
Panakes Partners
Description
Panakes Partners is a prominent European venture capital firm based in Milan, Italy, specializing in the life sciences sector. The firm strategically invests in cutting-edge companies developing medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health solutions. Their investment thesis centers on supporting innovative technologies that address significant unmet medical needs and have the potential for global impact.
Panakes Partners typically engages with companies across various development stages, from early-stage seed and Series A rounds to more mature growth-stage opportunities. While primarily focused on European innovation, their mandate extends to promising ventures in Israel and the United States, reflecting a broad geographic ambition to source the most impactful life science technologies. The firm is known for its hands-on approach, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and access to a vast network of industry experts.
The firm has successfully raised significant capital to deploy into the life sciences ecosystem. Their first fund, Panakes Fund I, launched in 2015, raised €50 million. Building on this success, Panakes Partners closed its second fund, Panakes Fund II, in 2022, exceeding its target to reach €160 million. This substantial capital base enables them to make initial investments typically ranging from €1 million to €5 million. They also commit to supporting their portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds, with the capacity to invest up to €15 million per company over its lifecycle, demonstrating a long-term commitment to their ventures.
Panakes Partners' expertise lies in identifying and nurturing companies that are poised to disrupt the healthcare landscape. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to diverse areas within life sciences, from advanced imaging and surgical tools to AI-powered diagnostics and remote patient monitoring platforms. The firm's deep industry knowledge and operational experience are key assets they bring to their portfolio companies, aiming to accelerate their growth and market penetration.
Investor Profile
Panakes Partners has backed more than 38 startups, with 10 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 20 rounds, about 53% of its total and boasts 0 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 Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
- Strong thematic focus on Health Care, Medical Device, Biotechnology.
- Led 7 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $1.1M – $5.4M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (37%)
- Series A (24%)
- Series C (13%)
- Series Unknown (13%)
- Seed (11%)
- Series D (3%)
Country Focus
- Italy (39%)
- Switzerland (16%)
- United Kingdom (13%)
- Ireland (11%)
- United States (5%)
- France (5%)
- The Netherlands (5%)
- Germany (3%)
- Spain (3%)
Industry Focus
- Health Care
- Medical Device
- Biotechnology
- Medical
- Therapeutics
- Manufacturing
- Robotics
- Health Diagnostics
- Clinical Trials
- Pharmaceutical
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.