Novartis Venture Fund

Novartis Venture Fund, established in 1996 and based in Basel, Switzerland, focuses on investing in the life sciences, biotechnology, oncology, and digital health sectors. The fund aims to develop innovative therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and drug delivery systems, emphasizing unmet medical needs and clinical impact. Initial investments typically begin at a minimum of 100,000 USD, with the potential for total funding reaching 30 to 50 million USD per company throughout its lifecycle. The fund prefers to engage at early stages to help build companies, providing additional funding as they progress. Novartis Venture Fund is open to leading or co-leading investment deals and participating in larger syndicates across regions including the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Elena Battistello

Analyst

Laura Brass

Managing Director

Adam Cotton

Associate

Mathias Frederiksen

Principal

Anja König

Global Head Novartis Venture Fund

Michelle Ma

Analyst

Florian Müllershausen

Managing Director

Aaron Nelson

Principal and Managing Director

Michal Silverberg

Managing Director

Lauren Silverman

Managing Director

Beat Steffen

Managing Director

Marianne Uteng

Managing Director

Past deals in Switzerland

Anaveon

Series B in 2021
Anaveon AG is a biopharmaceutical company based in Bottmingen, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing biologics that modulate cytokine functions, particularly focusing on next-generation IL-2 complexes. These complexes selectively enhance effector T cell functions, acting as effective immune adjuvants with a broad therapeutic window. Anaveon's innovative compounds demonstrate significant preclinical efficacy against cancer, both as standalone treatments and in combination with other therapies. The company's mission is to transform cytokines into life-saving treatments for patients suffering from various diseases characterized by immune system dysfunction. Through its targeted approach, Anaveon aims to provide substantial therapeutic benefits to cancer patients and others affected by immune pathology.

FoRx Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2020
FoRx Therapeutics AG is a biotechnology company based in Basel, Switzerland, founded in 2019. It specializes in developing innovative therapeutics for cancer treatment by targeting key molecular pathways involved in DNA replication stress. The company aims to create first-in-class compounds that represent a novel approach in the fight against cancer, focusing on drugging specific molecular targets associated with this replication stress. Through its research and development efforts, FoRx Therapeutics seeks to contribute to the advancement of targeted anticancer drugs within the healthcare industry.

Arctos Medical

Seed Round in 2019
Arctos Medical is a spin-off company from the University of Bern and has developed a revolutionary gene therapy that does not correct rare genetic eye diseases but much more common cases of blindness.

Anokion

Series B in 2019
Anokion SA is a biotechnology company based in Ecublens, Switzerland, specializing in antigen-specific immune tolerance solutions. As a spin-off from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Anokion develops innovative therapies aimed at reducing the immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins. The company's platform technology is designed to address a range of autoimmune and allergic diseases, including prevalent conditions such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. By engineering proteins or antigens, Anokion’s approach provides precise therapies that minimize side effects and enhance patient outcomes in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Anaveon

Series A in 2019
Anaveon AG is a biopharmaceutical company based in Bottmingen, Switzerland, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing biologics that modulate cytokine functions, particularly focusing on next-generation IL-2 complexes. These complexes selectively enhance effector T cell functions, acting as effective immune adjuvants with a broad therapeutic window. Anaveon's innovative compounds demonstrate significant preclinical efficacy against cancer, both as standalone treatments and in combination with other therapies. The company's mission is to transform cytokines into life-saving treatments for patients suffering from various diseases characterized by immune system dysfunction. Through its targeted approach, Anaveon aims to provide substantial therapeutic benefits to cancer patients and others affected by immune pathology.

Occlufit

Venture Round in 2019
Occlufit AG is a Swiss company founded in 2018 and based in Zurich, specializing in the design and development of innovative cardiovascular occlusion solutions. Its flagship product, the Occlufit device, is engineered to conform to complex anatomical geometries, enabling it to provide immediate sealing of cardiovascular defects. This technology plays a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, addressing a significant need in the medical field. The company's focus encompasses various aspects of product development, including engineering, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and clinical management, all aimed at advancing cardiovascular healthcare.

Realeve

Series D in 2015
Autonomic Technologies, Inc. is a medical device company that focuses on the development and commercialization of therapies for the treatment of autonomic disorders, particularly severe headache. It develops ATI Neurostimulation System, a device that delivers low-level energy directly to the area of the SPG for the treatment of chronic cluster headache. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Mountain View, California with additional offices in Germany and Switzerland.

Kanyos Bio

Venture Round in 2015
Kanyos Bio was founded with the goal of developing antigen-specific immune tolerance technology for two specific autoimmune indications, type-1 diabetes and celiac disease. Our technology originated at EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne) in Switzerland with our sister company, Anokion. Kanyos and Anokion are collaborating in this effort with Astellas Pharma, Inc. (“Astellas”). As an independent affiliate, Kanyos aims to develop antigen-specific, disease-modifying therapies for patients with type-1 diabetes and celiac disease by leveraging the immunotechnology expertise of Anokion and the clinical translation experience of Astellas.

Realeve

Series D in 2015
Autonomic Technologies, Inc. is a medical device company that focuses on the development and commercialization of therapies for the treatment of autonomic disorders, particularly severe headache. It develops ATI Neurostimulation System, a device that delivers low-level energy directly to the area of the SPG for the treatment of chronic cluster headache. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Mountain View, California with additional offices in Germany and Switzerland.

Anokion

Series A in 2014
Anokion SA is a biotechnology company based in Ecublens, Switzerland, specializing in antigen-specific immune tolerance solutions. As a spin-off from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Anokion develops innovative therapies aimed at reducing the immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins. The company's platform technology is designed to address a range of autoimmune and allergic diseases, including prevalent conditions such as celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. By engineering proteins or antigens, Anokion’s approach provides precise therapies that minimize side effects and enhance patient outcomes in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Covagen

Series B in 2013
Covagen is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in developing bispecific FynomAbs, which are created by genetically fusing human Fynomer binding proteins to antibodies. This innovative approach results in therapeutics with unique modes of action and improved efficacy for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer. Covagen's lead product, COVA322, targets inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The company's proprietary platform allows for the customization of FynomAbs by attaching Fynomers at multiple sites on an antibody, enabling tailored therapeutic architectures. Founded in 2007 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, Covagen has established strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with Mitsubishi Tanabe for developing bispecific FynomAbs against specific target pairs. The company is backed by a consortium of investors, which includes notable names in the life sciences sector.

Realeve

Series C in 2011
Autonomic Technologies, Inc. is a medical device company that focuses on the development and commercialization of therapies for the treatment of autonomic disorders, particularly severe headache. It develops ATI Neurostimulation System, a device that delivers low-level energy directly to the area of the SPG for the treatment of chronic cluster headache. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Mountain View, California with additional offices in Germany and Switzerland.

Covagen

Series A in 2010
Covagen is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in developing bispecific FynomAbs, which are created by genetically fusing human Fynomer binding proteins to antibodies. This innovative approach results in therapeutics with unique modes of action and improved efficacy for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer. Covagen's lead product, COVA322, targets inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The company's proprietary platform allows for the customization of FynomAbs by attaching Fynomers at multiple sites on an antibody, enabling tailored therapeutic architectures. Founded in 2007 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, Covagen has established strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with Mitsubishi Tanabe for developing bispecific FynomAbs against specific target pairs. The company is backed by a consortium of investors, which includes notable names in the life sciences sector.

NanoPowers

Series A in 2010
NanoPowers S.A. is a medical device company, founded in June 2004 that applies their unique and proprietary artificial muscle technology to restore or improve muscle function in humans.

Evolva

Post in 2009
Evolva Holding SA is a biotechnology company based in Switzerland that specializes in discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative ingredients for various sectors, including food, nutrition, personal healthcare, and agriculture. Founded in 2004, the company leverages a proprietary synthetic biology technology platform to create high-quality ingredients that mirror the properties of natural products while eliminating their drawbacks. Evolva's product portfolio includes branded ingredients like Veri-te Resveratrol, used for age-related health, and EverSweet Stevia, a natural sweetener. Additionally, the company offers Nootkashield for pest control, EveNootkatone for flavor and fragrance applications, and EveValencene, a citrus flavoring. Evolva serves diverse markets, including nutrition, flavors and fragrances, animal health, personal care, and pharmaceuticals, both developing its own products and collaborating with other industry players.

Evolva

Series B in 2009
Evolva Holding SA is a biotechnology company based in Switzerland that specializes in discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative ingredients for various sectors, including food, nutrition, personal healthcare, and agriculture. Founded in 2004, the company leverages a proprietary synthetic biology technology platform to create high-quality ingredients that mirror the properties of natural products while eliminating their drawbacks. Evolva's product portfolio includes branded ingredients like Veri-te Resveratrol, used for age-related health, and EverSweet Stevia, a natural sweetener. Additionally, the company offers Nootkashield for pest control, EveNootkatone for flavor and fragrance applications, and EveValencene, a citrus flavoring. Evolva serves diverse markets, including nutrition, flavors and fragrances, animal health, personal care, and pharmaceuticals, both developing its own products and collaborating with other industry players.

Covagen

Seed Round in 2009
Covagen is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in developing bispecific FynomAbs, which are created by genetically fusing human Fynomer binding proteins to antibodies. This innovative approach results in therapeutics with unique modes of action and improved efficacy for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer. Covagen's lead product, COVA322, targets inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The company's proprietary platform allows for the customization of FynomAbs by attaching Fynomers at multiple sites on an antibody, enabling tailored therapeutic architectures. Founded in 2007 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, Covagen has established strategic partnerships, including a collaboration with Mitsubishi Tanabe for developing bispecific FynomAbs against specific target pairs. The company is backed by a consortium of investors, which includes notable names in the life sciences sector.

Symetis

Series B in 2009
Symetis is a Swiss company based in Ecublens that specializes in developing innovative minimally invasive heart valve replacement therapies for patients with heart valve diseases, particularly aortic valve stenosis. The company focuses on enhancing patient care and safety by providing simple and accurate solutions for heart valve replacement. Its proprietary Acurate Aortic Valve Replacement System features a distinctive self-positioning design, which facilitates easy implant positioning and alignment, thereby improving the overall ease of use for healthcare providers. Through its advanced transcatheter aortic valve implantation devices, Symetis aims to address severe cardiac valve conditions and enhance treatment options within the healthcare industry.

NovImmune

Venture Round in 2009
NovImmmune is committed to innovation by discovering and developing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to treat patients suffering from immune-related disorders.

Diagnoplex

Series A in 2008
Diagnoplex has been founded in 2005 supported by seed financing fron the Novartis Forschungsstiftung, Swiss Confederation CTI project, Canton de Vaud FIT and the Gebert Rüf Stiftung. The company has performed a 140 patient prospective pilot study demonstrating technical and clinical feasibility of its colorectal cancer screening test COLOX as well as its high sensitivity and specificity.

ESBATech

Series B in 2008
ESBATech, founded in 1998 as a spin-off from the University of Zurich, specializes in the development of fully human antibody fragments for therapeutic purposes. The company utilizes its proprietary single-chain antibody frameworks to create product candidates targeting clinically relevant diseases. ESBATech aims to deliver high concentrations of these therapeutic antibody fragments to specific sites while minimizing systemic exposure, thereby reducing the risk of adverse drug reactions. In addition to its innovative antibody development, the company offers drug development services and manages various development programs, positioning itself as a leader in the field of targeted therapies.

Okairos

Series A in 2007
Okairos AG is a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the discovery and development of genetic T-cell vaccines, with a significant focus on combating the hepatitis C virus. The company is also involved in providing health and allied services. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Okairos operates in Rome and Naples, Italy. It has expertise in gene delivery technologies and scalable viral-vector manufacturing processes, which facilitate the advancement of vaccines and advanced therapies. By utilizing state-of-the-art GMP facilities, Okairos supports biotech companies in transitioning their genetic vaccines and medicinal products from preclinical stages to commercial readiness.

Evolva

Series A in 2006
Evolva Holding SA is a biotechnology company based in Switzerland that specializes in discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative ingredients for various sectors, including food, nutrition, personal healthcare, and agriculture. Founded in 2004, the company leverages a proprietary synthetic biology technology platform to create high-quality ingredients that mirror the properties of natural products while eliminating their drawbacks. Evolva's product portfolio includes branded ingredients like Veri-te Resveratrol, used for age-related health, and EverSweet Stevia, a natural sweetener. Additionally, the company offers Nootkashield for pest control, EveNootkatone for flavor and fragrance applications, and EveValencene, a citrus flavoring. Evolva serves diverse markets, including nutrition, flavors and fragrances, animal health, personal care, and pharmaceuticals, both developing its own products and collaborating with other industry players.

ESBATech

Series B in 2006
ESBATech, founded in 1998 as a spin-off from the University of Zurich, specializes in the development of fully human antibody fragments for therapeutic purposes. The company utilizes its proprietary single-chain antibody frameworks to create product candidates targeting clinically relevant diseases. ESBATech aims to deliver high concentrations of these therapeutic antibody fragments to specific sites while minimizing systemic exposure, thereby reducing the risk of adverse drug reactions. In addition to its innovative antibody development, the company offers drug development services and manages various development programs, positioning itself as a leader in the field of targeted therapies.

NovImmune

Series B in 2006
NovImmmune is committed to innovation by discovering and developing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to treat patients suffering from immune-related disorders.

Santhera Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2005
Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding AG is a Swiss specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes innovative medicines for rare neuromuscular and pulmonary diseases, addressing high unmet medical needs. The company focuses on a product portfolio for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), including late-stage candidates such as Puldysa (idebenone) and vamorolone, which aim to treat patients regardless of their specific mutations, disease stage, or age. Additionally, Santhera's clinical pipeline includes lonodelestat (POL6014) for cystic fibrosis and other neutrophilic pulmonary diseases, as well as omigapil and an exploratory gene therapy for congenital muscular dystrophies. The company also out-licenses the rights to its approved product Raxone (idebenone) for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy outside North America and has collaborated with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to explore lonodelestat as a potential treatment for COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. Headquartered in Pratteln, Switzerland, Santhera primarily generates its revenue from the European Union.

Evolva

Series A in 2005
Evolva Holding SA is a biotechnology company based in Switzerland that specializes in discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative ingredients for various sectors, including food, nutrition, personal healthcare, and agriculture. Founded in 2004, the company leverages a proprietary synthetic biology technology platform to create high-quality ingredients that mirror the properties of natural products while eliminating their drawbacks. Evolva's product portfolio includes branded ingredients like Veri-te Resveratrol, used for age-related health, and EverSweet Stevia, a natural sweetener. Additionally, the company offers Nootkashield for pest control, EveNootkatone for flavor and fragrance applications, and EveValencene, a citrus flavoring. Evolva serves diverse markets, including nutrition, flavors and fragrances, animal health, personal care, and pharmaceuticals, both developing its own products and collaborating with other industry players.

Covalys Biosciences

Series B in 2005
Covalys Biosciences AG engages in the development and production of tools for protein research. It also provides protein labeling products. The company was founded in 2002 and is based in Witterswil, Switzerland.

Symetis

Series A in 2004
Symetis is a Swiss company based in Ecublens that specializes in developing innovative minimally invasive heart valve replacement therapies for patients with heart valve diseases, particularly aortic valve stenosis. The company focuses on enhancing patient care and safety by providing simple and accurate solutions for heart valve replacement. Its proprietary Acurate Aortic Valve Replacement System features a distinctive self-positioning design, which facilitates easy implant positioning and alignment, thereby improving the overall ease of use for healthcare providers. Through its advanced transcatheter aortic valve implantation devices, Symetis aims to address severe cardiac valve conditions and enhance treatment options within the healthcare industry.

Evolva

Series A in 2004
Evolva Holding SA is a biotechnology company based in Switzerland that specializes in discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative ingredients for various sectors, including food, nutrition, personal healthcare, and agriculture. Founded in 2004, the company leverages a proprietary synthetic biology technology platform to create high-quality ingredients that mirror the properties of natural products while eliminating their drawbacks. Evolva's product portfolio includes branded ingredients like Veri-te Resveratrol, used for age-related health, and EverSweet Stevia, a natural sweetener. Additionally, the company offers Nootkashield for pest control, EveNootkatone for flavor and fragrance applications, and EveValencene, a citrus flavoring. Evolva serves diverse markets, including nutrition, flavors and fragrances, animal health, personal care, and pharmaceuticals, both developing its own products and collaborating with other industry players.

Roche Glycart

Series A in 2003
Roche Glycart develops antibody drug candidates, which include GA101, a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody to increase direct- and immune-mediated target cell death; and GA201, a humanized glycoengineered antibody for solid tumors.

ESBATech

Series A in 2002
ESBATech, founded in 1998 as a spin-off from the University of Zurich, specializes in the development of fully human antibody fragments for therapeutic purposes. The company utilizes its proprietary single-chain antibody frameworks to create product candidates targeting clinically relevant diseases. ESBATech aims to deliver high concentrations of these therapeutic antibody fragments to specific sites while minimizing systemic exposure, thereby reducing the risk of adverse drug reactions. In addition to its innovative antibody development, the company offers drug development services and manages various development programs, positioning itself as a leader in the field of targeted therapies.

Spexis

Venture Round in 2001
Spexis is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Allschwil, Switzerland, specializing in the discovery and development of macrocycle drugs aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology and severe respiratory diseases. The company is advancing several drug candidates, including Balixafortide, an antagonist of the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which is in Phase III clinical trials for combination treatment in cancer. Other notable candidates include POL6014, an inhaled inhibitor of neutrophil elastase currently in Phase Ib trials for cystic fibrosis, and POL7306, which targets multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, Spexis is developing inhaled murepavadin, a precision antibiotic designed to combat infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Since its founding in 1996, Spexis has been committed to addressing the challenges of antibiotic resistance and improving treatment options for severe respiratory conditions.

NovImmune

Series A in 2000
NovImmmune is committed to innovation by discovering and developing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to treat patients suffering from immune-related disorders.
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