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Takeda

Asia, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo

Description

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global biopharmaceutical leader headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, extends its innovation reach through its dedicated corporate venture capital arm, Takeda Ventures, Inc. (TVI). Established in 2001, TVI plays a crucial role in Takeda's external innovation strategy, focusing on identifying and investing in early-stage life science companies. Their investment scope spans from seed rounds through Series B, targeting groundbreaking science and technologies that align with Takeda's core therapeutic areas, including oncology, rare diseases, neuroscience, gastroenterology, and plasma-derived therapies. TVI also actively explores opportunities in digital health, data science, and other emerging areas that can transform patient care.

TVI's investment philosophy goes beyond mere capital injection; it aims to foster strategic partnerships and provide portfolio companies with access to Takeda's extensive scientific expertise, R&D capabilities, and global network. This collaborative approach is evident in their frequent co-investments with other prominent venture capital firms, leveraging collective insights and resources to accelerate the development of innovative solutions. The team at Takeda Ventures comprises experienced professionals with deep scientific and industry knowledge, enabling them to conduct thorough due diligence and provide meaningful strategic guidance to their portfolio companies.

Since its inception, Takeda Ventures has demonstrated a consistent commitment to fostering innovation within the biotech ecosystem. By 2019, TVI had invested in over 100 companies globally, showcasing its broad and sustained engagement in the life sciences sector. A notable example of their investment success includes their participation in the Series A round of Versanis Bio, a company later acquired by Eli Lilly for a potential value of up to $1.925 billion, highlighting TVI's ability to identify and support high-potential ventures. Their long-term vision is to support the development of novel therapies and technologies that address significant unmet medical needs, ultimately contributing to Takeda's mission of improving patient lives worldwide.

Investor Profile

Takeda has backed more than 21 startups, with 6 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 8 rounds, about 38% of its total and boasts 13 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Grant, Series Unknown, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, United Kingdom, France.
  • Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Health Care, Therapeutics.
  • Led 6 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $500K – $15M.

Stage Focus

  • Grant (29%)
  • Series Unknown (24%)
  • Series A (14%)
  • Series B (10%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (10%)
  • Series C (10%)
  • Series E (5%)

Country Focus

  • United States (81%)
  • United Kingdom (5%)
  • France (5%)
  • Tanzania (5%)
  • Australia (5%)

Industry Focus

  • Biotechnology
  • Health Care
  • Therapeutics
  • Medical
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Life Science
  • Biopharma
  • Non Profit
  • Education
  • Sustainability
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Takeda frequently co-invest with?

EcoR1 Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 1
Alexandria Real Estate Equities
North America, California, United States, Pasadena
Co-Investments: 1
Moore Venture Partners
North America, California, United States, San Diego
Co-Investments: 1
Tavistock Life Sciences
North America, Florida, United States, Windermere
Co-Investments: 1
Bay City Capital
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Deerfield
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 2
Dementia Discovery Fund
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
F-Prime Capital
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Co-Investments: 1
AC
North America, California, United States, San Diego
Co-Investments: 1
Brace Pharma
North America, Maryland, United States, Rockville
Co-Investments: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Takeda?

Daily Table

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Daily Table is a non-profit grocery food store.

GrantApr 30, 2025
Population Services International

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Population Services International is a nonprofit global health organization.

Health CareMedicalNon Profit
GrantSep 18, 2024
Amount Raised: $7,056,233
Seed Global Health

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Seed Global Health strengthens health education and delivery in places facing a dire shortage of health professionals.

EducationHealth CareMedicalNon Profit
GrantSep 18, 2024
Amount Raised: $6,271,429
Reach Out Cameroon

South West Rocks, New South Wales, Australia

Reach Out Cameroon is a non profit organisation aim is to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people

Non Profit
GrantSep 18, 2024
Amount Raised: $8,191,397
Bulungula Incubator

Monduli, Arusha, Tanzania

Bulungula Incubator is an NPO that aims to sustainably end poverty in a generation while enhancing community life and cohesiveness.

EducationHealth CareSustainability
GrantSep 18, 2024
Amount Raised: $2,172,227
VillageReach

Seattle, Washington, United States

Save lives and improve health by increasing access to quality healthcare for the most underserved communities.

Health Care
GrantSep 18, 2024
Amount Raised: $8,700,000
Crescendo Biologics

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Crescendo Biologics is engaged in the development of a proprietary drug portfolio based on their VH antibody fragment platform.

BiotechnologyHealth CareTherapeutics
Series UnknownJul 24, 2023
Amount Raised: $32,000,000
Ambys Medicines

South San Francisco, California, United States

Ambys Medicines is a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing regenerative and restorative therapies.

BiotechnologyMedicalTherapeutics
Series ADec 21, 2021
Amount Raised: $47,000,000
Cardurion Pharmaceuticals

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Cardurion is a cardiovascular biotechnology company developing therapeutics for the treatment of heart failure and cardiovascular diseases.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceutical
Series BOct 27, 2021
Amount Raised: $300,000,000
Bridge Medicines

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States

Bridge Medicines is a drug discovery company

Pharmaceutical
Series UnknownNov 13, 2020
Amount Raised: $10,000,000