Investment firms
During 2024, startups and scaleups established in Catalonia achieved an investment of 347 million euros, a new record that represents an increase of 54% compared to the previous year. The number of national and international firms has remained balanced in the last five years. National firms remain very active and in 2024 they led 22 operations.
Ysios Capital
The most important VC firm in Spain and the most international. It invests globally in biotechnology companies developing innovative therapies. Manages assets valued at over €400 million through 3 funds.
Attraction of investment firms
In 2024, the entry of international capital stands out, totaling a total of 152 firms (108 in the last 5 years) to date and which has a majority origin from Europe and the United States, and which often plays a key role in the closing of large operations. Thus, together with investors established in Barcelona with whom they co-invest (this year in 11 operations) or, independently, large firms such as Forbion, Sofinnova and Wellington, among many others, are committed to talent, science and technology developed in Catalonia.
75% of the venture capital raised has international participation
International VC interest in startups and scaleups in the ecosystem is recovering strongly in 2024 (see figure below) and has driven significant growth in biotech and tecmed. In fact, venture capital raised in syndicated rounds has increased 3.3 times compared to 2023, and single international capital has increased 5 times, thanks to investments in rounds such as Impress, Heura or Novameat. On the other hand, investment in digital health has decreased significantly, in line with the trend observed internationally.
Specialized investment firms
The BioRegion has more than 70 investment firms in health, including 8 investment funds specialized in the life sciences and health sector.
Ysios Capital
The most important VC firm in Spain and the most international. It invests globally in biotechnology companies developing innovative therapies. Manages assets valued at over €400 million through 3 funds.
Caixa Capital Risc
CriteriaCaixa venture capital manager that invests in innovative startups. It has three teams that specialize in the life sciences, ICT and industrial technology. Manages assets valued at €232 million through 9 investment vehicles.
Alta Life Sciences
Invests in biotech, biopharma, medtech and digital health companies at all stages of development. In 2023, it launched a new SFDR qualified fund, Aliath Bioventures, with a significant focus on sustainable impact investment.
Asabys Partners
Focuses on investment in innovative early stage companies in health (biotechnology, medical technology, disruptive services and digital therapeutics). Its second fund successfully closes with €180M after exceeding its target of €150M.
Invivo Ventures
Venture capital firm specializing in early-stage healthcare companies, with investments in 15 companies and 3 successful exits. Its companies have raised over €350 million in global venture capital.
Inveready
Their life sciences branch focuses on early stage and series A projects in drug development, with in vivo proof of concept and toxicology, as well as digital health and consumer health projects. Manages assets valued at €60 million, 19 companies.
CGHealth Ventures
Provides investment and support for early stage projects by innovative startups, especially in digital health, information technology for health and genomics.
Nina Capital
Fund specializing in healthtech and digital health that prioritizes investment in highly innovative projects based on unmet clinical needs in Europe, the United Kingdom, Israel, the United States and Canada.