Biotech companies show to be resilient and see venture financing grow in 2020
Biotechgate, the leading global biotech database, presents their annual Trend Analysis Report 2021 of the Dutch life sciences sector. The report shows the resilience of the Dutch biotech sector. Although the coronavirus had a negative impact on the amount of clinical trials, biotech companies attracted double the amount of venture financing compared to 2020. This growth in difficult economic times shows both the important societal and economic value of the sector.
A vibrant ecosystem
With many ground-breaking companies, world-class universities and an attractive business climate, the Netherlands is the perfect location for biopharmaceutical innovation in Europe. This is reflected in a vibrant ecosystem. Biotechgate currently lists 493 biotech companies, 140 medtech companies, 50 digital health companies and 42 pharma companies in the Netherlands. There are 160 products in preclinical phase and 116 products in the clinical phase.
Resilience in times of crisis
Dutch biotech companies have shown to be resilient in times of a crisis. The coronavirus had a negative impact on the amount of clinical trials, which dropped to 2013 levels. Even so, biotech businesses were still able to double the amount of venture financing. In total life science companies raised $620 million. Biotech companies accounted for the largest share of that number. $559,12 million was raised in 22 private equity rounds by biotech companies. The three biggest rounds were raised by Neogene Therapeutics ($110 million), Lava Therapeutics (83 million) and Mosa Meat ($74 million).
HollandBIO’s managing director Annemiek Verkamman is proud of the Dutch life sciences sector: “The life sciences sector really shows its strength during the corona crisis. The sector is able to produce vaccines against COVID-19 in an amazing short time period. It also shows its capability to attract an extensive amount of venture financing for R&D, due to its non-cyclic character. Investing in life sciences not only contributes to sustainability, health and economic growth, but also helps the to boost our economies out of the corona crisis.”
Download full report here.
