Key Takeaways
- Significant Funding: Three biotope startups raised over €10M in investments and secured €10.4M in grants.
- Product Launches: New biosurfactant products and biodegradable packaging solutions introduced.
- Team Growth: Biotope’s portfolio workforce doubled, projected to exceed 82.3 FTE by 2025.
- Global Reach: Startups from seven countries participated in biotope’s autumn 2024 basecamp.
- Incubator Impact: Biotope continues to drive biotech innovation with tailored support and investment.
Portfolio Successes in 2024
Belgium-based biotech incubator biotope by VIB (Profile) marked a landmark year in 2024, with its portfolio startups achieving notable progress in securing funding, launching products, and expanding teams. Since its inception in 2022, biotope has supported biotech startups through an 18-month program focused on pre-seed funding, IP strategy, business development, and scientific advancements.
Funding Milestones:
- AmphiStar (Belgium): Raised €6M pre-series A funding from ECBF, Qbic III, and Flanders Future Tech Fund, alongside a €2M grant from Germany’s SPRIN-D.
- ZymoFix (Belgium): Closed a €2M seed round led by High-Tech Gründerfonds, with contributions from the Nest family office and VP Capital.
- B’Zeos (Switzerland/Spain): Secured a multi-million Euro seed round led by FABER and ICIG Ventures, bringing total funding to over €5M.
Notable Achievements
Product Development and Leadership Expansion
- AmphiStar: Introduced two biosurfactant products, AmphiCare™ and AmphiClean™, targeting personal care and home cleaning industries. Appointed Pierre-Franck Valentin, former Solvay executive, as CEO.
- ZymoFix: Received funding for the N-Spire biofertilizer project through the EIC Accelerator. Appointed Wendy Maddelein as Chief Scientific Officer, leveraging her expertise from Devgen and Syngenta.
Grants and Recognition
Biotope startups collectively secured €10.4M in grant funding, emphasizing the importance of investment and support in unlocking further opportunities.
Team Expansion
The biotope portfolio grew from 32.3 FTE to a projected 82.3 FTE by 2025, reflecting the increasing momentum of the supported startups.
Leadership Insights
Annick Verween, Head of Biotope, remarked: “Our startups demonstrate the best of what biotech can achieve when talented minds are provided the right resources. Despite a challenging investment climate, biotope remains committed to nurturing innovation that fosters a sustainable future.”
Sophie Roelants, COO of AmphiStar, added: “Biotope was pivotal in helping us secure our funding rounds. Their support connected us with exceptional individuals and investors, accelerating our progress significantly.”
Guy Maurice, SeaEO® of B’Zeos, emphasized: “Biotope’s tailored guidance and network have sharpened our strategic focus and accelerated growth. Their mentorship has been instrumental in refining our approach and building strong partnerships.”
Biotope’s Growing Reach
Since its launch in 2022 by the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), biotope has supported five startup cohorts with €250,000 investments and access to its extensive network of investors and experts. The autumn 2024 basecamp featured startups from seven countries, including Belgium, Germany, Israel, and the United Kingdom, showcasing its global influence.
