Investor directory

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.

Focus

Scale StageTherapeuticsSeries ASeries BEarly VentureShow more
http://www.novoholdings.dk
https://takcharkh.com
https://crunchbase.com/organization/novo-a-s
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https://pitchbook.com/profiles/fund/14870-71F
https://signal.nfx.com/firms/novo-ventures
https://www.capitaliq.com/CIQDotNet/company.aspx?companyId=980152

Scott Beardsley

Managing Partner, Life Sciences Operating Committee, Venture Investments

Jørgen Boe

Director

Emmanuelle Coutanceau

Partner

Thomas P. Dyrberg

Partner

Casper Tind Hansen

Principal

Karen Hong

Partner

Junie Lim

DIRECTOR, GENERAL COUNSEL (US)

Heather Ludvigsen

Investor

Peter Moldt

Partner

Søren Møller

Managing Partner

Jørgen Søberg Petersen

Senior Partner, Seed Investments

Past deals in Biotechnology

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.

Invetx

Series B in 2022
Invetx, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in developing protein-based therapeutics for animal health care. The company focuses on creating biopharmaceutical solutions that apply human biotechnology advancements to veterinary medicine. Invetx aims to build a premier innovation platform for veterinary therapeutics, collaborating with leading biotechnology firms, investors, and industry experts. Its team, which includes veterinary scientists and clinicians, is dedicated to discovering and developing a diverse portfolio of therapies and technologies. The company's vision is to enhance health outcomes for both pets and farm animals by leveraging biopharma technologies in the global animal health industry.

Metagenomi

Series B in 2022
Metagenomi, Inc. is a genetic medicines company based in Emeryville, California, focused on developing innovative gene editing systems for the treatment of genetic diseases. Since its incorporation in 2016, the company has utilized a proprietary metagenomics-derived genome editing toolbox that enables the creation of curative therapeutics. This toolbox encompasses a range of advanced technologies, including programmable nucleases, base editors, and various RNA and DNA-mediated integration systems, such as prime editing systems and CRISPR-associated transposases (CASTs). Metagenomi aims to address the challenges posed by diverse mutations that have traditionally been difficult to target with existing genome engineering approaches.

Zhenge Biotech

Series C in 2022
Shanghai ZhenGe Biotechnology Co.,Ltd. researches and develops drugs. It also engages in mammalian cell line development, upstream development, downstream development, and formulation development for various protein therapeutics. In addition, the company provides contract development and manufacturing services; and offers IND and BLA filing services. Further, it provides platform for research and development of antibodies, transient infection, process development, N-Glycosylation, and CAR-T. Shanghai ZhenGe Biotechnology Co.,Ltd. was founded in 2017 and is based in Shanghai, China.

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.

Genomatica

Series C in 2021
Genomatica, Inc. delivers manufacturing processes to produce intermediate and basic chemicals from renewable feedstocks. The company’s proprietary biotechnology platform allows the company to create fermentation-based manufacturing processes and to engineer the enabling microorganisms that drive the conversion of renewable feedstocks into intermediate and basic chemicals. It is developing a pipeline of manufacturing processes for the production of 20 intermediate and basic chemicals, including butanediol and butadiene. The company intends to offer its chemical products to large consumer products or chemical companies. Genomatica, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Hummingbird Bioscience

Series C in 2021
Hummingbird Bioscience Pte. Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Singapore, specializing in the development of antibody-based therapeutics for cancer. Founded in 2014, it leverages advances in systems biology and a proprietary rational antibody discovery platform to create innovative biotherapeutics. The company focuses on a diverse pipeline of drug candidates, which includes lead assets such as HMBD-001, an anti-HER3 antibody, and HMBD-002, an anti-VISTA antibody, both aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs in oncology. Hummingbird Bioscience has established strategic collaborations with notable organizations such as Cancer Research UK and Amgen, and it has received a product development grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. The company's goal is to enhance treatment options for patients facing challenging cancer diagnoses through its cutting-edge research and development efforts.

AMSilk

Series C in 2021
AMSilk GmbH, based in Munich, Germany, specializes in producing spider silk proteins and biomaterials for various industrial applications. The company offers a range of products, including BioShield-S1, a non-immunogenic spider silk film used for protective coatings in medical devices, as well as biosteel spider silk fibers. AMSilk also develops over-the-counter wound care products like SanaSilk, designed to protect the skin, and provides spider silk-based solutions for surgical applications. Additionally, the company produces spider silk protein beads and coatings for medical technology, alongside nonwovens for filters, wound dressings, and specialty textiles. Its offerings include both raw materials and semi-finished products such as membranes and films. AMSilk serves multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and technical textiles, and has established a strategic partnership with Gruschwitz Textilwerke AG. The company was founded in 2008.

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.

Deep Branch Biotechnology

Series A in 2021
Deep Branch Biotechnology is developing scalable technology that transforms the polluters of today into the producers of tomorrow. They generate clean, nutritious and sustainable single cell protein directly from carbon dioxide present in industrial waste gas, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of emitters and providing sustainable alternatives to soy and fishmeal for the feed industry.

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.

The Protein Brewery

Series A in 2020
The Protein Brewery is a high-tech company that specializes in developing and making animal-free- based protein in a sustainable way. It's a spin-out from BioscienZ and is commercializing innovative protein production using fermentation. It was founded by Wim de Laat in 2019 and is based in Breda, Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands.

VectivBio

Venture Round in 2020
VectivBio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company bringing transformational medicines to patients with serious rare diseases. They are committed to pursuing rare diseases with well-defined biology that can be targeted with best-in-disease therapies that have the potential to meaningfully transform and improve the lives of patients and their families, not just provide an incremental improvement or benefit over the standard-of-care. It was founded as a spinout from Therachon, a biotechnology company acquired by Pfizer for its program in achondroplasia. VectivBio was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Basel, Switzerland.

Mission Bio

Series C in 2020
Mission Bio, Inc. specializes in tools for studying cellular heterogeneity in human health and life science research. The company utilizes microfluidic droplet technology to provide solutions for molecular analysis at the single-cell level. Its flagship product, the Tapestri Platform, is the first single-cell multi-omics platform, allowing for the simultaneous detection of genotype and phenotype from the same cell, which enhances the understanding of disease progression and treatment responses. Additionally, Mission Bio offers Tapestri Designer, a cloud-based tool for creating targeted single-cell DNA custom panels, applicable in various fields including oncology, blood cancers, solid tumors, and genome editing validation. Founded in 2011 and based in South San Francisco, California, the company was previously known as Torrent Bio, Inc. before rebranding in 2013.

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.

VectivBio

Series A in 2020
VectivBio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company bringing transformational medicines to patients with serious rare diseases. They are committed to pursuing rare diseases with well-defined biology that can be targeted with best-in-disease therapies that have the potential to meaningfully transform and improve the lives of patients and their families, not just provide an incremental improvement or benefit over the standard-of-care. It was founded as a spinout from Therachon, a biotechnology company acquired by Pfizer for its program in achondroplasia. VectivBio was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Basel, Switzerland.

Anokion

Series B in 2019
Anokion SA is a biotechnology company based in Ecublens, Switzerland, specializing in antigen-specific immune tolerance solutions. Originally a spin-off from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Anokion focuses on reducing the immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins and addressing autoimmune and allergic diseases. Its platform technology for antigen-specific immune tolerance is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of proteins across various clinical indications, highlighting the company's commitment to innovative therapeutic approaches.

Oxford BioMedica

Acquisition in 2019
Oxford BioMedica is a pioneer of gene and cell therapy, with a leading industry position in lentiviral vector and cell therapy research, development and manufacture. Gene therapy is the treatment of disease by delivering therapeutic DNA into a patient’s cells. This can be either in vivo or ex vivo, the latter encompassing the field of cell therapy whereby genetically modified cells are put back into the body. Their pipeline of seven gene and cell therapy therapy products addresses diseases for which there is currently no treatment or that are inadequately treated today, including ocular and central nervous system disorders. Their product candidates have the potential to transform treatment landscapes. Their strategy is to develop their product candidates to their next value inflection points whilst continuing to build OXB Solutions into a valuable revenue-generating manufacturing and development services business.

Morphic Therapeutic

Series B in 2018
Morphic Therapeutic is a biotechnology company focused on developing oral small-molecule integrin therapeutics for various medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders, fibrosis, and cancer. Its lead candidates in clinical development include MORF-720, an avß6 specific integrin inhibitor targeting idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, and MORF-057, an a4ß7 specific integrin inhibitor for inflammatory bowel disease. The company is also exploring additional integrin inhibitors for similar applications. Founded in 2015, Morphic Therapeutic has established collaborations with various organizations, including Engitix Ltd, Schrödinger, LLC, AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, to advance its research and development efforts. The company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and leverages scientific discoveries made by its founder Tim Springer to innovate in the field of integrin therapies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anokion

Series A in 2014
Anokion SA is a biotechnology company based in Ecublens, Switzerland, specializing in antigen-specific immune tolerance solutions. Originally a spin-off from the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Anokion focuses on reducing the immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins and addressing autoimmune and allergic diseases. Its platform technology for antigen-specific immune tolerance is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of proteins across various clinical indications, highlighting the company's commitment to innovative therapeutic approaches.

Imagen Biotech

Series A in 2011
Imagen Biotech, Inc. is a private, venture-backed biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying and developing therapeutics for blinding diseases with high unmet medical needs, including dry age-related macular degeneration. Since its formation in the summer of 2011 with financing from SV Life Sciences, Novo Ventures and Fidelity Biosciences, Imagen continues to evaluate numerous compounds sourced worldwide to determine their feasibility as drug development candidates. The Company was co-founded by ophthalmologists Matthew Feinsod, MD, former medical officer at FDA and later SVP with Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, and David Guyer, MD, former founder and CEO of Eyetech Pharmaceuticals and current partner with SV Life Sciences. Imagen is funded to develop approximately three compounds through predetermined milestones.

Epitherapeutics

Funding Round in 2008
EpiTherapeutics is developing novel innovative cancer drugs based on epigenetics, a therapeutic area researched by renowned scientist Professor Kristian Helin and his group at Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC) at University of Copenhagen. EpiTherapeutics’ development programs are focused on enzymes involved in the regulation of transcription in cancer.

BioMimetic Therapeutics

Series C in 2005
BioMimetic Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that develops products to help stimulate the body natural tissue regenerative process. The company's products and product candidates include Augment Injectable and Augment Rotator Cuff for several orthopedic and sports medicine indications comprising the treatment of foot and ankle fusions, the stimulation of wrist fracture healing, and the surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears, as well as Augment Tendinopathy Injection for injuries cause of tendon overuse. BioMimetic Therapeutics was founded on 1999 and is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee.

BioMimetic Therapeutics

Series C in 2004
BioMimetic Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that develops products to help stimulate the body natural tissue regenerative process. The company's products and product candidates include Augment Injectable and Augment Rotator Cuff for several orthopedic and sports medicine indications comprising the treatment of foot and ankle fusions, the stimulation of wrist fracture healing, and the surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears, as well as Augment Tendinopathy Injection for injuries cause of tendon overuse. BioMimetic Therapeutics was founded on 1999 and is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee.

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.

BioMimetic Therapeutics

Series B in 2003
BioMimetic Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that develops products to help stimulate the body natural tissue regenerative process. The company's products and product candidates include Augment Injectable and Augment Rotator Cuff for several orthopedic and sports medicine indications comprising the treatment of foot and ankle fusions, the stimulation of wrist fracture healing, and the surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears, as well as Augment Tendinopathy Injection for injuries cause of tendon overuse. BioMimetic Therapeutics was founded on 1999 and is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee.

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.

BioMimetic Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2001
BioMimetic Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that develops products to help stimulate the body natural tissue regenerative process. The company's products and product candidates include Augment Injectable and Augment Rotator Cuff for several orthopedic and sports medicine indications comprising the treatment of foot and ankle fusions, the stimulation of wrist fracture healing, and the surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears, as well as Augment Tendinopathy Injection for injuries cause of tendon overuse. BioMimetic Therapeutics was founded on 1999 and is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee.