
Karolinska
Description
Karolinska Development AB (publ) is a prominent Nordic life science investment company, publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (Mid Cap). Established in 2003, the firm specializes in identifying and commercializing medical innovations, primarily originating from leading research institutions within the Nordic region. Its core mission revolves around investing in and developing early-stage companies that address significant unmet medical needs, with an ultimate goal of divesting these ventures through IPOs or out-licensing agreements. This strategic approach positions Karolinska Development as a key player in fostering the growth of the life science ecosystem in the Nordics.
The company employs an active ownership model, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance to accelerate the development of its portfolio companies. Karolinska Development typically focuses on early-stage investments, with initial cheques generally ranging from SEK 5 million to SEK 10 million, which translates to approximately $476,000 to $952,000 USD based on recent exchange rates. These initial investments are often followed by subsequent funding rounds as the portfolio companies mature and progress through clinical development. This structured investment approach allows them to support promising innovations from their nascent stages through to commercial viability.
As of recent reports, Karolinska Development manages a diverse portfolio comprising ten companies. A significant portion of this portfolio, specifically five companies, are currently engaged in clinical development, underscoring the firm's commitment to advancing medical products through rigorous testing phases. Their long-term strategy emphasizes value creation through the successful development and eventual exit of these companies, contributing to both medical progress and investor returns. The firm's consistent focus on high-potential, early-stage life science ventures highlights its role in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and market-ready solutions.
Investor Profile
Karolinska has backed more than 30 startups, with 4 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 10 rounds, about 33% of its total and boasts 5 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series Unknown, Post Ipo Debt, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Sweden, Finland, Denmark.
- Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Health Care.
- Led 2 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $476K – $952K.
Stage Focus
- Series Unknown (40%)
- Post Ipo Debt (13%)
- Series A (10%)
- Post Ipo Equity (7%)
- Seed (7%)
- Series B (7%)
- Convertible Note (7%)
- Corporate Round (3%)
- Series C (3%)
- Debt Financing (3%)
Country Focus
- Sweden (73%)
- Finland (10%)
- Denmark (10%)
- United States (7%)
Industry Focus
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical
- Health Care
- Medical
- Therapeutics
- Clinical Trials
- Biopharma
- Medical Device
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
Frequently Asked Questions
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