European Life Sciences Coalition brings together investors and scientists to drive growth and scale-up of biotech companies across Europe

Europe’s life sciences and biotech sectors are stepping into a new era with the launch of the European Life Sciences Coalition (ELSC).

Designed to strengthen the continent’s venture capital ecosystem, the coalition aims to attract higher levels of private and public investment to help innovative science flourish.

The announcement comes at a critical time, as Europe looks to compete globally in biotechnology, drug development, and cutting-edge medical research.

With the increasing importance of personalized medicine, gene therapy, and digital health technologies, having a coordinated investment approach could be a game-changer for the sector.

Bringing the Key Players Together

The ELSC isn’t just a collection of investors — it’s a broad alliance that brings together venture capital firms, research institutions, and other stakeholders across the life sciences value chain.

The coalition was created in collaboration with Invest Europe, the leading association representing European private capital, highlighting its ambition to align investment with strategic growth in the sector.

Members include influential names such as Cooley (UK) LLP, Covington & Burling LLP, Forbion, HealthCap, Novo Holdings, Omega Funds, Sofinnova Partners, Van Lanschot Kempen, and the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB).

Together, these organizations collectively manage more than €24 billion in life sciences-specific assets, making them some of the most powerful players in European biotech financing.

A Track Record That Speaks Volumes

The coalition members have a long history of success.

Between them, they have invested in or helped found over 1,400 life sciences and biotech companies.

Many of these firms have gone on to create breakthrough therapies, pioneer novel medical technologies, and expand European influence in global biotech markets.

What makes ELSC members especially valuable in this coalition is their hands-on experience.

They are not only investors but operators, meaning they bring practical, market-driven insight to discussions on capital allocation, company formation, and scaling businesses.

This dual perspective positions the coalition to have a meaningful influence on both policy and investment strategy across Europe.

Strengthening Europe’s Global Competitiveness

One of the driving goals behind the ELSC is to ensure Europe remains competitive against global biotech hubs like the U.S. and China.

By fostering collaboration between investors, scientists, and policymakers, the coalition seeks to reduce barriers to funding, accelerate commercialization of research, and scale promising companies more efficiently.

Experts suggest that initiatives like this could help Europe retain top scientific talent, encourage cross-border collaboration, and ultimately increase the region’s share of global biotech investment.

What’s Next?

The coalition plans to start by shaping discussions around policy, funding, and company scale-up strategies.

Stakeholders expect a series of working groups, public-private partnerships, and forums aimed at connecting investors with emerging biotech startups.

Over time, ELSC hopes to influence European policy to create a more favorable investment climate for life sciences, helping homegrown innovations reach global markets faster.

Summary

The European Life Sciences Coalition marks a significant step toward a more coordinated and well-funded European biotech ecosystem.

By combining the expertise of leading investors, research institutions, and policy influencers, the coalition aims to boost investment, accelerate innovation, and strengthen Europe’s position in the global life sciences arena.

With €24 billion under management and a proven track record in founding over 1,400 biotech companies, ELSC is poised to make a tangible impact on the continent’s scientific and economic future.