Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Bionova Capital is a healthcare-specialized venture capital firm based in Lisbon, Portugal. Founded in 2015, the firm focused on investing in early-stage life science startups across Europe. Bionova Capital has transitioned its team to a new venture capital company named Biovance Capital Partners in 2024, following the successful raise of Biovance Capital Fund I. This transition marks a significant shift in the firm's operations, as Bionova has ceased making new investments and is now concentrating on managing its existing portfolio.
Throughout its operational years, Bionova Capital has established a reputation for backing innovative healthcare startups, particularly in the biotech sector. The firm has achieved two profitable exits, including a notable acquisition of CellmAbs by BioNTech. As of 2024, Bionova Capital's focus has shifted entirely to portfolio management, emphasizing the importance of supporting its existing investments rather than seeking new opportunities.
Bionova Capital historically invested in early-stage biotech companies across Europe, with a strong emphasis on scientific depth, medical need, and commercialization potential. The firm primarily targeted pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, providing check sizes that were not publicly disclosed. However, its successor, Biovance Capital Partners, is reported to invest between €1.5 million and €6 million in seed and Series A rounds.
The sectors of interest for Bionova included biotech, healthcare, and digital health, with a particular focus on therapeutics, medtech, diagnostics, and sterilization technologies. The firm emphasized active, value-adding investing, supported by a scientific advisory network that helped portfolio companies navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape. As of 2024, Bionova Capital has ceased new investments and is focused solely on managing its existing portfolio, which includes companies like CellmAbs and Delox.
Bionova Capital's notable portfolio companies include:
These companies exemplify Bionova's focus on innovative healthcare solutions. CellmAbs stands out as a significant success story, being part of one of the most successful biotech deals in Europe. Delox, on the other hand, continues to develop its technology aimed at improving sterilization processes, showcasing the firm's commitment to supporting impactful healthcare innovations.
Ricardo Perdigão Henriques, PhD - Managing Partner at Biovance Capital Partners, previously served as CEO of Bionova Capital from 2019 to 2024. He holds a PhD in Molecular Oncology from Harvard/MIT and has extensive experience in investment identification and portfolio management.
Peter Villax - Chairman of Bionova Capital and Partner at Biovance Capital Partners. He is a pharmaceutical entrepreneur with a background in pulmonary drug delivery and technology monetization.
João Botelho - Finance Director at Bionova Capital, with a background in finance and private equity. He has prior experience as a financial controller at ECS Capital and audit experience at Ernst & Young.
João Incio, MD, PhD - General Partner at Biovance Capital Partners, contributing his medical expertise to the investment strategy.
André Albergaria, PhD - Principal at Biovance Capital Partners, with a background in biomedical research and industry-academia collaboration.
For pitches, founders were encouraged to visit Bionova Capital's official website for submission guidelines. However, as of 2024, Bionova has ceased making new investments and is now focused on managing its existing portfolio. Founders interested in seeking investment should consider reaching out to Biovance Capital Partners, which has taken over the investment activities previously conducted by Bionova.
When preparing a pitch, it is essential to include detailed information about the scientific basis of the technology, market potential, and any existing traction. Founders should also be ready to discuss their team's expertise and the regulatory pathways for their products.
In 2024, Bionova Capital transitioned its team to a new venture capital entity named Biovance Capital Partners, marking a significant shift in its operational focus. The firm successfully raised Biovance Capital Fund I, which is set to invest in early-stage biotech companies across Europe.
Bionova Capital achieved two profitable exits, including the notable acquisition of CellmAbs by BioNTech. This acquisition highlights the firm's successful track record in the biotech sector.
What are Bionova Capital's investment criteria?
Bionova Capital historically focused on early-stage biotech companies in Europe, particularly those with strong scientific foundations and clear commercialization potential. The firm looked for startups addressing significant medical needs and possessing robust preclinical models.
How can I pitch to Bionova Capital?
Founders interested in pitching to Bionova Capital should visit their official website for contact details. However, as of 2024, Bionova has ceased making new investments and is now focused on managing its existing portfolio.
What makes Bionova Capital different from other VCs?
Bionova Capital's unique value proposition lies in its specialized focus on healthcare and biotech sectors, supported by a scientific advisory network that enhances the commercialization potential of its portfolio companies.
What is the geographic focus of Bionova Capital?
The firm primarily invested in early-stage life science startups across Europe, with a particular emphasis on Southern Europe.
What is the current status of Bionova Capital?
As of 2024, Bionova Capital has transitioned its team to Biovance Capital Partners and is no longer making new investments. The firm is now focused on managing its existing portfolio.
What types of support do portfolio companies receive?
Bionova Capital provided active support through a scientific advisory network, helping portfolio companies navigate the healthcare landscape and enhance their commercialization strategies.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.