Leaps by Bayer

Leaps by Bayer is the impact investment arm of Bayer AG, focused on funding innovative solutions to major global challenges in health and agriculture. Established in 2015, Leaps by Bayer invests in companies developing breakthrough technologies across areas like sustainable protein supplies, organ and tissue replacement, cancer prevention and treatment, and reducing agriculture's environmental impact. The unit's investment portfolio includes over 50 companies working on potentially transformative solutions. Leaps by Bayer aims to drive paradigm-shifting innovations that can provide long-term answers to pressing issues facing humanity. Its approach involves making strategic investments in startups and emerging companies with promising technologies that align with Bayer's mission of "Health for all, hunger for none." As of April 2022, Bayer had committed EUR 1.3 billion to Leaps, with plans to invest this capital over a two-year period to accelerate its dealmaking in biotech innovation.

Key customers and partnerships

Leaps by Bayer has invested in numerous biotechnology and healthcare companies across various fields. Some of its key investments include Cellino biotech, an autonomous cell therapy manufacturing company; NextPoint Therapeutics, which is developing novel immuno-oncology programs; NuCicer, a startup working on ultra-high protein chickpeas; and Sound Agriculture, which is developing sustainability solutions for food and agriculture. Leaps by Bayer has also invested in companies like BlueRock Therapeutics (cell therapy), AskBio (gene therapy), and Vividion Therapeutics (small molecule drug discovery). The unit collaborates with these portfolio companies to advance their technologies and bring innovative solutions to market. Additionally, Leaps by Bayer works alongside other venture capital firms and strategic investors in many of its funding rounds, fostering partnerships within the investment community focused on breakthrough innovations.