Nordic Life Science 1
TOP STORIES BUSINESS Team UBI FINANCING the right
s issue will be used for conducting additional clinical phase 2 development with AP1189 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), continue development of AP1189 for kidney disease in a re-designed study set-up, other research and development activities related to AP1189 and new chemical molecules, and to cover general administration costs. Subscription commitments of 243 million SEK compared to the previous year, states UBI. “It’s an absolutely fantastic amount. We work hard to help companies attract investment, so it is clear that our incubator process is working. Of the companies that raised money, 50 percent have a female CEO, which is extra gratifying,” says Jennie Ekbeck, CEO, UBI. Umeå-based biotech companies Lipum and Lipigon were both listed on the stock exchange in 2021, which contributed considerably to the huge increase in investment. Another ten companies also attracted capital during the year, and companies in Umeå Biotech Incubator have amassed 551 million SEK in financing since 2015. “The number of jobs in companies represented by UBI has increased by 17% per year as a result of increased turnover together, with the increase in investment,” says Ekbeck. “The life science industry is growing steadily, and there is considerable demand for more facilities to persuade even more companies to establish themselves here. We estimate that 15,000 square meters of laboratory facilities alone need to be built by 2030 to meet demand. Being in a city that attracts investors is obviously a huge advantage.” The companies that attracted equity investment in 2021 are Metacurum, Hiloprobe, Vakona, Quretech Bio, Lipigon, Protest Diagnostics, Brain stimulation, Spinchem, Lipum, Omnio, Umecrine and Inficure Bio. of approximately 2 million SEK in total have been received from the company’s Board of Directors and management team. Furthermore, guarantee commitments of approximately 148 million SEK in total have been provided by external investors, including Formue Nord Markedsneutral A/S, Maven Investment Partners Ltd, Modelio Equity AB, Wilhelm Risberg, Fredrik Lundgren and Exelity AB. Jeppe Ovlesen, CEO, SynAct Pharma 16 NORDICLIFESCIENCE.ORG PHOTO MALIN GRÖNBORG