Seventure Partners is a French venture capital firm targeting in Tech/Digital and Life Sciences companies. It funds innovation and participates in the entrepreneurial adventure, alongside entrepreneurs and sharing their passion. Founded in 1997, Seventure Partners is one of the European leaders in venture capital, with € 1 billion under management as of December 31, 2022. It is an active partner of innovative companies that, according to the management team, show strong growth potential and evolving in two fields of activity: Digital Technologies and Life Sciences. With more than 20 employees, including some 15 investors, Seventure Partners has a proven track record and in-depth expertise in technology, entrepreneurship, and various private equity operations. Seventure's goal is to identify and support the development of tomorrow's European leaders in order to accelerate their growth. To do this, the firm provides entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks, and know-how of its internal team of investors. The different funds/verticals on which Seventure Partners are focusing on today: - Life Sciences : Biotech, Healthcare, Nutrition - Tech/Digital : B2B SaaS, Fintech, Retailtech, Cybersecurity - Sports & Wellbeing - Blue Economy

Seventure Partners

Capricorn Partners NV is an independent pan-European manager of venture capital funds that invest in innovative European companies with technology as a competitive advantage. The investment team of Capricorn is composed of experienced investment managers with deep technology expertise and broad industrial experience. As of Dec 2010 [Quest Management](http://www.crunchbase.com/financial-organization/quest-management-nv) is being merged with and acquired by Capricorn Venture Partners.

Capricorn Partners

On July 3, 2002 the Gemma Frisius Fund II was established. Continuing the work of its predecessor Gemma Frisius Fund I, this is a venture capital fund providing seed capital and start-up capital to spin-off companies intending to commercialize knowledge and research developed at K.U.Leuven. Following the success of the first edition of the Fund, the three partners - Fortis Private Equity, KBC Investco and K.U.Leuven Research & Development - unanimously decided to extend this unique form of cooperation between the academic and financial worlds.  The Gemma Frisius Fund I invested in 15 projects, for a total value of 8 million eur. The fund still has 4.4 million eur available for follow-up investment in these projects. The new fund will not invest in companies belonging to the portfolio of the first edition of the fund. The management structure of the Gemma Frisius Fund II will remain the same. The projects are analyzed in an advisory committee and presented for approval to the board of directors. Two directors from each partner are represented on the board.

Gemma Frisius Fund

The Fund was established in 1994 to provide investment support for emerging biotech companies in the region and over its first 10 years invested some 36.3 million euro in businesses that ranged from Plant Genetic Systems, Innogenetics, Devgen and, most recently, Galapagos, a new listing on the stock exchange.  Biotech Fund Flanders, whose portfolio and investment policy were managed by the Governmentâ€:tm:s investment agency GIMV, was due to close investment activities after 10 years and perform only follow-up tasks until 2009. The Minister for the Economy, Fientje Moerman, has announced, however, that it will continue to operate until 2010.  No additional money will be made available â€“ the Fund has some 12 million euro of its own resources from sales of previously held shares and is to recycle this and other returns. Its current portfolio includes investments valued at 19.7 million euro in six companies

Biotech Fund Flanders

Founded in 1425, the multidisciplinary and research-driven University of Leuven (KU Leuven) has been a centre of learning for almost six centuries.   Situated in Belgium, in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. As a leading European research university and co-founder of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), KU Leuven offers a wide variety of international master’s programmes, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research.   Since its founding, KU Leuven has been based in the city that shares its name. Leuven is a pleasant, safe and bustling student town, where centuries-rich history meets cutting-edge science. The university also offers degree programmes at campuses in 11 Belgian cities, including Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp.

KU Leuven

PMV is a do and dare company that is shaping the future of the Flemish economy. It provides funding for promising companies' businesses, from the day they first open their doors, through their various growth stages and even on to operating internationally. Working with and for the government and other partners, PMV implements projects that are important for prosperity and well-being in Flanders. PMV is convinced that entrepreneurship is crucial for the development of a prosperous future for Flanders and everyone who lives there. It firmly believes that every promising enterprise project in Flanders needs to find funding – but also that every business needs to be profitable in order to be sustainable. Which is why PMV and the companies and projects in which it invests must be profitable in the end.

AgroSavfe nv, a Belgium-based agro-biotech company

Agri Investment Fund

Fonds Vives II (University of Louvain, UCL)

Virovet

ViroVet is a pioneering company dedicated to the development of disruptive and innovative technologies for the control of viral diseases in livestock, with antiviral drugs for respiratory disease complexes and innovative vaccines for viral infections in swine leading the pipeline. The livestock industry is a 100+ billion-euro industry. Viral diseases cost producers billions every year in losses and threaten the world supply of animal protein.  The strategy of ViroVet is to provide novel solutions to be used alone or in combination with vaccines and biosecurity measures in order to provide livestock producers, national governments and international organizations with a multi-faceted arsenal of virus control weapons against endemic and epizootic viral diseases.  It is clear that with the growing world population there is an increased demand for more protein-rich diets. With the increasing density of the livestock industry, the intensifying global trade and climate changes, there is an ever increased risk for the global spread of viral diseases, severely damaging livestock industry.  ViroVet has already enlisted the support of a number of key opinion leaders (KOLs) in livestock medicine confirming the extensive market for antiviral drugs and novel vaccines addressing the challenges of spreading viral diseases. KOLs feel that ViroVet’s products have the potential to reduce the use of antibiotics and revolutionize the livestock industry worldwide.

<div>ViroVet is a Belgian company developing livestock solutions for controlling viral diseases in livestock. Its primary focus is creating antiviral drugs and vaccines that target respiratory disease complexes and viral infections in swine.&nbsp;</div>

Driving livestock productivity using next-generation biotechnology

Livestock Biotech

Virovet is a pioneering company dedicated to developing innovative vaccines and fast-acting antiviral drugs for livestock using a unique patented technology platform. This platform, developed by KU Leuven's Rega Institute for Medical Research, enables the production of vaccines faster and more cost-effectively. The vaccines are designed to maximize efficacy and minimize safety risks, while being thermostable, eliminating the need for cold chain distribution and storage.

antivirale geneesmiddelen voor dieren — KU Leuven Research & Development

This Biotech is the First to Work on Antivirals for Farm Livestock

Top 249 Startups in Belgium in 2024

ViroVetENG

Promoting the health, well-being, and ethical treatment of animals

Animal Therapeutics

<div>
 
 ViroVet is a Belgian company developing livestock solutions for controlling viral diseases in livestock. Its primary focus is creating antiviral drugs and vaccines that target respiratory disease complexes and viral infections in swine.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Virovet&rsquo;s pipeline includes 1.) Plasmid Launched Live Attenuated Virus (PLLAV) vaccines, which use a unique technology platform to offer tailor-made solutions for maximum efficacy and safety while eliminating the need for a cold chain, and 2.) fast-acting antiviral drugs to combat respiratory diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF) and to reduce secondary infections associated with the use of antibiotics like Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD).
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 Virovet&rsquo;s latest funding round was in May 2020, when it raised EUR 6 million (~USD 6.6 million) in Series B funding led by Seventure Partners, with participation from PMV, Biotech Fund Flanders, Capricorn Partners, Agri Investment Fund, KU Leuven, Gemma Frisius Fund, and Vives II.
 
 
 
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<div>
 
 Aviabiotic (formerly Chicken Probiotic) is a biotechnology company innovating in poultry health. The company specializes in creating probiotics engineered for enhanced thermostability, elimination of antibiotic resistance, and dependency on corn sugar, making them environmentally friendly. These probiotics are designed specifically for integrated poultry operations, addressing both health and efficiency in poultry production.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 Aviabiotic's latest funding was a grant received in 2020, which has facilitated the development and commercialization of its specialized probiotics.&nbsp;
 
 
 
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Aviabiotic

<div>
 
 ZeaVaxx is an animal healthcare company using advanced biotechnology to improve vaccine effectiveness for animals. Its plant-derived nanoparticle adjuvant platform claims to offer advantages over aluminum-based ones that are falling short in current animal vaccine formulations due to low efficacy and compatibility issues. This platform is designed to enhance the immunogenicity of vaccines to ensure that the vaccines can provoke a stronger and more effective immune response in animals.
 
 
 
 
 ZeaVaxx flagship product, Zea-11, is a proprietary glucan-based nanoparticle derived from plants. Zea-11 claims to offer simplified extraction and chemical finalization, making it the first economically viable nanoparticle adjuvant for animal vaccines.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 In June 2018, the company secured USD 50,000 in pre-seed funding from the Purdue Ag-celerator.
 
 
 
</div>

ZeaVaxx

<div>
 
 Malcisbo, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), is a Swiss biotechnology company developing novel vaccines for animal and human health. The company focuses on glycoengineering technologies to create efficient glycoconjugate vaccines to address bacterial diseases that impact animal health, human food safety, and zoonotic diseases.
 
 
 
 
 Its primary product offerings target Campylobacter infections in humans (to reduce food poisoning from chicken meat) and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (to reduce economic losses in the swine industry due to mortality, growth retardation, and the need for antibiotics).
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 As of May 2024, the company had been awarded 10 grants totaling CHF 3.5 million (~USD 3.8 million).
 
 
 
</div>

Malcisbo

<div>
 
 eggXYt is an Israeli biotech company that specializes in ultrasound technology for eggs. The company has developed a non-invasive, pre-incubation sex detection technology for chicken embryos, named seXYt, which allows poultry farmers to separate male and female layer chicks before incubation. This process claims to prevent unnecessary incubation of over 8 billion male layer chicks annually, which are otherwise disposed of after birth due to their unsuitability for the industry. These eggs are then repurposed and used outside the food industry, leading to lower costs and reduced resource waste in hatcheries.
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 
 
 In November 2020, the company signed an R&amp;D licensing agreement with Tropic Biosciences to develop Avian influenza resistance in chickens through gene editing.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 eggXYt has received over USD 2.5 million in funding from the European Union through the Horizon 2020 SME Program for its sex detection technology and to expand its research into new areas such as disease resistance in poultry.
 
 
 
</div>

eggXYt

<div>
 
 BioRefic is a Latvian biotech company that develops biorefinery technology to produce advanced prebiotic ingredients and microbial Omega-3 fatty acids. It primarily serves the animal feed and aquaculture sectors by providing sustainable alternatives to traditional feed ingredients. Biorefic&rsquo;s products, which include xylooligosaccharide prebiotic (a gut microbiome enhancing ingredient to improve health and immunity and boost performance), are designed to enhance animal health and efficiency, thus reducing the overall environmental impact of agriculture.
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 
 BioRefic has raised a total of EUR 250,000 in funding over two rounds, with its most recent funding coming from a non-equity assistance round supported by RootCamp. 
 
 
 
</div>

BioRefic

Companies that offer solutions that edit (gene editing) or modify (gene modification) an animal's genome in a precise and targeted manner using methods such as TALEN's, CRISPR/Cas9, recombinant retroviruses, and sperm-mediated DNA transfer. The techniques change the existing genome to improve/express desired traits in livestock. The segment also covers companies that use an AI-based platform or otherwise to offer diagnostic testing services of the animal's genome that help livestock farmers identify genetic changes or diseases present in herds.

Companies that offer next-generation vaccines based on developments in DNA technology (e.g., mRNA vaccines) and biotechnology. The segment also includes medicines developed for the prevention and treatment of livestock diseases.

Companies that use a range of genetic techniques that can alter the DNA of animals more precisely than traditional breeding techniques. Techniques such as gender selection via sexed semen, genomic selection, or even gene editing methods like CRISPR are used to breed animals precisely with superior genetic traits.

Companies that produce natural ingredients or biological additives that can be added to animal feed for purposes such as improving nutrient uptake and the gut microbiome.

Biotech solutions to grow livestock that are of better traits and sustainable

Uses AI/machine learning to facilitate their platform/biotech processes like gene editing

Offers customization of genes and traits as required by farmers

Virovet is a pioneering company dedicated to developing innovative vaccines and fast-acting antiviral drugs for livestock using a unique patented technology platform. This platform, developed by KU Leuven's Rega Institute for Medical Research, enables the production of vaccines faster and more cost-effectively. The vaccines are designed to maximize efficacy and minimize safety risks, while being thermostable, eliminating the need for cold chain distribution and storage.
Virovet's antiviral drugs target upper respiratory diseases in cattle and pigs, playing a crucial role in effective control and treatment. By reducing secondary bacterial infections, these antivirals contribute to a reduction in antibiotic use, promoting more sustainable animal production practices.
With a growing global population and intensified livestock farming, coupled with climate change, the risk of rapidly spreading viral diseases has increased. These diseases not only impact animal welfare and the economy but also pose risks to food supply, safety, and human health, as some viral diseases are transmissible to humans. Virovet's solutions aim to improve animal health, enable efficient and sustainable animal production, and ultimately protect global human health.

KeraVet Bio is a veterinary wound care company that develops keratin-based prescription products for dogs and cats. The company's flagship product, KeraVet Gel, is a wound management solution formulated to address mild and severe wounds, post-surgical incisions, and various dermatological conditions in pets. KeraVet Gel is made from a proprietary blend of keratin and utilizes patent-protected keratin technology. The product serves as a protective covering over wounds and is designed to improve healing time while reducing the need for cones or other lick deterrents. Clinical studies have shown that wounds treated with KeraVet Gel experienced significantly less swelling compared to those treated with triple antibiotic ointment in dogs and cats. The gel also demonstrated a reduction in licking behavior, with dogs licking 85% less and cats licking 87% less compared to a well-known wound management product. KeraVet Gel is available by prescription from veterinary practitioners and is distributed through major veterinary product distributors. The company is headquartered in the Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

KeraVet Bio

Eir Pharmaceuticals was a development-stage biotechnology company that operated in multiple markets, including animal health, human consumer, and human health. The company's proprietary biotechnology platform was designed to develop and commercialize health, wellness, and pharmaceutical products across these diverse sectors. Eir Pharmaceuticals aimed to leverage its technology to capture value from various applications and target different customer segments within the broader healthcare industry.

EIR Pharmaceuticals

ProteaPex Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies and dietary supplements for osteoarthritis. Their key product offering is ECPF-1, a novel therapeutic compound that has demonstrated chondroprotective properties in a rat model of osteoarthritis. In October 2023, the company presented findings from a study where ECPF-1 was administered through weekly injections to rats with osteoarthritis. The results showed that the knee cartilage of treated animals had less degradation and more healthy cartilage compared to untreated controls, even four weeks after the last injection. This suggests that ECPF-1 has the potential to slow the progression of osteoarthritis by protecting cartilage from further damage.
ProteaPex Therapeutics' platform technology revolves around Extracellular Matrix Protection Factors (ECPFs), a class of compounds derived from their research on cartilage biology and chondrocyte differentiation. In addition to ECPF-1, the company is also developing dietary supplement products based on this platform.

ProteaPex Therapeutics

MedcoVet offers a patented at-home laser therapy treatment device for pets suffering from arthritis, pain, and other inflammatory conditions. The company's technology allows veterinarians to prescribe clinical laser therapy for their patients to be administered in the comfort of their homes. MedcoVet's devices utilize photobiomodulation, a scientifically proven technique that relieves pain and expedites healing in animals.
The company partners with veterinarians, shipping the treatment devices directly to pet owners while providing telemedicine support to ensure proper usage. This approach enables veterinarians to offer laser therapy as a primary treatment modality without the inconvenience and expenses associated with in-clinic sessions. As of 2023, MedcoVet had 77 prescribers across 13 states in the US, experiencing a 50% quarter-on-quarter growth in prescribers during the previous quarter.
Several veterinary professionals and pet owners have reported significant improvements in their patients' mobility, reduced swelling and discomfort, and the ability to lower medication doses after using MedcoVet's at-home laser therapy devices. The company's technology has been praised for revolutionizing the application of laser therapy in veterinary medicine, making it more accessible and convenient for pet owners.

MedcoVet

Hilltop BioSciences, co-founded by Amanda Drobnis, is a veterinary biotech company pioneering the development of innovative regenerative therapies. Their flagship product, Regenaflex, is a room temperature, easy-to-use regenerative allograft available in injectable or membrane form. It stimulates cell-to-cell communication essential for healing soft tissue by delivering a potent combination of cytokines, microRNA, growth factors, and exosomes to the affected area. Regenaflex accelerates tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and minimizes scar tissue formation, making it a more effective and faster therapy compared to traditional treatments.
Initially focused on equine applications, with over 7 million horses in the US, Hilltop BioSciences has expanded into the companion animal market. Their product line includes Regenaflex-K9 for treating acute trauma, chronic infections, inflammation, non-healing wounds, anal gland abscesses, and fistulae in dogs. Regenaflex-M Biofilm is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-adhesion scaffold that accelerates healing and prevents postoperative complications like adhesions and suture leakage after abdominal or orthopedic surgeries. PureOptic, their eye drop formulation, normalizes damaged ocular tissue resulting from injuries or diseases.
A key differentiator of Hilltop Bio's products is their long-term room-temperature storage, consistent composition in every dose, and the ability to be reconstituted and ready to use within a minute without any special equipment or time-consuming processing. As of January 2023, the company had raised funding led by Launchpad Venture Group and other Boston-based investment groups to expand its product pipeline leveraging its intellectual property portfolio.

Hilltop BioSciences

Companies that offer specialized therapeutics for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer in animals. This includes areas such as cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Companies that develop vaccines and drugs for pets and livestock based on advanced research and biotechnologies such as DNA technology, with a specific focus on the treatment and prevention of diseases and medical conditions in animals.

Companies that use regenerative techniques and technologies to promote tissue repair, regeneration, and healing in animals. This involves stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, tissue engineering, gene therapy, and wound healing treatments.

Companies that provide veterinary diagnostic services, which include a wide range of tests, procedures, and laboratory services to diagnose, monitor, and manage the health and well-being of animals. This includes laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, endoscopy, and genetic testing.

Companies that provide specialized treatments aimed at extending the lifespan and improving the overall health and quality of life of animals, including companion animals and livestock. These approaches are designed to address the challenges of aging, prevent age-related diseases, and enhance the well-being of aging animals.

Offers advanced diagnostics and insights for animal health using AI/ML

Offers products and services specifically designed for diagnostics and treatments based on advanced genomic sciences

Offers personalized preventive care and specialty care for animals

Virovet

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