Sunstone Capital

Sunstone Life Science Ventures, established in 2007 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in the life sciences sector. The firm primarily targets companies involved in specialty pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, oncology, and diagnostic equipment. Sunstone manages multiple funds that have invested across Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, aiming to support innovative ventures that develop novel pharmaceutical ingredients for therapeutic applications. By concentrating on the life sciences domain, Sunstone seeks to foster advancements that can significantly impact human health and medical treatments.

Claus A. Andersson

General Partner

Robert Cobuzzi

Venture Partner

Christer Fahraeus

Venture Partner, Technology

Konstantinos Georgios Kokkonos

Associate

Søren Lemonius

Co-Founder & Managing General Partner

Jacob Lange Moresco

Investment Director

Stephanie Munk

Senior Associate

Merete Lundbye Møller

Venture Partner, General Counsel

Sten Verland Ph.D

Co-founder Founder & Venture Partner

Past deals in Denmark

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.

Minervax

Series B in 2020
Minervax is pursuing the development of a vaccine against Group B streptococcus (GBS) infections by utilizing a particular fusion protein, which has proved to elicit good protective immunity. A vaccine including this fusion protein will likely elicit protective immunity against many clinically relevant GBS strains.

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.

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.

Minervax

Grant in 2019
Minervax is pursuing the development of a vaccine against Group B streptococcus (GBS) infections by utilizing a particular fusion protein, which has proved to elicit good protective immunity. A vaccine including this fusion protein will likely elicit protective immunity against many clinically relevant GBS strains.

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.

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.

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.

Minervax

Venture Round in 2016
Minervax is pursuing the development of a vaccine against Group B streptococcus (GBS) infections by utilizing a particular fusion protein, which has proved to elicit good protective immunity. A vaccine including this fusion protein will likely elicit protective immunity against many clinically relevant GBS strains.

Corti

Seed Round in 2016
Corti is an artificial intelligence platform designed to assist emergency medical dispatchers in making critical, life-saving decisions. By enhancing the medical triaging process, Corti reduces errors and improves the accuracy of human decision-making, ultimately aiming to save more lives in emergency situations. The company's technology serves as an intelligent partner, providing valuable insights and support to dispatchers as they navigate high-pressure scenarios.

Orphazyme

Series B in 2015
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.

FBC Device

Venture Round in 2014
In 2013, the company's first spinal fusion implant in the Statur product line received CE mark. At the same time, the company was ISO 13485 certified demonstrating its adherence to the highest quality standards. With these accomplishments, the company is now ready to be introduced on the European and Canadian markets. In early 2005, FBC Device was founded. With initial financial support in place, FBC Device was established and initial patents filed in late 2005. In December 2010, the European patent was granted and further funding raised, and in 2011 the US patent was granted.

Minervax

Venture Round in 2014
Minervax is pursuing the development of a vaccine against Group B streptococcus (GBS) infections by utilizing a particular fusion protein, which has proved to elicit good protective immunity. A vaccine including this fusion protein will likely elicit protective immunity against many clinically relevant GBS strains.

Santaris Pharma

Venture Round in 2012
Santaris Pharma A/S is a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of RNA-targeted therapies. The LNA Drug Platform and Drug Discovery Engine developed by Santaris Pharma A/S combine the company’s proprietary LNA chemistry with its highly specialized and targeted drug development capabilities to rapidly deliver potent single-stranded LNA-based drug candidates across a multitude of disease states. The company’s research and development activities focus on infectious diseases and cardiometabolic disorders, while partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies include a range of therapeutic areas including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious and inflammatory diseases, and rare genetic disorders. The company has strategic partnerships with miRagen Therapeutics, Shire PLC, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Enzon Pharmaceuticals. As part of its broad patent estate, the company holds exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture, have manufactured and sell products that contain LNA as an active ingredient for studies performed with a view to obtaining marketing approval. Santaris Pharma A/S, founded in 2003, is headquartered in Denmark with operations in the United States.

Nuevolution

Venture Round in 2012
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.

Adenium Biotech ApS

Venture Round in 2012
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.

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.

Acarix

Seed Round in 2010
Acarix AB is a medical technology company that specializes in developing and commercializing diagnostic tests for cardiovascular diseases, focusing on non-invasive and non-radiation methods. The primary product, the CADScor System, is designed to diagnose coronary artery disease by utilizing a sensor that records, processes, and displays heart signals. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, Acarix operates in Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and other international markets. The company's technology is rooted in pioneering research from Aalborg University in Denmark, which began in 2004. Acarix emerged as a spin-out from Coloplast A/S, with significant backing from both Coloplast and Aalborg University as major shareholders. The company has successfully attracted venture capital and public funding to support its research and development efforts, positioning itself as a leader in the field of cardiovascular diagnostics.

Action Pharma

Series C in 2010
Action Pharma A/S develops novel drugs for cardio vascular treatment. The company also conducts pre-clinical and early clinical trials of new pharmaceutical products and treatment concepts for cardiovascular, inflammatory, and acquired metabolic diseases. Its products include COMPOUND AP1189, an oral anti-inflammatory compound under development for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis; and COMPOUND AP405, a modified MSH peptide analogue under development for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. Action Pharma A/S was founded in 2000 and is based in Aarhus, Denmark.

Biomonitor

Venture Round in 2008
Biomonitor, founded in 2003 by Professor Klaus Bendtzen and Arsalan Kharazmi as a spinout from the University of Copenhagen, specializes in pharmaceutical development services. The company leverages Professor Bendtzen's extensive research experience in inflammation and immunology, particularly his discoveries related to patient responses to biopharmaceuticals. It has been established that some patients develop antibodies against the proteins and peptides used in these treatments, which can hinder their efficacy. Consequently, Biomonitor focuses on creating methods to monitor these biopharmaceuticals, ensuring that patients receive optimal therapeutic benefits. Since its inception, the company has experienced significant growth, reflecting its commitment to improving patient care in chronic disease management.

Action Pharma

Series B in 2008
Action Pharma A/S develops novel drugs for cardio vascular treatment. The company also conducts pre-clinical and early clinical trials of new pharmaceutical products and treatment concepts for cardiovascular, inflammatory, and acquired metabolic diseases. Its products include COMPOUND AP1189, an oral anti-inflammatory compound under development for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis; and COMPOUND AP405, a modified MSH peptide analogue under development for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. Action Pharma A/S was founded in 2000 and is based in Aarhus, Denmark.

Santaris Pharma

Series C in 2007
Santaris Pharma A/S is a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of RNA-targeted therapies. The LNA Drug Platform and Drug Discovery Engine developed by Santaris Pharma A/S combine the company’s proprietary LNA chemistry with its highly specialized and targeted drug development capabilities to rapidly deliver potent single-stranded LNA-based drug candidates across a multitude of disease states. The company’s research and development activities focus on infectious diseases and cardiometabolic disorders, while partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies include a range of therapeutic areas including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious and inflammatory diseases, and rare genetic disorders. The company has strategic partnerships with miRagen Therapeutics, Shire PLC, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Enzon Pharmaceuticals. As part of its broad patent estate, the company holds exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture, have manufactured and sell products that contain LNA as an active ingredient for studies performed with a view to obtaining marketing approval. Santaris Pharma A/S, founded in 2003, is headquartered in Denmark with operations in the United States.