BaseLaunch is a venture builder that supports early-stage biotech projects globally with a focus on Europe. Christoph Rosli, Director of Research at CSL Behring & Member of the Selection Board, BaseLaunch, and Virginia Ballotta, Manager of New Ventures at Base Launch, explained that Base Launch is looking to find very early-stage companies with innovative projects and turn them into successful biotech companies. Ballota added that BaseLaunch is open to a broad range of therapeutic modalities and areas.
The projects are sourced from academia and entrepreneurs and are selected based on scientific excellence in collaboration with pharma partners. Ballotta explained that BaseLaunch supports the companies by offering funding, strategic guidance, and access to networks and labs.
Since the inception of BaseLaunch in 2018, the company has reviewed over 1,000 projects. Rosli explained that around 40% of the projects were focused on small molecules. The proposals spanned oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, rare diseases, and neurology.
Of the 1,000 projects presented, 28 have been selected as top candidates that have received funding, demonstrating how competitive it is. The selection process involves a 15-minute online presentation, a Q&A, a 30-minute presentation to an investment board, followed by a 90-minute grilling. Then there is a final decision on whether to fund the companies or not.
The 28 selected companies have been very successful so far and have collectively raised over $1 billion. BaseLaunch has also achieved notable exits, including the acquisition of T3 Pharma. In summary, BaseLaunch’s collaborative outlook, financial support offerings, access to high-quality infrastructure, and established high-profile networks equip early-stage companies with all the tools necessary to achieve success in the biopharma industry.
