Forbion, a prominent venture capital firm specializing in life sciences, has achieved a significant milestone by raising over €2 billion ($2.2 billion) across its two latest funds. This unprecedented fundraising includes €1.2 billion for the Forbion Growth Opportunities Fund III and €890 million for the Forbion Ventures Fund VII. As a result, the firm’s total assets under management now amount to €5 billion ($5.5 billion), solidifying its position as a leading player in the biotech investment landscape.

The successful fundraising comes on the heels of a robust performance, highlighted by six successful exits exceeding $1 billion in just the past year. These exits showcase Forbion's ability to generate impactful returns for its investors, bolstering confidence in the firm's strategic approach to investing in life sciences.

Capitalizing on Market Opportunities

Sander Slootweg, Managing Partner and co-founder of Forbion, expressed gratitude to their investors for their continued trust in the firm’s capacity to identify and nurture innovative biotech companies. He noted, “With greater levels of capital, we are able to extend more support to our portfolio companies as they grow and seek to maximize their potential.” He emphasized that Forbion is keen to leverage this capital to invest in both European and North American companies, focusing on those that are developing groundbreaking therapeutics.

Robbert van de Griendt, General Partner in Investor Relations and Impact, acknowledged the challenges of raising funds in the current volatile market. He attributed the record fundraising success to the firm’s consistent historical returns, impressive recent exits, and the strength of their investment strategy, which continues to resonate with both existing and new investors.

A Proven Track Record of Success

Forbion’s latest fundraising is built on a solid foundation of previous successes. The firm has generated consistent returns through a meticulous investment strategy that emphasizes companies with robust fundamentals and innovative scientific approaches. This platform strategy enables Forbion to support its portfolio companies throughout their life cycles—helping them not only to build but also to expand.

Recent notable exits from Forbion's portfolio include Yellow Jersey Therapeutics, a subsidiary of Numab Therapeutics, as well as Mariana Oncology and Aiolos Bio. These achievements have further cemented Forbion’s reputation as a top-performing European venture capital manager, as recognized by Preqin's 2024 awards.

With a diverse portfolio of 58 active investments, Forbion has taken a leading role in most initial investment rounds, having led or co-led 88% of the rounds for 26 portfolio companies across its Growth Opportunities Fund II and Ventures Fund VI. The firm’s investment strategy is designed to empower biotech companies through their developmental stages, ultimately aiming for impactful market presence.

Commitment to Innovative Science

Forbion’s investments have significantly advanced medical science, with the firm having made 128 investments since its inception over two decades ago. These contributions include breakthroughs in gene and immune therapies, with 256 scientific publications emerging from its portfolio companies. As of the end of 2023, the active portfolio companies reported 129 drug programs in development or discovery, with 80% focused on disease modification, aligning with Forbion's goal of fostering novel therapeutics in areas of significant medical need.

The firm’s investment team, comprising over 30 professionals with extensive expertise in drug development, positions Forbion among the largest life sciences venture capital teams in Europe. The company benefits from strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Lonza, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Charles River Laboratories, enhancing its capacity to support portfolio companies from its offices in Naarden, The Netherlands, Munich, Germany, and Boston, Massachusetts.

Looking Forward

Forbion is well-prepared to deploy the new funds effectively, with expectations to invest in approximately 15 portfolio companies for each of the new funds. The firm’s commitment to identifying and supporting innovative biotechnologies remains unwavering, as it seeks to not only achieve strong financial returns but also contribute positively to society.

Forbion's remarkable fundraising achievement and its continued success in the life sciences sector exemplify the firm’s strategic vision and operational expertise. With a track record of impactful investments and strong market presence, Forbion is poised to play a significant role in the future of biotechnology, addressing critical health challenges while delivering exceptional value to its investors.