What is industrial biotechnology?

Industrial biotechnology is a rapidly growing field that applies biomolecules and living systems to the industrial manufacturing of various products. While medical breakthroughs often dominate public attention, the use of biology as technology extends far beyond healthcare. Alternative forms of biotechnology are quietly making waves, delivering a diverse range of products from engineered meats and plants to consumer goods, chemicals, and renewable energy fuels.

We believe industrial biotechnology represents an opportunity for investors not only to generate long-term value from the finite and essential resources that support life on our planet, but also to manage them in a way that enhances those assets for future generations.

“The biggest innovations of the 21st century will be at the intersection of biology and technology”

— Steve Jobs

Our focus and support

We help investors establish a systematic approach to investing in industrial biotechnology at different stages of company development. We also advise visionary entrepreneurs and businesses applying biotechnology to develop sustainable solutions in food, chemicals, materials, and agriculture.

Seed investments

Seed capital is the first of four funding stages in building a business. Investors at this stage take on significant risks without proof of revenue

    • Technologies and patents scouting from academia and businesses

    • Qualification of commercially attractive ideas

    • Business plan preparation to transform ideas into bankable projects

    • Business model development

    • Access to equity, public grants, bank loans

    • Industry partnerships

    • Interim strategic roles

Venture investments

At this stage, venture capital supports businesses that have progressed beyond the early phase, gained traction, and started generating revenue

    • Access to equity and grant funding

    • Market analysis and investment mapping

    • Strategy and business development support in exchange for equity

    • Sounding board for C-level executives in deal negotiations

    • Company vision presentations to investors (e.g., investor decks, information memoranda)

Growth investments

Capital in the form of private equity for cash-flow-producing businesses with a proven track record of commercial success to support their growth

    • Identification of new products and services

    • Go-to-market strategy

    • Market access support

    • Acquisitions screening

    • Development of a consistent company story

    • Fractional C-level roles

Principal investments

Institutions investing capital into various assets (e.g., private equity, real estate, or public markets) with a focus on stable returns and strategic value

    • Deal origination

    • Investment screening

    • Market trends identification

    • Commercial due diligence

    • Value creation strategy

    • Change management

Public sector support

Aligning biotech potential with EU and national priorities

The European Commission’s Bioeconomy Strategy published in 2018 set in motion numerous policies and actions in support of EU competitiveness in the bio-based economy. With numerous potential solutions on the horizon, realizing the full biotechnology potential requires proactive and continuous support both from EU and national policies to support its development and application.

Insufficient manufacturing capacity to scale up production to commercially competitive levels, regulatory uncertainly, lack of national strategies must be addressed to gain economic upsides in Europe. We advise governments stakeholders on creating supportive environments to build and nurture a vibrant start-up, entrepreneurial and industrial base. We work with public sector to ensure a predictable regulatory framework to attract investment and create markets for end-products.