• First close of €5 million confirmed, with further €4 million expected to be raised in the next 18 months

• Total fund to enable investments in 30 biotech startups impacting planetary health

biotope by VIB has secured €5 million in the first close of its second fund, marking a major step toward its €9 million target over the next 18 months. The fund will enable biotope to invest €250,000 in up to 30 international early-stage biotech startups.

Contributors to the fund are Belgian Bank BNP Paribas Fortis, VC Agri Investment Fund (AIF), SFPIM Relaunch, Anacura, biotope's founding institution the Flemish Biotechnology Institute (VIB), as well as family offices The Nest and Edaphon.

Startups supported by biotope receive the quarter million-Euro cash investment and bespoke support that prepares them for future investment rounds. Twice a year, three promising startups are selected, following a stringent selection process. They embark on a 3-week basecamp that challenges their value proposition, specifically from a scientific and technological point-of-view, and prepares them for a final pitch to biotope's Investment Committee. Selected startups receive hands-on support designed to de-risk their biotechnology, strengthen their IP and regulatory strategy, set up a solid business foundation and get investment-ready for their next financing round.

Annick Verween, Head of biotope by VIB, said: "This first close is an amazing milestone for us.  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 €250K cash investment, founders can focus on unlocking the potential of their technology without being distracted by short-term fundraising pressure."

VIB's Managing Director, Jérôme Van Biervliet, echoed her sentiment. "We're incredibly grateful to announce the launch of Biotope Ventures 2. 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." he said.

Biotope's first fund invested in 16 European startups over 3 years across food, agriculture and materials. Four (Zymofix, AmphiStar, B'Zeos and PFx biotech) have already closed their seed round. The portfolio startups have collectively attracted €30 million in follow-on financing, of which almost half in grants, achieving a capital leverage of more than 10x. 

Céline Vaessen, CEO of SFPIM Relaunch, added: "SFPIM Relaunch recognizes the outstanding track record that biotope has established over the past three years. 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 start-ups. We are particularly impressed by their commitment to supporting diverse founding teams. We are therefore excited to join Biotope Ventures 2 as an investor and to contribute to the continued growth of the Belgian biotech ecosystem."

 "We are proud to invest in Biotope Ventures 2 as it offers a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, hands-on entrepreneurship support, and access to a powerful ecosystem of experts, investors, and facilities. For Edaphon, backing biotope means helping to provide the conditions that early-stage biotech ventures need to grow into companies with tangible, lasting impact on agriculture, food, and materials." said Vincent Vliebergh, Managing Partner at Edaphon.

Biotope strongly believes that biotechnology holds the key to solving major planetary health challenges and that investing in dedicated founders who share the same vision is critical. Its emphasis on de-risking the biotechnology helps to give the next investors peace of mind in backing a sector known for significant initial capital needs and long return times.

In addition to providing funding and a thriving ecosystem, biotope also champions diversity. The founder-first model and commitment to inclusion have delivered impactful results:

• 75% of the startups have mixed-gender founding teams — in contrast to an industry where 80% are male-only

• 58% of startup employees are women

• 48 high-quality FTE jobs have been created so far, with more in the pipeline

"Our investment in Biotope Ventures 2 underscores our strong commitment to innovation for the benefit of the agricultural sector." said Barbara Berckmans, Investment Manager at AIF. "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, added:

"Anacura is a committed backer of Biotope Ventures. Their work in supporting young biotech startups and entrepreneurs has been invaluable for our ecosystem. A thriving biotope is essential for an ecosystem to flourish, and the ecosystem is paramount for Anacura's growth."

For more information about biotope, please visit: https://biotope-incubator.com/