Biotope Ventures closes €5m first tranche of second biotech fund
Belgium’s biotech incubator Biotope Ventures has secured €5 million in the first close of its second fund, targeting €9 million to invest in 30 early-stage biotech startups focused on sustainable solutions for agriculture, food, and materials over the next 18 months.
Biotope by VIB team seated (L-R): Annick Verween, Head; Anne Helfer, Support Manager; Peter Cauwels, Fund Manager; Lore de Valck, Programme Officer
Biotope by VIB, launched in 2022 by Belgium’s leading life sciences research institute VIB, has achieved this milestone with backing from Belgian Bank BNP Paribas Fortis, Agri Investment Fund (AIF), SFPIM Relaunch, Anacura, VIB, and family offices The Nest and Edaphon. The fund will enable €250,000 investments in international early-stage biotech ventures developing solutions for planetary health challenges.
Strong track record drives investor confidence
The incubator’s first fund demonstrated significant success, investing in 16 European startups over three years. Four portfolio companies – Zymofix, AmphiStar, B’Zeos and PFx biotech – have already completed their seed funding rounds. The portfolio has collectively attracted €30 million in follow-on financing, with nearly half secured through grants, achieving capital leverage exceeding 10x.
“This first close is an amazing milestone for us. It means we can keep saying ‘yes’ to early, brave and diverse biotech founders creating positive impact,” said Annick Verween, Head of biotope by VIB. “The funding we provide is about more than just runway – it’s about freedom. With €250K cash investment, founders can focus on unlocking the potential of their technology without being distracted by short-term fundraising pressure.”
Rigorous selection process ensures quality pipeline
Biotope’s selection model involves inviting cohorts of up to 12 biotech startups to participate in a three-week hybrid basecamp experience in Belgium. From each cohort, 2-4 startups are selected for investment and receive 18 months of tailored, hands-on support. The programme focuses on scientific key inflection points and deep technology whilst providing access to state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse facilities at VIB and pilot facilities through its partner network.
Twice yearly, three promising startups are selected following a stringent evaluation process. Selected companies receive comprehensive support designed to de-risk their biotechnology, strengthen intellectual property and regulatory strategies, establish solid business foundations, and prepare for subsequent financing rounds.
Diverse founding teams drive innovation
The incubator has achieved notable diversity metrics within the biotech sector. Seventy-five per cent of supported startups feature mixed-gender founding teams, contrasting sharply with an industry where 80% of teams are male-only. Additionally, 58% of startup employees are women, and 48 high-quality full-time equivalent positions have been created.
“We’re incredibly grateful to announce the launch of Biotope Ventures 2. Thanks to the investors, we can continue to tackle the sustainability crisis through technology and entrepreneurship. At VIB, we witness firsthand the significant impact and leverage biotope creates,” said Jérôme Van Biervliet, VIB’s Managing Director.
Strategic investor backing validates approach
Céline Vaessen, CEO of SFPIM Relaunch, highlighted the programme’s proven capabilities: “SFPIM Relaunch recognises the outstanding track record that biotope has established over the past three years. The team has not only attracted top international talent to Ghent but has also played a key role in accelerating the go-to-market strategies of the incubated start-ups.”
Vincent Vliebergh, Managing Partner at Edaphon, emphasised the comprehensive support structure: “We are proud to invest in Biotope Ventures 2 as it offers a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, hands-on entrepreneurship support, and access to a powerful ecosystem of experts, investors, and facilities.”
Agricultural sector focus attracts specialist investors
Barbara Berckmans, Investment Manager at AIF, noted the agricultural sector alignment: “Our investment in Biotope Ventures 2 underscores our strong commitment to innovation for the benefit of the agricultural sector. We are particularly proud to support a fund that is deeply rooted in our local ecosystem, successfully attracting entrepreneurs from around the globe to catalyse their transformative solutions.”
Felix Van Camp, Managing Director at Anacura, added: “Anacura is a committed backer of Biotope Ventures. Their work in supporting young biotech startups and entrepreneurs has been invaluable for our ecosystem. A thriving biotope is essential for an ecosystem to flourish, and the ecosystem is paramount for Anacura’s growth.”
The programme receives additional funding support from the Flemish Government, the European Union, and the City of Ghent, reinforcing its role in advancing sustainable biotechnology solutions across food, agriculture, and materials sectors.
- For more information, visit: https://biotope-incubator.com
