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Ysios Capital is a European venture capital firm founded in 2008, with offices located in San Sebastián and Barcelona, Spain. The firm has established itself as a leader in the biotech investment space, focusing on innovative companies that develop novel therapies to address significant unmet medical needs. Ysios Capital manages over €400 million in assets under management (AUM) and has successfully launched three funds since its inception, including the latest, Ysios BioFund III, which was launched in 2020 with a size of €216 million.
Over the years, Ysios Capital has built a diverse portfolio of 33 companies, demonstrating its commitment to supporting pioneering science and exceptional teams. The firm has played a pivotal role in the growth of the Spanish biotech ecosystem, becoming one of the largest life sciences venture capital firms in Spain. Notable milestones include significant exits such as Tigenix, Biovex, STAT-Diagnostica, and Prexton, showcasing the firm's ability to back globally competitive biotech ventures.
Ysios Capital invests globally in biotech ventures, with a strong emphasis on innovative therapeutic drugs. The firm targets companies that are developing late preclinical and early clinical projects, focusing on both asset-centric companies and product-enabling platform technologies. Their investment strategy is designed to identify exceptional teams that possess pioneering science and a commitment to transforming patient care.
The firm seeks to partner with companies that are addressing high unmet medical needs, particularly in the fields of biotech and healthcare. Check sizes typically range from pre-seed to Series C, allowing Ysios Capital to support companies at various stages of development. Their investment thesis emphasizes the importance of strong scientific foundations and the potential for clinical efficacy, ensuring that they align with ventures that have the capacity to make a significant impact in the medical field.
Ysios Capital's portfolio includes a diverse range of innovative biotech companies, with notable investments such as:
In addition to these current portfolio companies, Ysios Capital has achieved notable exits, including Tigenix, Biovex, STAT-Diagnostica, and Prexton, which highlight the firm's successful track record in the biotech sector.
Joël Jean-Mairet - Managing Partner: Joël has extensive experience in the biotech sector, having led numerous successful investments and exits. He holds a degree in Biochemistry and has a strong background in life sciences.
Julia Salaverría - Managing Partner: Julia specializes in venture capital and has a deep understanding of the biotech landscape. She has been instrumental in building the firm's portfolio and has a background in finance.
Karen Wagner - Managing Partner: Karen brings a wealth of experience in biotech investments and has a strong track record of supporting portfolio companies through their growth phases.
Cristina Garmendia - General Partner: Cristina has a background in molecular biology and has held various leadership roles in biotech firms, contributing to her expertise in the sector.
Jordi Xiol - Partner: Jordi focuses on investment strategy and has a strong background in corporate finance, helping to guide portfolio companies in their financial planning.
Guillem Laporta - Partner: Guillem specializes in operational support for portfolio companies, leveraging his experience in biotech to provide valuable insights.
Thomas Harth - Partner: Thomas has a strong background in venture capital and has been involved in numerous successful biotech investments.
Iñigo López-Huerta - CFO: Iñigo oversees the financial operations of Ysios Capital, ensuring sound financial management and reporting.
Wen Wen Cheng - General Counsel and Head of ESG: Wen Wen is responsible for legal matters and environmental, social, and governance initiatives within the firm.
To pitch to Ysios Capital, founders should use the contact form available on their website or reach out via email at info@ysioscapital.com. It is advisable to include a comprehensive deck that outlines the business model, team, technology, and market potential. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory.
Ysios Capital has been actively involved in the biotech sector, with recent highlights including the successful acquisition of AELIX Therapeutics by Gilead Sciences, which underscores the firm's ability to back promising biotech ventures. In addition, the firm has published several blog posts detailing advancements within its portfolio companies, including successful clinical trials and collaborations.
Upcoming events include participation in the BioCapital Europe 2026 on March 3-4, 2026, in Amsterdam, and the 19th Annual European Life Sciences CEO Forum on March 4-5, 2026, in Zurich. These events provide opportunities for networking and showcasing the firm's portfolio innovations.
What are Ysios Capital's investment criteria?
Ysios Capital focuses on investing in innovative biotech companies that develop novel therapies for high unmet medical needs. They primarily target late preclinical and early clinical projects, seeking exceptional teams with strong scientific foundations.
How can I apply or pitch to Ysios Capital?
Founders can pitch to Ysios Capital through their website at https://ysioscapital.com/contact/ or via email at info@ysioscapital.com. It is recommended to provide a detailed overview of the business, including the team, technology, and market opportunity.
What makes Ysios Capital different from other VCs?
Ysios Capital distinguishes itself through its exclusive focus on biotech and healthcare sectors, leveraging its extensive network in the industry to provide strategic guidance and facilitate partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies.
What is the geographic scope of Ysios Capital's investments?
Ysios Capital invests globally, with a particular emphasis on Europe and the United States. Their portfolio includes companies from various countries, reflecting their commitment to supporting innovative biotech ventures worldwide.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Ysios Capital invests across various stages, including pre-seed, seed, Series A, Series B, and Series C, with check sizes tailored to the specific needs of each portfolio company.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Ysios Capital have?
Ysios Capital actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance, navigating regulatory landscapes, and facilitating access to funding for research and development. They aim to add value beyond capital investment.
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