Biotechnology in Spain finds investors

30/09/2014
Diego Gutiérrez
Biotechnology in Spain finds investors
One of the main barriers to the growth of Spanish biotech companies is their small size (>95% less than 250 employees), which prevents them from accelerating their entry into foreign markets, for example. The main cause of this small size is due to the scarcity of funding or private investment. Although a specialised national biotech venture capital ecosystem is being generated and more and more deals are being closed with foreign investors, there is still much room for improvement.

The 50% rounds are oriented towards expansion processes.

Taking into account that out of the 10% of the rounds While the type of operation is not disclosed, it is significant that 50% of them have been dedicated to expansion and growth plans. The next group is occupied by companies in their early stages (seed, startup or spinoff) accounting for 20% of the transactions. This reflects the fact that the sector is not a mature sector, with expectations of growth in the next few years. investors and that consolidation operations are rare.

The buildup operation, within the metabolomics activities carried out by the Basque company in 2010, stands out. OWl genomics that bought the Gipuzkoan company MD Renal. Since then, OWl, a company in which MD Renal has a majority holding CRBtook over the management of the new subsidiary.

Catalonia and Madrid account for 50% of the companies financed.

Of all the companies analysed in the biotechnology sector that have received rounds in recent years (a total of 107 companies), almost half of them are based in Catalonia (31 companies) and Madrid (20 companies). The next C.C.A.A. leading the ranking are the Basque Country, Andalusia and Navarre. Catalonia's leadership may be due to the traction provided by the ecosystem of pharmaceutical companies located in Barcelona.

The appearance of Navarre in the top 5 is a reflection of the influence that has been exerted by the University of Navarra and its bio-health research centres in the development of new companies in the sector.

Other related links:

List of biotech investors Spain

List of investors in biomarker biotechnology

We are currently preparing a report on the current state of crowdfunding as an alternative means of financing. If you are interested in receiving this report, please leave us your email address.

 

Lastest news

Notable technology M&A deals in Spain | Analysis: July 2026

El M&A tecnológico en España registró 44 operaciones identificadas en julio de 2026: 25 correspondieron a adquisiciones, fusiones, inversiones de capital privado (private equity), joint ventures o tomas de participación, mientras que 19 fueron rondas de venture...

Lyngsoe acquires CodeOne with Baker Tilly as advisor

In July 2026, Lyngsoe announced the acquisition of CodeOne, a Portuguese technology company specialising in software solutions, RFID, warehouse mobility, voice-enabled order picking, and automatic data capture and identification. Baker Tilly Tech...

Notable technology M&A deals in Spain | Analysis: June 2026

Technology M&A in Spain totalled 40 identified transactions by the end of June 2026, of which 21 were acquisitions, private equity investments, asset purchases or equity investments, whilst 19 were venture capital funding rounds. The...

Baker Tilly advises Misterplan on its sale to Partenea 

In May 2026, Partenea announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Misterplan, a technology company based in Cáceres specialising in software solutions for the management and marketing of accommodation, activities and destinations...

Do you want to sell or buy a company?

We are experts in M&A transactions in the technology sector.

Subscribe to our newsletter

    On which topic would you like to receive information?

    Request for information

    If you want to buy or sell a company, or need more information about our services, do not hesitate to contact us through the form.

    Or if you prefer, call us at:

    +34 946 42 41 42