For European biotech, the first quarter (Q1) of 2023 could hardly be described as the best of times – but the period did not represent the worst of times either. European firms engaged in drug discovery and development collectively raised $1.88 billion during this period. The tally is 4% less than the total raised in the comparable period last year, and it represents just 32% of the total raised during the COVID-19-fueled biotech boom during 2021. But it’s still the third highest Q1 raise during the last six years.
Shoulder Innovations Inc. (SI) reported closing of an oversubscribed $42 million series D financing to further advance commercialization and distribution of its integrated Inset system. In addition to functions performed by SI’s humeral short stem, reverse and stemless components the new implant has proven its ability to overcome loosening of the glenoid, one the most challenging procedures to perform during arthroplasty.
Beijing Vas Medical Co. Ltd. raised ¥100 million (US$15M) in an angel financing round as well as obtaining marketing approval from China’s NMPA for its vascular interventional surgery robot. The company plans to use the funds to develop technology, update products, expand its team and make promotions.
Startup Aiomic ApS received a capital injection in the form of a €1.3 million (US$1.4 million) convertible loan from Denmark’s Bioinnovation Institute (BII) that will allow the company to further develop and commercialize its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven Aiomic360 platform, which is designed to reduce the number of postoperative complications.
Yongrenxin Medical Instrument Co. Ltd. raised nearly $100 million in a series A funding round to build a health platform to treat heart failures. Sinovac Biotech Ltd. led the round.
Mvision AI Oy raised €5.4 million (US$5.8 million) in a post seed funding round to help accelerate the development of its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automatic segmentation software, which automates and standardizes radiotherapy treatment for patients. Mvision aims to make same day cancer treatment a standard globally. The funding was led by J12 Ventures and Voima Ventures.
Vitestro Holding BV reported raising $12.7 million in series A financing round to develop the world’s first autonomous blood drawing device. This round was led by Sonder Capital Inc., alongside existing investors and new angel investors with experience in the clinical laboratory and med-tech industry. “Thanks to this fundraising, we are going to accelerate the product development, prepare EU marketing authorization, and initiate production,” Toon Overbeeke, CEO and co-founder of Vitestro, explains to BioWorld.
Early-stage venture capital firm Karista SAS reported the third edition of its European digital health funds mapping report. This mapping included all funds with global headquarters in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the U.K., Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Nordics.
Health Guard Biotechnology Inc. raised ¥294 million (US$43 million) in an IPO on the SME-focused Beijing Stock Exchange, with the funds going to push the development of its HPV vaccines.
