
Novo Ventures
Description
Novo Ventures is the dedicated early-stage venture capital arm of Novo Holdings, a prominent international life science investor. As the holding company for the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Novo Holdings manages a substantial portfolio with a core mission to improve people's health and societal sustainability. This unique structure provides Novo Ventures with a long-term, purpose-driven investment philosophy, aligning its financial objectives with broader philanthropic goals in the life sciences sector.
The firm strategically focuses on innovative life science companies at the Seed, Series A, and Series B stages. Their investment scope is broad, encompassing critical areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health. Novo Ventures primarily targets promising ventures in North America and Europe, seeking companies with disruptive technologies and robust leadership.
Novo Ventures typically provides initial investments ranging from $5 million to $25 million, often taking a lead or significant co-investor position in funding rounds. Beyond financial capital, the firm offers substantial strategic guidance and operational support, leveraging the extensive network and deep industry expertise of Novo Holdings. This comprehensive support system aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of groundbreaking solutions.
The significant financial strength of Novo Holdings, which managed over $127 billion in assets as of December 2023, underpins Novo Ventures' capacity for substantial capital deployment and follow-on investments. This robust backing enables Novo Ventures to support its portfolio companies through various growth phases, fostering long-term partnerships dedicated to advancing life sciences and contributing to the Novo Nordisk Foundation's overarching mission.
Investor Profile
Novo Ventures has backed more than 76 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 27 rounds, about 36% of its total and boasts 40 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Series A, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland.
- Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Health Care, Therapeutics.
- Typical check size: $5M – $25M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (38%)
- Series A (25%)
- Series C (11%)
- Series D (9%)
- Series Unknown (8%)
- Seed (4%)
- Post Ipo Equity (3%)
- Series E (1%)
- Private Equity (1%)
Country Focus
- United States (66%)
- United Kingdom (14%)
- Switzerland (7%)
- France (5%)
- Canada (3%)
- Denmark (3%)
- The Netherlands (1%)
- China (1%)
Industry Focus
- Biotechnology
- Health Care
- Therapeutics
- Pharmaceutical
- Medical
- Biopharma
- Medical Device
- Life Science
- Oncology
- Wellness
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.