that improves payload solubility and reduces aggregation. The company also employs a metal-free click chemistry approach applicable across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and academia. Synaffix operates a technology out-licensing business model, partnering with organizations like ADC Therapeutics and Mersana Therapeutics to facilitate the development of competitive ADC products. Its patent portfolio ensures protection for its innovations through at least 2035.

AcertaPharma

Series A in 2013
Acerta Pharma B.V. offers drug discovery and development services for oncology and autoimmune diseases. It offers late stage development, and early stage development. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Oss, the Netherlands. Acerta Pharma B.V. operates as a subsidiary of AstraZeneca PLC.

Dezima Pharma

Venture Round in 2013
Dezima Pharma B.V. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Naarden, the Netherlands, established in 2012. The company focuses on developing protein-based compounds aimed at treating cardiovascular diseases associated with dyslipidemia. By targeting this specific patient population, Dezima Pharma seeks to address significant medical needs in the management of cholesterol-related conditions.

Lanthio Pharma

Series A in 2012
Lanthio Pharma is a privately held drug discovery company that applies its proprietary lanthionine-peptide drug discovery technology LanthioPepTM for the generation of novel peptide therapeutics with increased resistance to peptidase degradation, high receptor specificity and increased intrinsic activity. Lanthio Pharma has generated stable, peptidase-resistant lanthionine peptides with highly specific agonistic activity for a number of GPCR targets, which is a focus area of the company.

argenx

Series A in 2010
argenx SE, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, focuses on developing antibody-based therapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, hematology, and cancer. It is developing its lead product candidate, efgartigimod, for the treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis in Phase 3; immune thrombocytopenia in Phase 3; pemphigus vulgaris in Phase 2; chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in Phase 2; and ENHANZE SC in pre-clinical stages. The company is also developing cusatuzumab in Phase 2 clinical stage in hematological cancer indications; and preclinical products, including ARGX-117 with therapeutic potential in both orphan and large autoimmune inflammatory diseases in and ARGX-118 for airway inflammation. Its partnered product candidates include ARGX-112 for treating skin inflammation and ARGX-115 for cancer immunotherapy, which are in Phase 1 clinical stages; and ARGX-116 for the treatment of dyslipidemia and ARGX-114 for treating fibrosis, which are in preclinical stage. The company has strategic partnership with AbbVie S.À.R.L. and LEO Pharma A/S; and collaboration agreement with Cilag GmbH International, Staten Biotechnology B.V., and Shire International GmbH. argenx SE was founded in 2008 and is based in Breda, the Netherlands.

Medisse

Venture Round in 2009
Medisse is a Dutch company, founded in 2006, that develops, produces and markets resorbable soft tissue implants, based on bio-resorbable PTMC polymers. Medisse does yet not have commercial products but is working on the testing of its first product before market introduction. Medisse's first product will be an anti-adhesion barrier.

argenx

Series A in 2009
argenx SE, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, focuses on developing antibody-based therapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, hematology, and cancer. It is developing its lead product candidate, efgartigimod, for the treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis in Phase 3; immune thrombocytopenia in Phase 3; pemphigus vulgaris in Phase 2; chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in Phase 2; and ENHANZE SC in pre-clinical stages. The company is also developing cusatuzumab in Phase 2 clinical stage in hematological cancer indications; and preclinical products, including ARGX-117 with therapeutic potential in both orphan and large autoimmune inflammatory diseases in and ARGX-118 for airway inflammation. Its partnered product candidates include ARGX-112 for treating skin inflammation and ARGX-115 for cancer immunotherapy, which are in Phase 1 clinical stages; and ARGX-116 for the treatment of dyslipidemia and ARGX-114 for treating fibrosis, which are in preclinical stage. The company has strategic partnership with AbbVie S.À.R.L. and LEO Pharma A/S; and collaboration agreement with Cilag GmbH International, Staten Biotechnology B.V., and Shire International GmbH. argenx SE was founded in 2008 and is based in Breda, the Netherlands.

FlexGen

Private Equity Round in 2009
FlexGen B.V., based in Leiden, the Netherlands, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of technologies for synthesizing microarrays. Founded in 2004 as a spin-off from Leiden University Medical Centre and Dutch Space, FlexGen utilizes proprietary laser-based methods for in-situ synthesis of oligonucleotides and other biomolecules. The company offers the FlexArrayer, a bench-top instrument designed for in-house custom microarray synthesis, as well as various enrichment kits, including those for target enrichment and whole exome enrichment. FlexGen is dedicated to serving the genetic research market and is recognized for its innovative applications in microarray and oligopool synthesis.

Mucosis

Series A in 2007
Mucosis B.V. is a clinical stage Dutch biotechnology company developing innovative mucosal vaccines that can be applied needle-free via the nose or mouth. Mucosis’s lead product candidate is SynGEM:registered:, an intranasal vaccine to prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection. Mucosis' vaccines are based on the patented and validated Mimopath:registered: technology. This technology enables a more natural immune response as well as a broad base of protection as was seen in their proof-of-concept animal and human studies of their FluGEM:registered: vaccine candidate.