HealthKois eyes biotech bets as new drug pipelines expand
HealthKois, a venture capital firm focused on life sciences, is intensifying its investment efforts in the biotech sector, driven by a significant increase in startup activity and drug innovation in India. A recent report by HealthKois and BCG highlights that private equity and venture capital investments in pharmaceuticals have surged 2.1 times over five years, reaching $731 million in FY26. The number of biotech startups has also expanded from approximately 1,500 to 2,400 during this period, indicating a vibrant landscape for healthtech and medtech innovations. The firm plans to allocate between $7 million and $25 million to early-stage companies engaged in various areas, including AI-driven drug discovery and precision oncology. Co-founder Ajay Mahipal noted that the increasing number of startups presents a promising opportunity for building credible businesses in the biotech space. Despite challenges in accessing patient private capital, the landscape is evolving, with more investors recognizing the potential of India's drug innovation system. Government initiatives and regulatory reforms are further supporting this growth, enhancing collaboration between industry and academia. As India aims to increase its share of novel drug development, the next decade will be crucial for establishing the country as a global leader in biotech innovation, potentially generating 40 to 50 new drug assets.
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