BaseLaunch, the Basel-based incubator accelerating early biotech ventures, has announced that Takeda has joined its roster of pharmaceutical partners, bringing the total to six leading global pharma companies.

 

Through its strategic investment, Takeda gains access to high-quality life sciences deal flow in Central Europe and BaseLaunch’s company-building expertise, while also contributing its own experience in biotech innovation and drug development. The move is expected to strengthen BaseLaunch’s portfolio, whose companies have collectively raised over $1 billion.

 

“We're thrilled to welcome Takeda to BaseLaunch. This partnership will significantly benefit our early-stage biotech ventures,” said Stephan Emmerth, Director of BaseLaunch. “Early stage funding, coupled with our company-building capabilities and privileged access to our pharma partners, gives our ventures a head start to further build and grow their businesses.”

 

Since its founding in 2018, BaseLaunch has supported 27 biotech companies across multiple modalities and indications, with several now in Phase II clinical trials. The incubator has also achieved two successful exits, including T3 Pharma, acquired for $500 million (USD) by Boehringer Ingelheim in 2023.

 

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

 

BaseLaunch’s current pharma partners include AbbVie, Roche, Novo Nordisk, Johnson & Johnson, CSL, and now Takeda, alongside venture fund Pureos Bioventures. Their collaboration underscores the incubator’s success and its deep integration into Basel, a major hub for European biopharma innovation.