Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) today announced the state’s life sciences community raised an unprecedented $704 million in the first quarter of 2021. Capital from public, private, and federal sources contributed to the total. The ecosystem is on track for a banner year, with more than $160 million raised in the first 20 days of April, including Inscripta’s $150 million Series E round.

Emily Roberts, Vice President of Colorado BioScience Association, says:
“These remarkable numbers for the first quarter of 2021 demonstrate the health and strength of Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem. The federal government sees the promise of research underway in our state. Private investors understand the potential of breakthroughs here. Public markets see the global impact of health innovations from Colorado. Additionally, support from the state of Colorado through the Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant Program advances our most promising companies. We anticipate an outstanding 2021.”

The first quarter momentum came from a $202 million IPO by Edgewise Therapeutics, more than $80 million in private capital raised through successful funding rounds, and more than 200 NIH grants, totaling $92 million. The $100 million acquisition of Neos Therapeutics by Aytu BioPharma (formerly Aytu BioScience) brought additional value to Colorado’s life sciences community.

Private capital flowed into the state during the first quarter with companies closing successful financing rounds:
Pre-Seed: $500,000
Seed Funding: $2.25 million
Series A: $5 million
Series B: $75 million

The early 2021 fundraising progress shows the quickening pace of investment in Colorado. In 2017-2020, the life sciences community raised more than $1 billion each year.

Colorado Life Sciences Financing History

2017: $1.2 billion
2018: $1 billion
2019: $850 million, $12.1 billion including Pfizer acquisition of Array Biopharma
2020: $1.2 billion, $2.6 billion including Invitae acquisition of ArcherDX
2021: $704 million in first quarter

Connect with CBSA: Twitter @COBioscience, Facebook and LinkedIn

About Colorado BioScience Association

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) creates co-opportunity for the Colorado life sciences community. CBSA champions a collaborative life sciences ecosystem and advocates for a supportive business climate. From concept to commercialization, member companies and organizations drive global health innovations, products and services that improve and save lives. The association leads Capital and Growth, Education and Networking, Policy and Advocacy, and Workforce Cultivation to make its members stronger, together. Learn more: cobioscience.com

Media Contact:

Sheliah Reynolds
Primavera Group for Colorado BioScience Association
(720) 289-4739
sheliah@theprimaveragroup.com