This year marked a significant shift in the landscape of university spinouts, with several companies founded from academic research being acquired for over a billion dollars. These acquisitions reward early investors who believed in the potential of these groundbreaking ideas.
A standout performer this year is the University of Oxford, which saw two of its spinouts, Oxford Ionics and OrganOx, acquired for impressive sums. Oxford has a strong track record of nurturing spinouts, suggesting even more exciting exits could come in the future.
Quantum computing is particularly noteworthy. Two of the major exits this year are quantum startups, highlighting the sector’s growth from academic roots. This rise in interest signals a booming market for advanced technologies, echoing similar trends seen in the tech world in the past.
Interestingly, most acquisitions were conducted privately rather than through public listings, reflecting a cautious initial public offering (IPO) market. According to Dealroom.co, mergers and acquisitions in deep tech and life sciences are expected to soar, reaching an estimated $12.3 billion in Europe alone by 2025.
Here are some key acquisitions that stood out this year:
Oxford Ionics
Acquired by IonQ for $1.075 billion, Oxford Ionics specializes in ion trap technology with applications in quantum computing. The acquisition will enhance IonQ’s ability to produce more efficient quantum computers.
OrganOx
This spinout, valued at $1.5 billion, was sold to Terumo Corporation. OrganOx has revolutionized how organs are preserved for transplants, having assisted in over 6,000 procedures.
Cytora
A spinout from the University of Cambridge, Cytora was acquired by Applied Systems. Their AI-driven software helps streamline insurance processes, making it easier for brokers to manage policies.
Infleqtion
Originally from the University of Colorado Boulder, this quantum computing firm is set to go public following its merger with Churchill Capital Corp X, valued at $1.8 billion. Infleqtion focuses on advanced quantum technologies and precision sensors.
Apromore
Salesforce acquired this software spinout from the University of Melbourne and the University of Tartu to enhance their business process intelligence offerings.
Nexthink
Spun out from EPFL in Switzerland, Nexthink received a $3 billion investment from Vista Equity Partners, showcasing strong interest in digital workplace solutions.
CureVac
Known for its cutting-edge RNA technology initially developed for COVID-19 vaccines, CureVac was acquired by BioNTech for $1.25 billion to help advance RNA-based therapies.
Araris Biotech
Valued at $400 million, with potential milestone payments reaching $740 million, this ETH Zurich spinout focuses on targeted cancer therapies through innovative drug delivery systems.
The trend of university spinouts being acquired illustrates the growing importance of academic research in driving innovation and investment. As these ventures continue to flourish, investors and researchers alike are gaining more insight into the near-future potential of deep tech and life sciences.
For more detailed information on the impact of university spinouts, you can visit Dealroom.co.
