CHF 870 Million invested in Swiss medtech and biotech companies
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In the midst of an unfavourable environment, the life sciences’ sector continues to attract investors in Switzerland according to the Swiss Venture Capital Report 2024.
In 2023, the downturn on the global venture capital market reached Switzerland.
Swiss startups received a total of CHF 2.6 Billion last year, 35% less than in 2022. Startups in the growth phase were particularly affected by the decline: the 20 largest financing rounds totalled CHF 1.4 Billion in 2023, compared with CHF 2.6 Billion in the previous year.
In contrast, the number of financing rounds rose slightly from 383 to 397.
Vaud is Western Switzerland leader, with CHF 444.3 Million, and ranks 3, just behind Zurich and Zug.
Despite this unfavourable context, the life sciences sector rose against the tide, with highlights in both medtech and biotech.
Two startups from the Swiss Health Valley made it to the top 20 investments. Distalmotion (#2) with CHF 133.8 Million and Lunaphore Technologies (#19) with CHF 30 Million.
New record and slight rebound in life sciences
Last year’s numbers for medtech startups were surprisingly positive. The previous record figure of 2022 was exceeded by 41% with CHF 378.6 Million.
The number of financing rounds remained stable compared with the previous year at the high level of 42. This good performance is mainly due to the investment in surgical robot manufacturer Distalmotion, which alone accounts for a third of the total amount.
On the other hand, biotech startups attracted more money (CHF 491.8 Million, +22%) in 2023 than in 2022. Far awar from 2020 (CHF 624 Million) and 2021 (CHF 820 Million). However, the biotech sector is still the second heavyweight alongside ICT and Cleantech.
The Swiss Venture Capital Report 2024 was published by the online news portal startupticker.ch and the industry association SECA in cooperation with startup.ch.
Please note that the figures are not exhaustive, as many companies did not disclose their fundraising in 2023.
Source: Swiss Venture Capital Report.