Ysios Capital Launches InceptionBio: A New Era for Spain’s BioTech Sector
Ysios Capital, a prominent Spanish venture capital firm specializing in life sciences, has recently unveiled its latest initiative: InceptionBio. This new fund, with a target size of €100 million, is dedicated to the creation of BioTech companies and the development of early-stage projects. The announcement marks a significant step in enhancing Spain’s position in the global BioTech landscape.
First Closing and Strategic Partnerships
InceptionBio has already achieved its first closing, thanks to the participation of the Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación (CDTI) through its SICC Innvierte program. This initiative is designed to support investments in high-potential innovative companies, thereby fostering a robust ecosystem for technological advancement. Joan Perelló, Managing Partner at Ysios Capital, will spearhead the fund alongside partner Arturo Urrios, both of whom are committed to leveraging Spain’s scientific prowess.
A Vision for BioTech Innovation
Joan Perelló expressed a compelling vision for InceptionBio, stating, “Spain has world-class science and a unique opportunity to translate that science into globally impactful BioTech companies.” The fund aims to engage deeply with the scientific community, facilitating the transition from innovative research to viable solutions that can significantly improve patient outcomes. This focus on early-stage innovation is crucial for nurturing the next generation of BioTech enterprises.
Ysios Capital: A Track Record of Success
Founded in 2008, Ysios Capital has established itself as a key player in the life sciences investment arena, managing over €400 million across three venture capital funds. The firm also acts as an investment advisor to the Telescope Biotech Fund, a listed BioTech fund managed by Andbank Wealth Management. Ysios Capital’s investment strategy emphasizes private equity funding for early- and mid-stage life science companies that are developing treatments for unmet medical needs.
Focus Areas of InceptionBio
InceptionBio is set to concentrate on identifying and developing new companies rooted in high-quality scientific research, particularly within Spain. The fund will prioritize technology transfer opportunities and early-stage ventures, enabling Ysios to collaborate closely with universities, research centers, and scientific entrepreneurs. This collaborative approach is designed to accelerate the translation of groundbreaking scientific discoveries into new therapies.
Enhancing Public-Private Collaboration
The support from CDTI-Innvierte is pivotal in enhancing public-private collaboration within Spain’s BioTech ecosystem. This partnership aims to accelerate technology transfer, foster the development of high-growth, innovation-driven companies, and enhance the competitiveness of Spain’s research and development landscape. By bridging the gap between scientific research and commercial application, InceptionBio is poised to make a significant impact.
Investment Pipeline and Future Aspirations
Currently, InceptionBio boasts a pipeline of investment opportunities that are under advanced review. The fund aims to support the establishment of at least three new BioTech companies by 2026. This ambitious goal reflects Ysios Capital’s commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in the BioTech sector.
Strategic Approach to Company Creation
Ysios Capital’s strategy with InceptionBio involves creating new companies based on scientific assets sourced from universities and research institutions. Additionally, the fund will seek to attract international assets that can be developed within Spain. This dual approach not only strengthens the local BioTech ecosystem but also positions Spain as a competitive hub for BioTech innovation.
Connecting Science, Entrepreneurship, and Investment
Arturo Urrios, Partner at Ysios Capital, emphasized the unique opportunity presented by InceptionBio: “We see a significant opportunity to identify differentiated scientific assets, translate them into high-potential companies, and attract the talent and capital needed to develop them.” The fund aims to create a seamless connection between science, entrepreneurship, and investment, working collaboratively with both public and private sectors to accelerate company creation across Europe, with a particular focus on Spain.
A Proven Track Record in BioTech Investments
Ysios Capital has a rich history of investing in over 40 BioTech companies, achieving six NASDAQ exits and ten mergers and acquisitions. The firm has played a crucial role in significant Spanish BioTech transactions, including investments in Tigenix/Cellerix, Sanifit, and STAT-Diagnostica. Notably, Ysios was involved in major deals such as Takeda’s acquisition of Tigenix for €450 million and Qiagen’s purchase of STAT-Diagnostica for €172 million.
Through the launch of InceptionBio, Ysios Capital is not just expanding its portfolio; it is actively contributing to the growth and evolution of Spain’s BioTech sector, setting the stage for future innovations that could transform healthcare on a global scale.
