VIVEbiotech Secures Growth Equity Investment from Ampersand Capital Partners

• VIVEbiotech has announced a growth equity investment from Ampersand Capital Partners, which will enable the expansion of its lentiviral vector manufacturing capabilities in San Sebastián, Spain.

• This partnership supports VIVEbiotech’s plans to enhance its lentiviral vector development platform for cell and gene therapies.

VIVEbiotech, a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specialising in lentiviral vector production, has secured a growth equity investment from Ampersand Capital Partners. This collaboration will allow the company to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and serve a growing pipeline of in vivo and ex vivo cell and gene therapies.

The investment will enable VIVEbiotech to expand its state-of-the-art, GMP-compliant facility in San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain, where it produces lentiviral vectors. These vectors are essential for the development of advanced gene and cell therapies. The company operates a 3,000 sq. m. (32,000 sq. ft.) facility, and its team of over 140 employees, with more than 85% holding advanced degrees, ensures that all manufacturing processes comply with international standards.

CEO Jon Alberdi expressed excitement about the partnership with Ampersand, stating, “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.”

As part of the investment deal, Dr. Stefan Beyer, an industry veteran, has been appointed Chairman of VIVEbiotech. With extensive experience in the pharmaceutical outsourcing industry, Dr. Beyer has previously served as President and CEO of Vibalogics, an Ampersand portfolio company.

The growth equity from Ampersand, a private equity firm with a strong track record in life sciences, will support VIVEbiotech in its mission to advance lentiviral vector development and play a key role in the rapidly growing field of cell and gene therapy. Marina Pellon-Consunji, Partner at Ampersand, highlighted the company’s scientific expertise as pivotal for its success in this space.