EMBL Ventures

EMBL Ventures, established in 2001, is a German venture capital firm focused on the healthcare sector. It manages three funds totaling €120 million on behalf of major European investors. The firm typically invests €5-40 million per round, with a maximum commitment of €10 million per portfolio company. EMBL Ventures prefers to lead or co-lead financing rounds and fosters long-term relationships with investors, prioritizing open communication and maximum returns.

Jan Adams

Founding Partner

Caroline Lehmann Ph.D

Partner

Rainer Wessel Ph.D

Venture Partner

20 past transactions

Topas Therapeutics

Series B in 2021
Topas Therapeutics GmbH, established in 2013 and based in Hamburg, Germany, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of nanoparticle-based therapeutics. The company's core focus is to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance, utilizing the liver's natural immunology capabilities to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, and anti-drug antibodies. Topas' proprietary platform, Topas Particle Conjugates, targets liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, enabling tolerance against blood-borne antigens. The company has several clinical-stage programs, including TPM203 for pemphigus vulgaris, and collaborations with pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim. Topas Therapeutics is backed by prominent investors such as Epidarex Capital, Gimv, EMBL Ventures, Evotec, and Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund.

Topas Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
Topas Therapeutics GmbH, established in 2013 and based in Hamburg, Germany, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of nanoparticle-based therapeutics. The company's core focus is to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance, utilizing the liver's natural immunology capabilities to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, and anti-drug antibodies. Topas' proprietary platform, Topas Particle Conjugates, targets liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, enabling tolerance against blood-borne antigens. The company has several clinical-stage programs, including TPM203 for pemphigus vulgaris, and collaborations with pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim. Topas Therapeutics is backed by prominent investors such as Epidarex Capital, Gimv, EMBL Ventures, Evotec, and Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund.

Crescendo Biologics

Series B in 2018
Crescendo Biologics Limited is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, specializing in the development of innovative therapies for oncology and dermatology. The company focuses on creating multi-specific immune-oncology modulators and Humabody Drug Conjugates using its proprietary transgenic mouse platform. This technology allows for the in vivo maturation of human VH domains, optimizing their affinity and biophysical properties for therapeutic use. Crescendo Biologics aims to address critical challenges in generating high-affinity, soluble human VH antibody fragments, which are recognized for their potential as effective therapeutics. By leveraging its advanced platforms, the company is engaged in the product development of in-house targets as well as collaborations with other organizations to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments. Founded in 2007 and originally known as Translocus Limited, Crescendo Biologics has established itself as a leader in the field of next-generation antibody therapeutics.

Arsanis

Series D in 2017
Arsanis, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializing in monoclonal antibody (mAb) immunotherapies for serious infectious diseases. Founded in 2010, Arsanis focuses on developing innovative therapies targeting various bacterial and viral pathogens. Its lead clinical program, ASN100, is currently in a Phase 2 trial aimed at preventing Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in high-risk, mechanically ventilated patients. The company's preclinical pipeline includes mAbs directed against respiratory syncytial virus and Gram-negative bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Arsanis leverages advanced mAb discovery techniques to create a diverse range of therapeutic candidates with multiple mechanisms of action, addressing the urgent need for effective treatments in infectious disease management. The company also has research and preclinical development operations in Vienna, Austria, under Arsanis Biosciences GmbH.

Luxendo

Series A in 2017
Luxendo is a company that specializes in the development and manufacture of advanced Single Plane Illumination Microscopes (SPIM), a technology initially developed at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). By utilizing a light-sheet fluorescence microscopy technique, Luxendo's instruments facilitate rapid three-dimensional imaging of living organisms, including spheroids and whole specimens, without the need for sample rotation. This innovative approach allows for gentle handling of delicate samples, such as cell cultures and embryonic specimens, enabling scientists to observe living organisms over extended periods while minimizing photodamage. The company's commitment to revolutionizing bio-imaging positions it as a leader in the field of microscopy, providing researchers with powerful tools for biological exploration.

Allecra Therapeutics

Series B in 2016
Allecra Therapeutics GmbH is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2013 and based in Weil am Rhein, Germany. The company specializes in developing innovative pharmaceuticals aimed at treating multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram-negative bacteria. Allecra is advancing a novel β-lactamase inhibitor currently in Phase 2 clinical development, which is designed to counteract emerging resistance mechanisms prevalent in difficult-to-treat hospital-acquired infections. By inhibiting β-lactamases, this new treatment has the potential to address significant health challenges faced by patients, healthcare providers, and governments globally. Allecra Therapeutics operates within the BioValley Life Sciences region, which spans parts of northwest Switzerland, southwestern Germany, and the Alsace region of France.

Topas Therapeutics

Series A in 2016
Topas Therapeutics GmbH, established in 2013 and based in Hamburg, Germany, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of nanoparticle-based therapeutics. The company's core focus is to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance, utilizing the liver's natural immunology capabilities to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, and anti-drug antibodies. Topas' proprietary platform, Topas Particle Conjugates, targets liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, enabling tolerance against blood-borne antigens. The company has several clinical-stage programs, including TPM203 for pemphigus vulgaris, and collaborations with pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim. Topas Therapeutics is backed by prominent investors such as Epidarex Capital, Gimv, EMBL Ventures, Evotec, and Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund.

Luxendo

Series A in 2015
Luxendo is a company that specializes in the development and manufacture of advanced Single Plane Illumination Microscopes (SPIM), a technology initially developed at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). By utilizing a light-sheet fluorescence microscopy technique, Luxendo's instruments facilitate rapid three-dimensional imaging of living organisms, including spheroids and whole specimens, without the need for sample rotation. This innovative approach allows for gentle handling of delicate samples, such as cell cultures and embryonic specimens, enabling scientists to observe living organisms over extended periods while minimizing photodamage. The company's commitment to revolutionizing bio-imaging positions it as a leader in the field of microscopy, providing researchers with powerful tools for biological exploration.

Vira Therapeutics

Series A in 2015
ViraTherapeutics develops highly potent anti-cancer therapeutics based on oncolytic (cancer-destroying) viruses. Our proprietary oncolytic virus, VSV-GP, efficiently destroys cancer cells, while leaving normal tissues unharmed. ViraTherapeutics currently performs preclinical safety and efficacy studies for VSV-GP and aims to conduct first clinical trials in cancer patients.

ImevaX

Series A in 2014
ImevaX GmbH is a biopharmaceutical company based in Munich, Germany, founded in 2014. The company specializes in developing vaccines targeting pathogens that cause chronic infectious diseases and nosocomial infections. ImevaX's approach involves creating specific vaccines against immune evasion factors used by these pathogens to control infections. Their lead candidate is IMX 101, a vaccine designed to combat Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that colonizes the stomach and is linked to ulcer disease and gastric cancer in humans. The company’s research focuses on understanding and neutralizing bacterial factors that down-regulate the host immune system, a mechanism used by many highly infectious pathogens. Additionally, ImevaX offers diagnostic tests for early detection of Helicobacter pylori infections.

Crescendo Biologics

Series A in 2014
Crescendo Biologics Limited is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, specializing in the development of innovative therapies for oncology and dermatology. The company focuses on creating multi-specific immune-oncology modulators and Humabody Drug Conjugates using its proprietary transgenic mouse platform. This technology allows for the in vivo maturation of human VH domains, optimizing their affinity and biophysical properties for therapeutic use. Crescendo Biologics aims to address critical challenges in generating high-affinity, soluble human VH antibody fragments, which are recognized for their potential as effective therapeutics. By leveraging its advanced platforms, the company is engaged in the product development of in-house targets as well as collaborations with other organizations to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments. Founded in 2007 and originally known as Translocus Limited, Crescendo Biologics has established itself as a leader in the field of next-generation antibody therapeutics.

Opsona Therapeutics

Series C in 2013
Opsona Therapeutics is a Dublin-based drug development company specializing in immunology, particularly the modulation of innate immunity pathways. Founded in 2004, the company has developed innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as cancer. By targeting the innate immune system, Opsona addresses a spectrum of significant health challenges, including transplant rejection, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis. The company seeks to improve patient outcomes through its novel drug candidates and strategies, positioning itself as a leader in emerging immunology research and drug development in Europe.

Opsona Therapeutics

Series C in 2013
Opsona Therapeutics is a Dublin-based drug development company specializing in immunology, particularly the modulation of innate immunity pathways. Founded in 2004, the company has developed innovative therapeutic approaches aimed at treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, as well as cancer. By targeting the innate immune system, Opsona addresses a spectrum of significant health challenges, including transplant rejection, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and atherosclerosis. The company seeks to improve patient outcomes through its novel drug candidates and strategies, positioning itself as a leader in emerging immunology research and drug development in Europe.

Allecra Therapeutics

Series A in 2013
Allecra Therapeutics GmbH is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2013 and based in Weil am Rhein, Germany. The company specializes in developing innovative pharmaceuticals aimed at treating multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram-negative bacteria. Allecra is advancing a novel β-lactamase inhibitor currently in Phase 2 clinical development, which is designed to counteract emerging resistance mechanisms prevalent in difficult-to-treat hospital-acquired infections. By inhibiting β-lactamases, this new treatment has the potential to address significant health challenges faced by patients, healthcare providers, and governments globally. Allecra Therapeutics operates within the BioValley Life Sciences region, which spans parts of northwest Switzerland, southwestern Germany, and the Alsace region of France.

Affectis Pharmaceuticals

Series D in 2010
Affectis Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative drugs aimed at treating neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. The company specializes in discovering and creating therapies that address psychiatric disorders, including depression and schizophrenia, as well as inflammatory conditions. Through its research efforts, Affectis aims to advance the understanding and treatment of these complex health issues, contributing to improved outcomes for patients affected by such disorders.

ELARA Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2009
Elara Pharmaceuticals Gmbh provides research and pharmaceutical development services for new anti-cancer drugs. In addition Elara Pharmaceuticals Gmbh has discovered lead series of small, bioactive molecules that have anti-tumour activity, based on inhibitors of estrogen signaling and Aurora kinases. Elara Pharmaceuticals Gmbh was founded in 2006 and is based in Heidelberg, Germany.

EndoArt

Series C in 2006
EndoArt is a synthetic implant that treats corneal edema by establishing a new form of corneal availability, hence protecting vision and restoring function.

Vasopharm

Series B in 2006
Vasopharm GmbH is a biopharmaceutical company based in Wurzburg, Germany, specializing in the discovery and development of therapeutics for cerebro- and cardiovascular diseases. Founded in 1998, Vasopharm focuses on addressing acute niche indications with significant unmet medical needs. The company's therapeutic pipeline features VAS203, an allosteric nitric oxide synthase inhibitor designed to reduce excessive nitric oxide production in cerebral vessels, thereby preventing dangerous increases in intracranial pressure and mitigating inflammatory responses following traumatic brain injury. Additionally, Vasopharm is developing VAS2870, a modulator of NAD(P)H oxidase, aimed at treating peripheral arterial occlusive diseases. Through its innovative approaches, Vasopharm seeks to create effective treatments that enhance patient outcomes in critical health issues.

Affectis Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2005
Affectis Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative drugs aimed at treating neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. The company specializes in discovering and creating therapies that address psychiatric disorders, including depression and schizophrenia, as well as inflammatory conditions. Through its research efforts, Affectis aims to advance the understanding and treatment of these complex health issues, contributing to improved outcomes for patients affected by such disorders.

immatics biotechnologies

Series A in 2004
immatics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery of true targets for cancer immunotherapies with the development of the right T cell receptors. The company's customized Adoptive Cell Therapies (ACTengine) and antibody-like TCR Bispecifics are the two main product classes in the pipeline (TCER). With a focus on particularly difficult-to-treat solid malignancies, each therapy modality has unique characteristics to create the desired therapeutic impact for patients at various disease stages and with various types of tumors. immatics biotechnologies was established in 2000 by Hans Rammensee, Harpreet Singh, and Steffen Walter in Tübingen, Baden-Wurttemberg.
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