Key Takeaways
- biotope by VIB has announced a €5 million first close toward its €9 million target for its second fund.
- The fund will support up to 30 early-stage biotech startups with €250,000 each, alongside tailored business and technical support.
- Backers include BNP Paribas Fortis, Agri Investment Fund, SFPIM Relaunch, Anacura, Edaphon, and The Nest.
- biotope emphasizes de-risking science and IP strategy, with a focus on diversity and global impact.
- The announcement highlights continued momentum in Belgium’s biotech ecosystem, centered in Ghent.
biotope by VIB Launches Second Fund to Back Global Biotech Startups
biotope by VIB has announced the first close of its second investment fund, raising €5 million toward a targeted €9 million goal. The fund will provide €250,000 in funding to as many as 30 international early-stage biotech startups over the next 18 months.
The initiative is backed by a consortium of investors including BNP Paribas Fortis, Agri Investment Fund (AIF), SFPIM Relaunch, Anacura, The Nest, Edaphon, and biotope’s founding institute, the Flemish Biotechnology Institute (VIB).
Support Model Designed to De-Risk and Prepare Startups for Growth
Selected startups receive more than capital — they undergo a structured 3-week “basecamp” designed to validate their scientific and technological foundations and prepare for their next investment rounds. This is followed by targeted mentorship aimed at de-risking their innovation, strengthening intellectual property strategies, and laying the groundwork for further fundraising.
“Our first close means we can keep saying yes to early, brave and diverse biotech founders,” said Annick Verween, Head of biotope by VIB. “The funding we provide is about more than just runway — it’s about freedom.”
Strong Track Record and Focus on Diversity
Biotope’s first fund backed 16 startups, helping them raise a collective €30 million in follow-on funding, nearly half through grants. Portfolio companies include Zymofix, AmphiStar, B’Zeos, and PFx Biotech.
The organization has also emphasized diversity in its approach, with 75% of portfolio companies having mixed-gender founding teams and 58% of startup employees being women.
Céline Vaessen, CEO of SFPIM Relaunch, said: “We are particularly impressed by their commitment to supporting diverse founding teams. We are excited to join Biotope Ventures 2 and contribute to the continued growth of the Belgian biotech ecosystem.”
Investor Support Reflects Confidence in Local and Global Impact by biotope by VIB
Edaphon’s Vincent Vliebergh highlighted the fund’s combination of technical and business support, noting, “For Edaphon, backing biotope means helping to provide the conditions that early-stage biotech ventures need to grow into companies with tangible, lasting impact.”
Barbara Berckmans, Investment Manager at AIF, added that the fund aligns with efforts to bring transformative agricultural innovation to market: “Our investment in Biotope Ventures 2 underscores our strong commitment to innovation for the benefit of the agricultural sector.”
