Novo Holdings

Novo Holdings is a Danish holding and investment firm based in Copenhagen, wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Established in 1999, it manages the Foundation's financial assets and aims to ensure sufficient dividends to support its grant obligations for medical and scientific research. Novo Holdings primarily invests in the life science sector, maintaining a diverse portfolio that includes equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, and private investments. It holds a significant ownership stake in Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S, ensuring a material influence over these companies. The firm actively participates in their governance and is committed to supporting early-stage applied research in life sciences through initiatives like Novo Seeds. By investing in both early and later-stage life science companies, Novo Holdings seeks to balance financial risk while aiming for high returns, all within a framework of shared values and management principles across the Novo Group.

Sibel Arnes

Associate

Nis Bjørnholt Bak

Principal

Michael Bauer

Venture Partner

Raymond Camahort

Principal at Novo Ventures

Lily Chang

Vice President, Growth Investments

Kartik Dharmadhikari

Partner, Bioindustrial Investments

Morten Graugaard Døssing

Investment Director

Aleks Engel

Partner, Novo Holdings (Novo Seeds) and Director, REPAIR Impact Fund

Thomas Grotkjær

Investor and Principal

Kuang He Ph.D

Vice President, Seed Investments

Stephen van Helden

Principal, Bioindustrial Investments, Growth Investments

Deepa Hingorani

Partner, Planetary Health Investments

Johan Hueffer

Senior Partner, Principal Investments

Morten Beck Jørgensen

Managing Partner

Navjeewan Khosla

Partner, Novo Holdings Equity Asia

Max Klement

Principal, Venture Investments

Nilesh Kumar

Senior Principal

Kasim Kutay

CEO

Abhijeet Lele

Senior Partner and Head of US Principal Investments

Jon Levy

Senior Partner

Jeffrey Low, MD

Principal

Heather Ludvigsen

Senior Manager, Venture Investments

Nanna Lüneborg

Principal

Joseph Markson Ph.D

Principal, Venture Investments

Peter Moldt

Partner

Naveed Siddiqi

Senior Partner, Venture Investments

Jim Trenkle

Partner, Venture Investments

Kenneth Harrison Ph.D

Senior Partner

Past deals in Denmark

Sparrow Quantum

Series A in 2025
Sparrow Quantum Aps. is a Danish company specializing in quantum technology, particularly in the development of advanced light-matter interfaces. The firm focuses on creating deterministic single-photon sources, which are essential for various quantum technologies. Sparrow Quantum boasts the highest efficiency for on-chip single-photon sources globally, characterized by exceptional photon purity, indistinguishability, and outcoupling capabilities. This cutting-edge technology is rooted in over twenty years of research at the renowned Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, from which the company holds exclusive licenses for key patents. By leveraging self-assembled quantum dots paired with slow-light photonic-crystal waveguides, Sparrow Quantum enhances light-matter interactions, providing critical advancements for its clients in the field of photonic quantum technology.

Commit Biologics

Seed Round in 2024
Commit Biologics is a biotechnology research company developing a novel immunotherapy platform for the treatment of cancer. The company was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark.

Acesion Pharma

Series B in 2023
Acesion Pharma ApS is a biotech company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2011. The company specializes in the development of medical drugs for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. Acesion Pharma focuses on creating SK channel inhibitors, which target specific ion channels in heart cells that are essential for generating the electrical signals that regulate heart rhythm. By inhibiting these channels, the company aims to provide safe and tolerable chronic treatments that prevent the recurrence of AF and support the maintenance of a normal heart rhythm.

Chromologics

Seed Round in 2023
Chromologics is a Danish biotechnology company that specializes in the development of innovative natural food colorants. Originating as a spin-out from the Technical University of Denmark, the company utilizes a fermentation-derived platform to produce novel, sustainable color pigments. These colorants are designed to be stable across various pH levels and temperatures, making them suitable for a wide range of food applications. By offering a bio-based alternative to traditional colorants like carmine, Chromologics aims to support food producers in creating more natural products while enhancing the color of their offerings.

Hemab

Series B in 2023
Hemab is a company that creates preventative treatments for bleeding and thrombosis problems. The medicines developed by the business aggregate, modify, balance, and at times recruit endogenous clotting components already present in the blood to the site of injury, allowing patients to produce hemostatic plugs or clots to avert life-threatening complications. Hemab Therapeutics was established in 2017 in Copenhagen, Hovedstaden by Johan H. Faber and Mads Behrndt.

Breye Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2022
Breye Therapeutics, a Danish-based biopharmaceutical firm in the clinical stages, is working to provide cutting-edge oral treatments for the management of retinal vascular diseases.

NMD Pharma

Venture Round in 2022
NMD Pharma A/S is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Aarhus, Denmark, focused on developing small molecule therapies for orphan motor neuron diseases such as myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. The company's lead candidate, NMD670, is currently undergoing clinical trials to alleviate symptoms associated with myasthenia gravis. NMD Pharma employs ClC-1 Cl- ion channel inhibitors and utilizes a translational muscle electrophysiology platform to enhance neuromuscular transmission and muscle function. By addressing significant unmet medical needs, NMD Pharma aims to improve the quality of life and survival for patients suffering from various neuromuscular disorders. The company was founded in 2015 and is committed to delivering innovative therapies that transform the lives of individuals affected by these conditions.

Hemab

Series A in 2021
Hemab is a company that creates preventative treatments for bleeding and thrombosis problems. The medicines developed by the business aggregate, modify, balance, and at times recruit endogenous clotting components already present in the blood to the site of injury, allowing patients to produce hemostatic plugs or clots to avert life-threatening complications. Hemab Therapeutics was established in 2017 in Copenhagen, Hovedstaden by Johan H. Faber and Mads Behrndt.

Chromologics

Seed Round in 2021
Chromologics is a Danish biotechnology company that specializes in the development of innovative natural food colorants. Originating as a spin-out from the Technical University of Denmark, the company utilizes a fermentation-derived platform to produce novel, sustainable color pigments. These colorants are designed to be stable across various pH levels and temperatures, making them suitable for a wide range of food applications. By offering a bio-based alternative to traditional colorants like carmine, Chromologics aims to support food producers in creating more natural products while enhancing the color of their offerings.

Hemab

Seed Round in 2020
Hemab is a company that creates preventative treatments for bleeding and thrombosis problems. The medicines developed by the business aggregate, modify, balance, and at times recruit endogenous clotting components already present in the blood to the site of injury, allowing patients to produce hemostatic plugs or clots to avert life-threatening complications. Hemab Therapeutics was established in 2017 in Copenhagen, Hovedstaden by Johan H. Faber and Mads Behrndt.

Chromologics

Seed Round in 2020
Chromologics is a Danish biotechnology company that specializes in the development of innovative natural food colorants. Originating as a spin-out from the Technical University of Denmark, the company utilizes a fermentation-derived platform to produce novel, sustainable color pigments. These colorants are designed to be stable across various pH levels and temperatures, making them suitable for a wide range of food applications. By offering a bio-based alternative to traditional colorants like carmine, Chromologics aims to support food producers in creating more natural products while enhancing the color of their offerings.

Reapplix

Series A in 2020
Reapplix ApS, founded in 2008 and based in Birkerod, Denmark, is a research and development company focused on improving wound healing through the use of blood-derived proteins. The company identifies and isolates these proteins to create a tissue regeneration device that provides biological treatment for chronic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers. By utilizing a platform that delivers evidence-based biological wound therapy made entirely from a patient's own blood, Reapplix enables hospitals to offer autologous active cell therapy. This approach allows patients to leverage their own biological materials for enhanced healing outcomes.

Reapplix

Venture Round in 2019
Reapplix ApS, founded in 2008 and based in Birkerod, Denmark, is a research and development company focused on improving wound healing through the use of blood-derived proteins. The company identifies and isolates these proteins to create a tissue regeneration device that provides biological treatment for chronic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers. By utilizing a platform that delivers evidence-based biological wound therapy made entirely from a patient's own blood, Reapplix enables hospitals to offer autologous active cell therapy. This approach allows patients to leverage their own biological materials for enhanced healing outcomes.

STipe Therapeutics

Series A in 2019
Stipe Therapeutics, founded in 2018 and based in Aarhus C, Denmark, develops peptide therapeutics aimed at eliminating tumors and cancer. The company focuses on harnessing the innate immune system to combat cancer by creating first-in-class drugs that target intracellular protein-protein interactions within the STING Pathway. This pathway is a crucial driver of innate immunity and plays a significant role in regulating tumorigenesis and autoimmune disorders. Stipe Therapeutics has successfully identified and validated compounds that sensitize the STING pathway, enabling modulation of the tumor microenvironment to promote a robust anti-tumoral response.

Biosyntia

Series A in 2018
Biosyntia ApS is a biotechnology company based in Hørsholm, Denmark, specializing in the development of biocatalysts for the fermentation of fine chemicals. Established in 2012, the company leverages innovative high-throughput screening technology to create tailored processes that facilitate the efficient production of complex chemical compounds, including flavors, fragrances, active pharmaceutical ingredients, pigments, and additives. By utilizing biocatalysis, Biosyntia aims to significantly reduce production costs and environmental impact compared to traditional chemical synthesis methods. The company collaborates with manufacturers to promote sustainable manufacturing processes, contributing to a greener future in the chemical industry.

Orphazyme

Post in 2017
Orphazyme is a Copenhagen-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for lysosomal storage diseases, which are serious genetic disorders. Founded on scientific discoveries from the academic work of Professor Marja Jäättela and Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen at the Danish Cancer Society, Orphazyme collaborates with leading academic institutions across Europe and the United States. The company is actively engaged in biopharmaceutical research and development, and it has entered into a strategic partnership with CombiGene AB to advance its objectives in this field.

Antag Therapeutics

Series A in 2017
Antag Therapeutics ApS is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing peptide drugs aimed at treating dietary-related metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Antag Therapeutics focuses on creating peptide-based GIP receptor antagonists, which are designed to monitor and manage these metabolic conditions by reducing blood flow and lipid uptake in adipose tissue.

Orphazyme

Venture Round in 2017
Orphazyme is a Copenhagen-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for lysosomal storage diseases, which are serious genetic disorders. Founded on scientific discoveries from the academic work of Professor Marja Jäättela and Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen at the Danish Cancer Society, Orphazyme collaborates with leading academic institutions across Europe and the United States. The company is actively engaged in biopharmaceutical research and development, and it has entered into a strategic partnership with CombiGene AB to advance its objectives in this field.

Reapplix

Venture Round in 2016
Reapplix ApS, founded in 2008 and based in Birkerod, Denmark, is a research and development company focused on improving wound healing through the use of blood-derived proteins. The company identifies and isolates these proteins to create a tissue regeneration device that provides biological treatment for chronic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers. By utilizing a platform that delivers evidence-based biological wound therapy made entirely from a patient's own blood, Reapplix enables hospitals to offer autologous active cell therapy. This approach allows patients to leverage their own biological materials for enhanced healing outcomes.

NMD Pharma

Venture Round in 2016
NMD Pharma A/S is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Aarhus, Denmark, focused on developing small molecule therapies for orphan motor neuron diseases such as myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. The company's lead candidate, NMD670, is currently undergoing clinical trials to alleviate symptoms associated with myasthenia gravis. NMD Pharma employs ClC-1 Cl- ion channel inhibitors and utilizes a translational muscle electrophysiology platform to enhance neuromuscular transmission and muscle function. By addressing significant unmet medical needs, NMD Pharma aims to improve the quality of life and survival for patients suffering from various neuromuscular disorders. The company was founded in 2015 and is committed to delivering innovative therapies that transform the lives of individuals affected by these conditions.

NMD Pharma

Grant in 2016
NMD Pharma A/S is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Aarhus, Denmark, focused on developing small molecule therapies for orphan motor neuron diseases such as myasthenia gravis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. The company's lead candidate, NMD670, is currently undergoing clinical trials to alleviate symptoms associated with myasthenia gravis. NMD Pharma employs ClC-1 Cl- ion channel inhibitors and utilizes a translational muscle electrophysiology platform to enhance neuromuscular transmission and muscle function. By addressing significant unmet medical needs, NMD Pharma aims to improve the quality of life and survival for patients suffering from various neuromuscular disorders. The company was founded in 2015 and is committed to delivering innovative therapies that transform the lives of individuals affected by these conditions.

Acesion Pharma

Venture Round in 2016
Acesion Pharma ApS is a biotech company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2011. The company specializes in the development of medical drugs for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. Acesion Pharma focuses on creating SK channel inhibitors, which target specific ion channels in heart cells that are essential for generating the electrical signals that regulate heart rhythm. By inhibiting these channels, the company aims to provide safe and tolerable chronic treatments that prevent the recurrence of AF and support the maintenance of a normal heart rhythm.

Biosyntia

Seed Round in 2015
Biosyntia ApS is a biotechnology company based in Hørsholm, Denmark, specializing in the development of biocatalysts for the fermentation of fine chemicals. Established in 2012, the company leverages innovative high-throughput screening technology to create tailored processes that facilitate the efficient production of complex chemical compounds, including flavors, fragrances, active pharmaceutical ingredients, pigments, and additives. By utilizing biocatalysis, Biosyntia aims to significantly reduce production costs and environmental impact compared to traditional chemical synthesis methods. The company collaborates with manufacturers to promote sustainable manufacturing processes, contributing to a greener future in the chemical industry.

Acesion Pharma

Series B in 2014
Acesion Pharma ApS is a biotech company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2011. The company specializes in the development of medical drugs for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. Acesion Pharma focuses on creating SK channel inhibitors, which target specific ion channels in heart cells that are essential for generating the electrical signals that regulate heart rhythm. By inhibiting these channels, the company aims to provide safe and tolerable chronic treatments that prevent the recurrence of AF and support the maintenance of a normal heart rhythm.

Xellia Pharmaceuticals

Acquisition in 2013
Xellia Pharmaceuticals ApS is a specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, focused on developing, manufacturing, and supplying anti-infective products for the global market. Established in 1959, the company specializes in both fermented and semi-synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms (FDF). Xellia is recognized as a leading supplier of Vancomycin and Colistimethate Sodium, providing clinically effective treatments for serious bacterial and antibiotic-resistant infections as well as certain fungal diseases. The company operates four manufacturing facilities in Hungary, China, and the United States, adhering to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards and regulatory approvals from authorities such as the US Food and Drug Administration. Xellia also offers a range of contract manufacturing services, including custom synthesis for clinical trials and large-scale production, while continually expanding its product range to address evolving treatment needs. With over 850 employees, Xellia serves more than 700 customers across over 70 countries.

Avilex Pharma

Venture Round in 2013
Avilex Pharma Aps is a biotechnology company based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2012 as a spin-out from the University of Copenhagen. The company was established by Professor Kristian Strømgaard and Associate Professor Anders Bach, focusing on the development of innovative therapies for various neurological conditions. Avilex Pharma specializes in the creation of dimeric peptides that target PSD95 to address neuropathic pain, as well as the development of inhibitors and neuroprotectants aimed at treating ischemic stroke. By leveraging research from the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, the company strives to enhance patient recovery and improve treatment outcomes for those affected by these serious medical conditions.

Santaris Pharma

Venture Round in 2012
Santaris Pharma A/S is a privately held clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of RNA-targeted therapies. The LNA Drug Platform and Drug Discovery Engine developed by Santaris Pharma A/S combine the company’s proprietary LNA chemistry with its highly specialized and targeted drug development capabilities to rapidly deliver potent single-stranded LNA-based drug candidates across a multitude of disease states. The company’s research and development activities focus on infectious diseases and cardiometabolic disorders, while partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies include a range of therapeutic areas including cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious and inflammatory diseases, and rare genetic disorders. The company has strategic partnerships with miRagen Therapeutics, Shire PLC, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Enzon Pharmaceuticals. As part of its broad patent estate, the company holds exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture, have manufactured and sell products that contain LNA as an active ingredient for studies performed with a view to obtaining marketing approval. Santaris Pharma A/S, founded in 2003, is headquartered in Denmark with operations in the United States.

Chr. Hansen

Post in 2012
Chr. Hansen is a global bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. It develops and produces cultures, enzymes, probiotics, and natural colors for a rich variety of foods, confectionery, beverages, dietary supplements, and even animal feed. All solutions are based on strong research and development competencies coupled with significant technology investments. Chr. Hansen has more than 2,500 employees in 30 countries and main production facilities in Denmark, France, USA, and Germany. It was founded in 1874 and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen.

Orphazyme

Series A in 2011
Orphazyme is a Copenhagen-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for lysosomal storage diseases, which are serious genetic disorders. Founded on scientific discoveries from the academic work of Professor Marja Jäättela and Thomas Kirkegaard Jensen at the Danish Cancer Society, Orphazyme collaborates with leading academic institutions across Europe and the United States. The company is actively engaged in biopharmaceutical research and development, and it has entered into a strategic partnership with CombiGene AB to advance its objectives in this field.

Adenium Biotech

Seed Round in 2011
Adenium Biotech ApS is a Danish biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 and based in Copenhagen. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of antibiotics aimed at treating multi-drug resistant bacterial infections, particularly those acquired in hospital settings. Its primary focus includes complicated urinary tract infections and hospital or ventilator-acquired pneumonia, which are often caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Adenium Biotech's lead product, Arenicin, is a non-hemolytic antimicrobial peptide derived from lugworms, demonstrating strong efficacy against Gram-negative pathogens. The company operates as a semi-virtual biotech entity, supported by a team of experts and an international scientific advisory board, with the goal of advancing the Arenicin program through clinical development and regulatory filing.

Nanoference

Venture Round in 2010
Nanoference ApS develops technology that uses nano particles to deliver Sirna molecules directly to the desired part of the body. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Aarhus, Denmark.

EpiTherapeutics

Funding Round in 2008
EpiTherapeutics is dedicated to developing innovative cancer therapies through the exploration of epigenetics, a field advanced by Professor Kristian Helin and his team at the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre at the University of Copenhagen. The company focuses on small-molecule therapies, specifically targeting enzymes that regulate transcription in cancerous cells. EpiTherapeutics has established a library of selective small molecule inhibitors aimed at epigenetic regulation, particularly histone demethylases. Its lead pre-clinical compounds are currently being investigated for their potential effectiveness in treating various forms of cancer.

Nuevolution

Series A in 2001
Nuevolution is a small molecule lead discovery company founded in 2001 and based in Copenhagen, Denmark. The company has developed Chemetics®, a patented hybrid technology that combines wet chemistry and molecular biology to accelerate drug discovery. This platform facilitates the rapid synthesis and DNA-tagging of over 1 billion diverse small molecule compounds, allowing for efficient screening and identification of potent drug leads. Nuevolution partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, having established agreements with major firms such as Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, and Novartis. The company is also involved in a joint venture with EpiTherapeutics and ExpreS2ion Biotechnologies to develop small molecule drugs targeting epigenetic factors, supported by a project budget from the Danish High Technology Fund. Nuevolution focuses on developing treatments for oncology and inflammatory diseases and also provides contract research services, generating revenue from multiple countries, including Denmark, Sweden, and the USA. The company is privately owned by several key Scandinavian investors.
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