Strategy & Funds - Claris Ventures

Strategy

Claris Ventures is the first VC firm in Italy with focus on biopharma projects ready to start clinical studies in 12-24 months. Our team provides resources, capabilities and connections to complete preclinical studies and run first in human trials. We are particularly interested in oncology, immunology, rare diseases and other therapeutic areas with limited treatment opportunities.

Claris Ventures allows scientific founders to focus on science and development, while supporting project management, finance and strategic development.

Proof of Concept

Pre-clinical

Claris Ventures
investment sweet-spot

Exit

Clinical

Funds

Claris Ventures manages specialized venture capital funds focused on early-stage biotech company creation and development. Our funds invest in innovative therapeutic programs originating from top academic research and entrepreneurial teams, with the goal of building clinically meaningful and globally relevant biotech companies.

Claris Biotech I

Claris Biotech I was launched in September 2020 and raised a total of €85 million.
The fund focuses on seed and Series A investments in early-stage biotech companies, supporting company creation, scientific validation, and the transition from discovery to clinical development.

Claris Biotech I has built a diversified portfolio across multiple therapeutic areas, working hands-on with founders and management teams to shape strategy, build organizations, and prepare companies for subsequent financing rounds and strategic partnerships.

Claris Biotech II

Building on the experience and track record of the first fund, Claris Biotech II was launched in April 2025 with a target size of €100 million.

The fund continues Claris Ventures’ focus on early-stage biotech investments, with an emphasis on first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics. Claris Biotech II is currently in fundraising and aims to further strengthen Claris’ role as a leading biotech venture capital platform in Italy, while expanding its international reach.

Claris Biotech Lombardia - Parallel Fund

Claris Biotech Lombardia – Parallel Fund is a reserved alternative investment fund managed by Claris Ventures SGR S.p.A., with total commitments of €10 million.

The Fund was established within the framework of Lombardia Venture STEP, an initiative promoted by Regione Lombardia and financed through the Lombardy Regional Programme ERDF 2021–2027, managed by Finlombarda S.p.A.

Claris Biotech Lombardia – Parallel Fund invests alongside Claris Biotech I and Claris Biotech II, the funds managed by Claris Ventures and dedicated to investments in biotechnology and, in particular, to the development of novel therapeutics.

The Fund invests in highly innovative companies operating in the biotechnology and life sciences sectors, with a particular focus on businesses engaged in the discovery and development of new drugs and therapeutic technologies.

Through the Parallel Fund, Claris Ventures aims to further strengthen the Lombardy biotech ecosystem by providing capital and specialist expertise to support the creation, development and growth of innovative companies in the region.

The investment strategy builds on Claris Ventures’ experience in identifying and developing high-potential therapeutic programmes, with the objective of translating scientific excellence into internationally competitive companies and therapeutic projects.

Lombardia Venture STEP

Lombardia Venture STEP is an initiative promoted by Regione Lombardia within the Lombardy Regional Programme ERDF 2021–2027, aimed at supporting investments in companies operating in the strategic sectors identified by the European STEP – Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform, including deep tech and biotechnology.

The resources committed to Claris Biotech Lombardia – Parallel Fund are managed by Finlombarda S.p.A., the financial institution of Regione Lombardia.