Takeda Strengthens Its Presence in Early-Stage Biotech Innovation

Announcement

Takeda Strengthens Its Presence in Early-Stage Biotech Innovation

Takeda Pharmaceutical has joined BaseLaunch, a venture creation and incubation platform focused on building early-stage biotech companies developing next-generation therapeutics. The move reinforces Takeda’s commitment to working closely with emerging science and supporting innovation at its earliest stages.

Access to High-Quality European Biotech Opportunities

By investing in BaseLaunch, Takeda gains direct access to a strong pipeline of life sciences opportunities across central Europe. The partnership also allows Takeda to tap into BaseLaunch’s company-building expertise, while contributing its own deep experience in drug discovery, development, and commercialization.

A Partnership That Accelerates Company Creation

Takeda’s involvement is expected to further strengthen BaseLaunch’s ability to support its portfolio companies, which together have already raised more than $1 billion in funding. Takeda will also play an active role by joining BaseLaunch’s investment board, helping shape new company formation and development strategies.

Leadership Perspective: Takeda

“Our partnership with BaseLaunch strengthens our connection to European biotech innovation,” said Alison Handley, Head of the Center for External Innovation at Takeda. “By joining the investment board, we can help guide company creation and apply Takeda’s expertise in turning strong science into new medicines. We look forward to advancing innovative therapies together.”

Leadership Perspective: BaseLaunch

Stephan Emmerth, Director of BaseLaunch, welcomed Takeda’s entry into the platform. “This partnership will significantly benefit our early-stage biotech ventures,” he said. “Early funding, combined with our company-building model and privileged access to pharma partners, gives our ventures a meaningful head start as they grow and mature.”

A Proven Track Record in Building Biotech Companies

Founded in 2018, BaseLaunch has supported 27 biotech startups spanning multiple therapeutic areas and technology platforms. Several of these companies have already advanced their programs into Phase II clinical trials, underscoring the platform’s ability to translate early science into clinical progress.

Backed by Global Pharma Leaders

Takeda now joins a distinguished group of pharmaceutical partners supporting BaseLaunch. Other partners include AbbVie, Roche, Novo Nordisk, Johnson & Johnson, and CSL, highlighting BaseLaunch’s growing role as a key hub for early-stage biotech innovation in Europe.