Avant View

AVANT VIEW Quarterly Report Q4 2024

The fourth quarter saw several strategic transactions that highlight ongoing consolidation:

  • Goldman Sachs executed a significant LBO of Synthon International valued at $2.2B in December
  • Avid Bioservices underwent a $1.1B LBO led by GHO and Ampersand in November
  • Recursion acquired Exscientia in a $688M transaction in November

While overall M&A activity remains selective, these transactions demonstrate continued interest in platform technologies and manufacturing capabilities. The sector anticipates increased deal activity in 2025, particularly with potential changes in FTC leadership and improving market conditions.

      VC Activity

      Recent significant funding rounds demonstrate continued investor confidence in select companies:

        Avant View

        The life science industrial sector enters 2025 with several encouraging indicators despite ongoing market challenges. The year had a slow start but ended with signs of momentum. The startups we are meeting today are much more robust than those we were meeting in early 2024 – they have strong fundamental financials, broader customer base, and more conservative burn.

        Looking ahead, several key factors are shaping the 2025 outlook. The new U.S. administration brings both opportunities and uncertainties – while potential FTC leadership changes could drive increased M&A activity, questions remain around NIH funding and trade policy impacts.

        Tool companies focused on bioprocessing, QA/QC, and consumables are expected to see faster recovery compared to capital equipment. The destocking cycle led by big biotech appears largely complete, though capital equipment demand remains softer but improving. Additionally, emerging technologies like Process Analytical Technology (PAT) in bioprocessing and spectroscopic monitoring are gaining traction, while cell and gene therapy automation continues to advance through strategic partnerships.

        This measured optimism was reflected throughout our JPM experience. We were grateful by the strong turn out to our first ever AVANT BIO reception bringing together innovators, key industry players, and investors. Throughout the week, our team met with over 40 targets, a dozen strategics, and attended nearly 20 receptions hosted by pharma, biotech, and investor. A few takeaways that emerged from our numerous decisions

        • Companies are focused on operational improvement and are exploring new strategic initiatives
        • Large cap strategics are ready to engage startups through commercial and strategic partnerships, but still very selective with M&A. Mid cap strategics feel little pressure to make moves and will wait for ideal fits
        • Venture firms that have historically invested in life science industrials have expanded focus to include therapeutics. Many are taking a fresh look at platform companies, and some are leaning into company formation

        Top Headlines

        CDMO Avid Bioservices agrees to be acquired by funds managed by Ampersand and GHO Capital Partners in an all-cash deal worth $1.1 billion

        Recursion and Exscientia $688M merger marks largest AI deal to date

        Industry News

        Bruker Expands Drug Discovery Capabilities with Acquisition of Dynamic Biosensors

        Vizgen and Ultivue Join Forces to Advance Spatial Multi-Omics

        Nuclera Secures $75M in Funding to Accelerate Innovation in Rapid Protein and Gene Synthesis

        Big Pharma Eyes M&A to Counter Looming Patent Expirations and Sustain Growth

        BioLife Solutions Sells SciSafe Biostorage Subsidiary for $73M to Streamline Focus on Core

        Technologies

        Joachim Kreuzburg Steps Down as Sartorius CEO After 22 Years, Ushering in Leadership Transition

        Ori Biotech and Fresenius Kabi Partner to Advance Scalable Cell & Gene Therapy Manufacturing

        FDA Approval of Mesoblast’s Cell Therapy Signals Growth and Validation for the Broader MSC Market

        Announcements

        Virica Biotech Building AAV Production Ecosystem with eXmoor pharma and Ginkgo Bioworks

        bit.bio Secures $30M to Advance Research, Drug Discovery, and Cell Therapy Tools