Leuven, June 17th 2025
biotope by VIB has secured €5 million in the first close of its second fund, marking a major step toward its €9 million target over the next 18 months. The fund will enable biotope to invest €250,000 in up to 30 international early-stage biotech startups. Agri Investment Fund, which had already invested in Biotope’s first fund, now reaffirms its support with a €1 million investment in the new fund.
Boosting biotech startups with pre-seed venture capital
Startups supported by biotope receive the quarter million-Euro cash investment and bespoke support that prepares them for future investment rounds. Twice a year, three promising startups are selected, following a stringent selection process. They embark on a 3-week basecamp that challenges their value proposition, specifically from a scientific and technological point-of-view, and prepares them for a final pitch to biotope’s Investment Committee. Selected startups receive hands-on support designed to de-risk their biotechnology, strengthen their IP and regulatory strategy, set up a solid business foundation and get investment-ready for their next financing round.
“This first close is an amazing milestone for us. It means we can keep saying “yes” to early, brave and diverse biotech founders creating positive impact. The funding we provide is about more than just runway — it’s about freedom, founders can focus on unlocking the potential of their technology without being distracted by short-term fundraising pressure.” says Annick Verween, Head of biotope by VIB.
“Our investment in Biotope Ventures 2 underscores our strong commitment to innovation for the benefit of the agricultural sector.” added Barbara Berckmans, Investment Manager at AIF. “We are particularly proud to support a fund that is deeply rooted in our local ecosystem, successfully attracting entrepreneurs from around the globe to catalyze their transformative solutions.”
A strong local ecosystem with a proven track record in driving innovation.
Agri Investment Fund is convinced that innovation is essential for addressing the biggest challenges in the agricultural sector, and that investing in dedicated founders who share this vision is of great importance. Our vision aligns seamlessly with that of Biotope, which focuses on reducing the risks associated with biotechnology. This provides reassurance to next investors when supporting a sector known for significant initial capital requirements and long payback periods.
Over the past three years, Biotope has shown that it can deliver by achieving an impressive track record. Biotope’s first fund invested in 16 European startups across food, agriculture and materials. Four (Zymofix, AmphiStar, B’Zeos and PFx biotech) have already closed their seed round. The portfolio startups have collectively attracted €30 million in follow-on financing, of which almost half in grants, achieving a capital leverage of more than 10x.
The investment consortium is further strengthened by contributions from the public fund SFPIM-Relaunch, BNP Paribas, Anacura, the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), and the family offices The Nest and Edaphon. This diversity within the consortium fosters a broad range of expertise and resources.
About AIF
Agri Investment Fund BV (“AIF”) is the private equity and venture capital fund of the group Boerenbond (Farmers’ Union) and wishes through its investments to contribute directly or indirectly to a stronger and more sustainable agriculture and horticulture in Flanders and German speaking Belgium. Its investments have a focus within the Ag-Tech and Agro-Food domains aiming at stimulating innovation and as such helping to build a stronger agriculture of the future, allowing farmers and horticulturists to provide high-quality products at honest prices. More information can be found on www.aifund.be .
About Biotope
Biotope is an early-stage investor, launched in 2022 by VIB, the leading life sciences research institute in Belgium. Biotope backs international biotech startups driving positive change for planetary health. The approach is founder-centric: investing in diverse, mission-driven founders and providing financial and strategic resources to advance them towards their next financing round. Biotope empowers these biotech innovators to de-risk their technology, scale effectively, achieve financial stability, and build solid IP and regulatory strategies. Currently, biotope is setting up Biotope Ventures Fund 2 to grow its reputation as a leading international impact investor in biotech startups. The biotope programme receives funding from the Flemish Government, the European Union, and the City of Ghent. For more information, please visit: https://biotope-incubator.com/.
For further information, please contact:
AIF
Patrik Haesen, CEO
T: +32 (0)16 28 62 54 | E: pers@aifund.be
Biotope
Sam Salzman, International PR Executive
T: +44 (0)7848 698 756 | E: sam.salzman@ederalab.com
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