Life sciences venture capital firm Forbion announced on Tuesday it has raised a record €2.3 billion ($2.6 billion) for two new funds, a major capital injection that stands in stark contrast to a broader downturn in European venture fundraising. The successful raise, which the firm said was its largest to date, signals powerful investor confidence in specialist biotech investors even as the continent faces what Forbion and other market observers describe as a "general shortage of capital."
The fundraising substantially exceeded its initial target and was completed "at pace," according to a statement from the Netherlands-based firm. This influx of capital brings Forbion's total assets under management to approximately €7.5 billion, an increase of 50% in just two years. The firm noted the total represents one of the largest life sciences venture capital fundraisings globally over the last five years, positioning it to significantly influence the direction of European biotech innovation.
A Counter-Signal in a Contracting Market
Forbion's success arrives amidst a challenging environment for venture capital in Europe. While global VC fundraising is on pace for a rebound from 2025, the recovery is highly uneven. According to a recent report from Pitchbook cited by MedCity News, Europe is on pace for its lowest fundraising total since 2019, excluding the previous year. This trend highlights a growing "venture capital gap" between Europe and other regions.
The Pitchbook report clarifies that strong activity in North America is masking weakness elsewhere. While global deal values are up year-over-year, every other region, including Europe, is on track for a decline in the number of deals. This downturn is attributed to a lack of liquidity across global markets, creating a capital-starved environment for many European startups and a difficult fundraising climate for the venture firms that support them.
Forbion's Fundraise vs. European VC Trends (2026)
The contrast between Forbion's landmark achievement and the prevailing market conditions illustrates its exceptional position. The following table juxtaposes the firm's results with the broader trends shaping the European venture landscape this year, based on company announcements and third-party market analysis.
| Metric | Forbion's Fundraise (October 2026) | European VC Market Trend (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Capital Raised | €2.3 billion ($2.6 billion) across two funds, the firm's largest to date. | On pace for the lowest fundraising total since 2019, excluding the previous year, according to a Pitchbook report. |
| Market Dynamics | Fundraising substantially exceeded its target and was conducted "at pace," reflecting strong investor demand. | Characterized by a "general shortage of capital" and a lack of liquidity across global markets, as noted by Pitchbook. |
| Regional Performance | Attracted significant international capital, with 40% of funds from North American investors. | Lags North America in deal activity and values; on pace for a year-over-year decline in deal count. |
