Pieris AG

Country: Germany

Region: Bayern

Investors: Global Life Sciences Ventures

Without venture capital investment, Pieris AG – a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of treatment for life-threatening human disorders – would almost certainly no longer exist.

In 2002, Pieris sought investment to drive R&D, and in the intervening 10 years, Global Life Sciences Ventures and additional VC firms have supported the business through multiple rounds of financing, through the clinical trial process, and through two changes of management. Through its revolutionary technology, the business is now in a position to develop products that will make a difference to countless lives.

Stephen Yoder

CEO - Pieris AG

Venture financing has been paramount to our success. It not only has allowed us to attract top talent and make big R&D investments, but also maximises leverage in business negotiations.

years of venture capital / biotech partnership

employees added during the investment period

What did the business need?

Capital for research and development
Expansion of level of resources and infrastructure
Build intellectual property through well-executed patent strategy
Access to complementary know-how and key opinion leaders

How did private equity backing create lasting value?

Involvement in multiple rounds of financing
Support of strategy to raise additional €35m in grants and up-front payments via collaborations
Brought in large US VC firm as lead investor in series B round
Pieris signed several major pharmaceutical collaborations during 10-year period
Access to networks from academia and finance
Change and complete management where necessary