UK's biotech sector outperforming other European countries in financing, with 2014 a blockbuster year

The UK’s biotech sector has outperformed other European countries, according to a new report from Evaluate, a life science market intelligence firm, and the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA).

It has raised £923.7 million ($1.42 billion) via initial public offerings (IPOs), with 2014 standing out as a particular turning point for the sector. In that year alone, nine companies listed on the public market and raised a total of £408 million, which accounts for almost half of the total IPO haul for the past decade. The rise in optimism has been most evident in 2014 with the momentum continuing into 2015.

Venture capital financing also had a leap in 2014, up 71% from the previous year to $430 million. Seed funding of early-stage companies by venture capital has fallen dramatically, highlighting a need for alternative funding models and sources, and the return of specialist investors willing to take a long-term view.