Biotope Ventures secures €5 million to back brave biotech startups

Biotope by VIB has announced the first close of its second fund, securing €5 million (approximately US$5.4 million) toward its €9 million (US$9.7 million) target. The fresh capital will enable the Ghent-based initiative to continue backing early-stage biotech startups tackling planetary health challenges through science and innovation.

Over the next 18 months, Biotope expects to raise an additional €4 million (US$4.3 million), bringing the total fund to €9 million. With it, the team plans to invest €250,000 (US$270,000) each in up to 30 international startups working in biotech fields spanning food, agriculture, and materials.

Among the contributors to this second fund are BNP Paribas Fortis, Agri Investment Fund (AIF), SFPIM Relaunch, Anacura, the Flemish Biotechnology Institute (VIB), and family offices The Nest and Edaphon.

“This first close is an amazing milestone for us,” commented Annick Verween, Head of biotope by VIB. “It means we can keep saying ‘yes’ to early, brave and diverse biotech founders creating positive impact. The funding we provide is about more than just runway – it’s about freedom. With €250,000 cash investment, founders can focus on unlocking the potential of their technology without being distracted by short-term fundraising pressure.”

Each year, Biotope selects six promising startups through a competitive process. Twice a year, three founders enter a three-week 'basecamp' program where their value proposition is challenged, particularly from a scientific and technical perspective. Those who pass muster go on to pitch Biotope’s Investment Committee, and if selected, receive not only funding but tailored support designed to de-risk their technology, shore up their regulatory and IP strategies, and prepare them for future rounds.

VIB’s Managing Director Jérôme Van Biervliet emphasized the broader mission. “We’re incredibly grateful to announce the launch of Biotope Ventures 2,” he said. “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.”

That impact was evident in Biotope’s first fund, which backed 16 startups over three years. Four of those – Zymofix, AmphiStar, B’Zeos and PFx Biotech – have already secured seed funding. Collectively, the portfolio has attracted €30 million (US$32.5 million) in follow-on financing, nearly half of which came through grants. That represents a capital leverage of more than 10x.

The strong results are one reason why investors have come back for the second fund.

“SFPIM Relaunch recognizes the outstanding track record that biotope has established over the past three years,” said Céline Vaessen, CEO of SFPIM Relaunch. “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 startups. We are particularly impressed by their commitment to supporting diverse founding teams.”

Vincent Vliebergh, Managing Partner at Edaphon, said the fund combines “deep scientific expertise, hands-on entrepreneurship support, and access to a powerful ecosystem of experts, investors, and facilities,” adding that Biotope offers early-stage ventures the conditions they need to grow into impactful companies.

Diversity is a core pillar of Biotope’s approach. Among its existing portfolio, 75% of startups have mixed-gender founding teams – bucking a sector trend where 80% of founding teams are male-only. Women make up 58% of startup employees across the portfolio, and 48 high-quality full-time jobs have been created so far.

Barbara Berckmans, Investment Manager at AIF, noted that the fund’s local grounding also adds to its appeal. “Our investment in Biotope Ventures 2 underscores our strong commitment to innovation for the benefit of the agricultural sector,” she said. “We are particularly proud to support a fund that is deeply rooted in our local ecosystem, successfully attracting entrepreneurs from around the globe to catalyze their transformative solutions.”

Felix Van Camp, Managing Director at Anacura, said Biotope’s success has been invaluable. “A thriving biotope is essential for an ecosystem to flourish, and the ecosystem is paramount for Anacura’s growth,” he said.

[Main picture, from left to right, shows Biotope by VIB team including Annick Verween (Head), Anne Helfer (Support Manager), Peter Cauwels (Fund Manager), Lore de Valck (Programme Officer)]