VIVEbiotech, a leading lentiviral vector Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), today announced a growth equity investment from Ampersand Capital Partners (“Ampersand”), a private equity firm specializing in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. The partnership with Ampersand will enable the expansion of VIVEbiotech’s lentiviral vector manufacturing and support the execution of a robust pipeline of customer projects for innovators developing groundbreaking in vivo and ex vivo cell and gene therapies.
VIVEbiotech provides process development, manufacturing, and analytical testing for leading biopharmaceutical companies engaged in gene therapy and cell therapy projects. With a specific focus on lentiviral vector production, the Company operates a state-of-the-art, 3,000 sq. m. (32,000 sq. ft.) GMP-compliant facility in San Sebastián, Spain.
VIVEbiotech has a proprietary platform for custom lentiviral vector development and manufacturing, and their highly educated and skilled team of over 140 employees, with more than 85% holding advanced degrees, ensures top-tier expertise and compliance with international standards.
VIVEbiotech’s deep-rooted presence in Gipuzkoa is further strengthened through this investment, promoting high-quality employment and the development of scientific, technical, and human capital across the region. Inveready, the venture capital fund that supported VIVEbiotech during its initial growth phase, is now stepping back, marking a new chapter for the company. The ongoing commitment from founding and institutional partners, including the Basque Government, Kutxa Fundazioa, CDTI Innovation (via its Innvierte program), and Easo Ventures, underscores their enduring confidence in the company since its inception in 2015.
This transaction, facilitated by Santander M&A, Garrigues and GA_P (Gómez-Acebo & Pombo), represents a key milestone not only for VIVEbiotech but also for Gipuzkoa, the Basque Country, and Spain. It brings onboard a leading global life sciences growth equity investor committed to bolstering industrial development across Europe.
In alignment with this transition, Gurutz Linazasoro, VIVEbiotech’s founder and current CEO, will take on a representative role and join the Board of Directors, alongside a representative from the institutions. Jon Alberdi, currently Managing Director, will become CEO, while Stefan Beyer will step in as the new Executive Chairman on behalf of Ampersand.
Jon Alberdi, CEO of VIVEbiotech, states: “We are thrilled to welcome Ampersand as a key partner to accelerate VIVEbiotech’s ambitious growth plan while strengthening our flexible, plug-and-play platform. This partnership will play an important role in continuing to exceed our customers’ high expectations. The combination of Ampersand’s industry expertise and VIVE’s robust team will position VIVE as a market leader by expanding our capacity and unique capabilities.”
As part of the transaction, industry veteran Dr. Stefan Beyer has been named Chairman of VIVEBiotech. Dr. Beyer added, “Given the ongoing rapid growth of the cell and gene therapy sector, I am excited to join the VIVEbiotech team. With its state-of-the-art GMP facility, the entire VIVEbiotech team has demonstrated robust capabilities that resonate with the market. Clients are drawn to the team’s scientific expertise, and this strategic investment by Ampersand will enable continued development and growth for VIVEbiotech.” Dr. Beyer has spent his entire career in the pharmaceutical outsourcing industry as an entrepreneur and advisor, previously serving as President, Managing Director, and CEO of Vibalogics, a former Ampersand portfolio company and industry leader of process development, manufacturing, and fill & finish services for biopharmaceutical companies developing oncolytic viral therapies, gene therapies, and vaccines.
Marina Pellon-Consunji, Partner at Ampersand, comments, “We are thrilled to support VIVEbiotech in their mission to advance lentiviral vector development. The team’s scientific expertise and innovative approach make them a key player in the rapidly growing cell and gene therapy industry. Through this investment, we look forward to partnering with Jon and his team to solidify VIVE as a global leader in lentiviral vector for in vivo and ex vivo cell and gene therapy.”
Ampersand Capital Partners, founded in 1988, is a middle-market private equity firm with $3 billion of assets under management, dedicated to growth-oriented investments in the healthcare sector. With offices in Boston, MA, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, Ampersand leverages a unique blend of private equity and operating experience to build value and drive long-term performance alongside its portfolio company management teams. Ampersand has helped build numerous market-leading companies across each of the firm’s core healthcare sectors. For additional information, visit AmpersandCapital.com or follow on LinkedIn.
VIVEbiotech is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in lentiviral vectors for gene and cell therapy. Founded in 2015, VIVEbiotech operates under EMA and FDA standards, serving over 40 biotech companies globally. The company focuses on scalable, high- yield manufacturing processes and cutting-edge technologies. With expertise in both ex vivo and in vivo applications, VIVEbiotech supports the development and commercialization of therapies for cancers and rare diseases. For more information about VIVEbiotech, please visit vivebiotech.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
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