Both MedCity News and BioPharma Dive report that Forbion, a Netherlands-based life sciences investor, has raised €2.3 billion ($2.6 billion) across two new funds. The two outlets agree on the headline numbers: Forbion Growth Opportunities IV and Forbion Ventures Fund VIII, with combined capacity to invest in roughly 30 companies. They differ slightly on the count: MedCity says about 30 companies, while BioPharma Dive says the funds have the capacity to invest in as many as 30.
BioPharma Dive adds that the raise is Forbion's largest to date and that the firm is the largest Europe-based venture fund focused exclusively on life sciences. Forbion says it has supported 142 companies and seen 21 drugs or other medical products reach the market. The firm has already begun deploying capital, with recent investments including Sling Therapeutics and Solstice Oncology.
MedCity News frames the fundraise against a decline in European VC fundraising and investments, citing Pitchbook. BioPharma Dive provides broader context, noting that European biotech has fallen behind the U.S. and China and that nine industry board chairs recently called for policy changes. Forbion co-founder Sander Slootweg said the new capital gives the firm 'significant dry powder in a market characterized by a general shortage of capital.'