Novo Holdings

Novo Holdings, established in 1999, is the holding company of the Novo Group, primarily managing the investment assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Based in Copenhagen, with additional offices in San Francisco and Boston, Novo Holdings focuses on two main investment categories: Life Science Investments, which encompasses funding life science companies at various stages of development, and Financial Investments, which entails managing a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed income securities. As a prominent life science investor, Novo Holdings aims to create long-term value while ensuring that the Foundation can distribute returns for scientific, social, and humanitarian purposes to enhance public health and welfare. The company has also developed initiatives such as Novo Seeds, which supports early-stage applied research in life sciences, and invests in later-stage life science companies through growth equity. Novo Holdings maintains a strategic influence over affiliated companies, aligning their operations with the values and objectives of the Novo Group.

Scott Beardsley

Managing Partner, Life Sciences Operating Committee, Venture Investments

Jørgen Boe

Director

Emmanuelle Coutanceau

Partner

Thomas P. Dyrberg

Partner

Anna Fan

Senior Partner, Life Sciences Operating Committee, Venture Investments, Venture Investments (US) Inc.

Casper Tind Hansen

Principal

Karen Hong

Partner

Junie Lim

DIRECTOR, GENERAL COUNSEL (US)

Heather Ludvigsen

Investor

Peter Moldt

Partner

Søren Møller

Managing Partner

Lone Penby

Venture Coordinator

Jørgen Søberg Petersen

Senior Partner, Seed Investments

Eric M. Snyder

Principal

Past deals in Copenhagen

Biosyntia

Series B in 2022
Biosyntia ApS is a biotechnology company based in Hørsholm, Denmark, that specializes in developing biocatalysts for the fermentation of fine chemicals. Founded in 2012, the company utilizes a patent-pending high-throughput screening technology to create biocatalysts with remarkable speed and efficiency. By focusing on tailored biocatalytic processes, Biosyntia enables the production of complex chemical compounds through fermentation, significantly reducing both production costs and environmental impact compared to traditional chemical synthesis methods. The company collaborates with manufacturers of fine chemical compounds, including flavors, fragrances, active pharmaceutical ingredients, pigments, and additives, to promote sustainable manufacturing practices and contribute to a greener future. Biosyntia is located at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, approximately 25 kilometers north of Copenhagen.

Hemab

Series A in 2021
Hemab is focused on the development of bispecific antibodies for the treatment of rare bleeding disorders.

ADCendo

Series A in 2021
ADCendo ApS is a biotech company dedicated to developing new types of anti-cancer drugs. We focus on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) directed at novel targets, that have been found to be overexpressed by several cancer forms, that are all characterized by a significant unmet need for novel treatment.

IO Biotech

Series B in 2021
IO Biotech ApS is a clinical stage biotech company developing disruptive immune therapies i.e. checkpoint/cancer vaccines. Checkpoint/cancer vaccines suppress the function of regulatory immune cells and induce inflammation in the microenvironment in addition to direct targeting of cancer cells.

Hemab

Seed Round in 2020
Hemab is focused on the development of bispecific antibodies for the treatment of rare bleeding disorders.

Galecto

Series D in 2020
Galecto, Inc. develops small molecules for the treatment of severe diseases, including fibrosis and cancer. The company, founded in 2011, builds on more than 10 years of research centering on the role of galectin-3 and LOXL-2, and the use of modulators of these proteins to treat fibrosis-related diseases and cancer. Combined with a strong patent estate, these assets give Galecto a unique therapeutic platform.

Antag Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2020
Antag Therapeutics operator of a biotechnology company intended to develop metabolic and anti-obesity therapeutic drugs.The company specializes in the development of peptide-based GIP receptor antagonist in order to monitor dietary-related metabolic diseases through the infusion, enabling the healthcare industry to decrease blood flow and lipid uptake in adipose tissue in an efficient manner.

IO Biotech

Debt Financing in 2020
IO Biotech ApS is a clinical stage biotech company developing disruptive immune therapies i.e. checkpoint/cancer vaccines. Checkpoint/cancer vaccines suppress the function of regulatory immune cells and induce inflammation in the microenvironment in addition to direct targeting of cancer cells.

AFYX Therapeutics

Debt Financing in 2019
AFYX Therapeutics is changing the way mucosal diseases are treated. They are a topical drug delivery company developing a pipeline of targeted treatments for conditions that currently lack approved therapy options. Their proprietary Rivelin® patch is flexible, biodegradable, and adhesive to mucosal surfaces. Designed with electrospinning technology, it delivers a therapeutic directly to the site in need, without interfering with patients’ daily activities.

Galecto

Series C in 2018
Galecto, Inc. develops small molecules for the treatment of severe diseases, including fibrosis and cancer. The company, founded in 2011, builds on more than 10 years of research centering on the role of galectin-3 and LOXL-2, and the use of modulators of these proteins to treat fibrosis-related diseases and cancer. Combined with a strong patent estate, these assets give Galecto a unique therapeutic platform.

Biosyntia

Series A in 2018
Biosyntia ApS is a biotechnology company based in Hørsholm, Denmark, that specializes in developing biocatalysts for the fermentation of fine chemicals. Founded in 2012, the company utilizes a patent-pending high-throughput screening technology to create biocatalysts with remarkable speed and efficiency. By focusing on tailored biocatalytic processes, Biosyntia enables the production of complex chemical compounds through fermentation, significantly reducing both production costs and environmental impact compared to traditional chemical synthesis methods. The company collaborates with manufacturers of fine chemical compounds, including flavors, fragrances, active pharmaceutical ingredients, pigments, and additives, to promote sustainable manufacturing practices and contribute to a greener future. Biosyntia is located at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, approximately 25 kilometers north of Copenhagen.

Orphazyme

Post in 2017
Orphazyme develops innovative new therapies for the treatment of a family of serious genetic disordes called lysosomal storage diseases, and is based on discoveries emerging from the academic laboratory of its scientific founders: Professor Marja Jäättela and Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen from the Danish Cancer Society (Kræftens Bekæmpelse). Orphazyme is based in Copenhagen and has established collaborations with top-tier academic institutions in Europe and USA.

Antag Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Antag Therapeutics operator of a biotechnology company intended to develop metabolic and anti-obesity therapeutic drugs.The company specializes in the development of peptide-based GIP receptor antagonist in order to monitor dietary-related metabolic diseases through the infusion, enabling the healthcare industry to decrease blood flow and lipid uptake in adipose tissue in an efficient manner.

AFYX Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
AFYX Therapeutics is changing the way mucosal diseases are treated. They are a topical drug delivery company developing a pipeline of targeted treatments for conditions that currently lack approved therapy options. Their proprietary Rivelin® patch is flexible, biodegradable, and adhesive to mucosal surfaces. Designed with electrospinning technology, it delivers a therapeutic directly to the site in need, without interfering with patients’ daily activities.

Orphazyme

Venture Round in 2017
Orphazyme develops innovative new therapies for the treatment of a family of serious genetic disordes called lysosomal storage diseases, and is based on discoveries emerging from the academic laboratory of its scientific founders: Professor Marja Jäättela and Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen from the Danish Cancer Society (Kræftens Bekæmpelse). Orphazyme is based in Copenhagen and has established collaborations with top-tier academic institutions in Europe and USA.

Hoba Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2016
Hoba Therapeutics is developing a new therapeutic protein for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Battersea Biotech

Seed Round in 2016
Battersea Biotech develops alternative cell types and technologies to overcome the shortcomings of current CAR-T and TCR technologies.

Acesion Pharma

Series C in 2016
Acesion Pharma ApS is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, specializing in the development of medical treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. Founded in 2011, the company focuses on creating SK channel inhibitors, which are designed to be safe and tolerable options for patients. These drugs work by inhibiting specific ion channels in heart cells that are crucial for generating the electrical signals that regulate the heart's rhythm. Acesion Pharma aims to provide effective chronic treatments that prevent the recurrence of AF and help maintain a normal heart rhythm.

Acesion Pharma

Venture Round in 2016
Acesion Pharma ApS is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, specializing in the development of medical treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. Founded in 2011, the company focuses on creating SK channel inhibitors, which are designed to be safe and tolerable options for patients. These drugs work by inhibiting specific ion channels in heart cells that are crucial for generating the electrical signals that regulate the heart's rhythm. Acesion Pharma aims to provide effective chronic treatments that prevent the recurrence of AF and help maintain a normal heart rhythm.

Biosyntia

Seed Round in 2015
Biosyntia ApS is a biotechnology company based in Hørsholm, Denmark, that specializes in developing biocatalysts for the fermentation of fine chemicals. Founded in 2012, the company utilizes a patent-pending high-throughput screening technology to create biocatalysts with remarkable speed and efficiency. By focusing on tailored biocatalytic processes, Biosyntia enables the production of complex chemical compounds through fermentation, significantly reducing both production costs and environmental impact compared to traditional chemical synthesis methods. The company collaborates with manufacturers of fine chemical compounds, including flavors, fragrances, active pharmaceutical ingredients, pigments, and additives, to promote sustainable manufacturing practices and contribute to a greener future. Biosyntia is located at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, approximately 25 kilometers north of Copenhagen.

Acesion Pharma

Series B in 2014
Acesion Pharma ApS is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, specializing in the development of medical treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. Founded in 2011, the company focuses on creating SK channel inhibitors, which are designed to be safe and tolerable options for patients. These drugs work by inhibiting specific ion channels in heart cells that are crucial for generating the electrical signals that regulate the heart's rhythm. Acesion Pharma aims to provide effective chronic treatments that prevent the recurrence of AF and help maintain a normal heart rhythm.

Galecto

Series B in 2013
Galecto, Inc. develops small molecules for the treatment of severe diseases, including fibrosis and cancer. The company, founded in 2011, builds on more than 10 years of research centering on the role of galectin-3 and LOXL-2, and the use of modulators of these proteins to treat fibrosis-related diseases and cancer. Combined with a strong patent estate, these assets give Galecto a unique therapeutic platform.

Galecto

Seed Round in 2012
Galecto, Inc. develops small molecules for the treatment of severe diseases, including fibrosis and cancer. The company, founded in 2011, builds on more than 10 years of research centering on the role of galectin-3 and LOXL-2, and the use of modulators of these proteins to treat fibrosis-related diseases and cancer. Combined with a strong patent estate, these assets give Galecto a unique therapeutic platform.

Orphazyme

Series A in 2011
Orphazyme develops innovative new therapies for the treatment of a family of serious genetic disordes called lysosomal storage diseases, and is based on discoveries emerging from the academic laboratory of its scientific founders: Professor Marja Jäättela and Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen from the Danish Cancer Society (Kræftens Bekæmpelse). Orphazyme is based in Copenhagen and has established collaborations with top-tier academic institutions in Europe and USA.

Orphazyme

Seed Round in 2011
Orphazyme develops innovative new therapies for the treatment of a family of serious genetic disordes called lysosomal storage diseases, and is based on discoveries emerging from the academic laboratory of its scientific founders: Professor Marja Jäättela and Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen from the Danish Cancer Society (Kræftens Bekæmpelse). Orphazyme is based in Copenhagen and has established collaborations with top-tier academic institutions in Europe and USA.

Adenium Biotech ApS

Seed Round in 2011
Adenium Biotech ApS is a Danish biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011, focused on developing and commercializing innovative antibiotics to address multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. The company specializes in solutions for hospital-acquired infections, particularly complicated urinary tract infections and pneumonia caused by resistant gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Its lead product, Arenicin, is a non-toxic antimicrobial peptide derived from lugworms, demonstrating strong efficacy against gram-negative pathogens. Adenium Biotech employs a semi-virtual model, leveraging a small team of experts and an international scientific advisory board to advance the Arenicin program through clinical development towards regulatory approval. The company's goal is to provide effective treatments for infections that are increasingly difficult to manage due to antibiotic resistance.

Nuevolution

Series B in 2003
Nuevolution AB is a biopharmaceutical company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2001. It specializes in developing drug treatments for oncology and chronic inflammatory diseases, leveraging its unique Chemetics platform for drug discovery. This platform combines proven wet chemistry and molecular biology, allowing for the synthesis and screening of over one billion small molecule compounds and synthetic biologics. Nuevolution is focused on several therapeutic programs, including ROR?t inhibitors and IL-17A inhibitors for chronic inflammatory diseases, as well as GRP78 for oncology. The company has established collaborations with notable pharmaceutical partners, including Amgen and Janssen Biotech, and is involved in joint ventures aimed at discovering novel small molecule drugs targeting epigenetic factors. Through its innovative technology, Nuevolution aims to address significant unmet medical needs in various therapeutic areas.

Nuevolution

Series A in 2001
Nuevolution AB is a biopharmaceutical company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2001. It specializes in developing drug treatments for oncology and chronic inflammatory diseases, leveraging its unique Chemetics platform for drug discovery. This platform combines proven wet chemistry and molecular biology, allowing for the synthesis and screening of over one billion small molecule compounds and synthetic biologics. Nuevolution is focused on several therapeutic programs, including ROR?t inhibitors and IL-17A inhibitors for chronic inflammatory diseases, as well as GRP78 for oncology. The company has established collaborations with notable pharmaceutical partners, including Amgen and Janssen Biotech, and is involved in joint ventures aimed at discovering novel small molecule drugs targeting epigenetic factors. Through its innovative technology, Nuevolution aims to address significant unmet medical needs in various therapeutic areas.