Umeå Biotech companies raised SEK 301 Million in 2021

Companies and alumni from Umeå Biotech Incubator (UBI) raised SEK 301 million in capital investment and grants in 2021 - a huge increase of SEK 243 million compared to the previous year.

“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 of 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 SEK 551 million in financing since 2015.

“It’s a positive spiral. When companies attract capital they are given the conditions to develop products, which helps them to grow further - and then they become even more attractive to investors”, says Jennie Ekbeck, and adds:

“The number of jobs in companies represented by UBI has increased by 17 percent per year as a result of increased turnover together with the increase in investment”.

Of the 12 companies that attracted capital in 2021, six of them have a female CEO.

“Our incubator process contributes to gender equality in terms of attracting equity investment. The value of the companies led by women is impressive, which demonstrates that we have helped reduce the disparity in valuations between companies led by men and companies led by women. This is something we are very proud of”, says Jennie Ekbeck.

She believes it is important for the entire Umeå region to know how much investment has been made, as it not only underlines that Umeå is an attractive place for investors, but also that companies located in the region have sought-after competences and exciting business ideas.

“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”, says Jennie Ekbeck.

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.

For more information, please contact:

Jennie Ekbeck, CEO, Umeå Biotech Incubator

070-344 57 70

Jennie.ekbeck@ubi.se