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 North Carolina

Biomason

Series C in 2022
BioMason is a biotechnology start-up focused on the building and construction industry, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The company specializes in the production of biological cement-based masonry materials using natural microorganisms and chemical processes. Its product offerings include concrete masonry tiles suitable for various applications, biocement for dust control, and solutions for soil stabilization. BioMason aims to innovate the construction sector by providing sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impact and enhance the efficiency of building practices.

BIOMILQ

Series A in 2021
We leverage our patent-pending technology to produce nutritionally equivalent breastmilk from cultured human mammary cells. With Biomilq, families can achieve the recommended six months of exclusive breastfeeding while alleviating the climate impacts of bovine-based infant formula.

StrideBio

Series B in 2021
StrideBio, Inc. creates and develops adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector technologies and therapeutics that enables gene addition, gene silencing, and gene editing modalities for rare diseases. The company develops a proprietary platform by combining structural information with accelerated evolution to create novel AAV capsids that can evade neutralizing antibodies. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Durham, North Carolina.

Vestaron

Series B in 2021
Vestaron Corporation is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing, manufacturing, and selling peptide-based biologic crop protection products. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides including Spear-T for thrips in vegetables and ornamentals, Spear-Lep for various fruits and vegetables, and Leprotec for field use. The company's products are designed to enhance the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of agricultural practices while being safe for humans, birds, fish, and pollinators. By utilizing peptides derived from spiders, Vestaron aims to provide innovative solutions for agriculture, animal health, and commercial pest control applications.

Vestaron

Series B in 2019
Vestaron Corporation is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing, manufacturing, and selling peptide-based biologic crop protection products. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides including Spear-T for thrips in vegetables and ornamentals, Spear-Lep for various fruits and vegetables, and Leprotec for field use. The company's products are designed to enhance the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of agricultural practices while being safe for humans, birds, fish, and pollinators. By utilizing peptides derived from spiders, Vestaron aims to provide innovative solutions for agriculture, animal health, and commercial pest control applications.

CoLucid Pharmaceuticals

Series C in 2015
CoLucid Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, established in 2005. The company specializes in developing therapies for central nervous system disorders. Its primary product, COL-144, is an anti-migraine agent aimed at treating migraine headaches. Additionally, CoLucid is working on COL-204, a conjugated stigmine platform designed to create novel therapeutic entities for various conditions, including sleep/wake disorders, chronic pain, Alzheimer's disease, and psychiatric disorders. Through its innovative approaches, CoLucid Pharmaceuticals aims to address significant unmet medical needs in the field of neurology.