Danisco Venture invests in biotechnology and foods
Danisco, has made its first investment.
Danisco Venture, the venture capital arm of Danish food company Danisco, announced recently that it has invested DKK 10 million in DTU Invest. The company, together with six other Danish companies who also invested DKK 10 million internal venture departments, will support the DTU (the Technical University of Denmark), the Danish Technological Institute and the Danish Science Park, Hørsholm. The overriding goal is to ensure that ideas, patents and projects from DTU Invest and others serve as building blocks for new business. Some of the key areas for DTU Invest are biotechnology and foods. The three founding organisations combined will invest DKK 15 million so that the overall capital infusion will total DKK 85 million. 'We have chosen to invest in DTU Invest because we anticipate we'll achieve a satisfactory return, and because DTU Invest aims to invest in start-ups that will focus on products or technologies of relevance to Danisco's customers - the global food industry. In addition, we would like to enable the establishment of new business in Denmark with fewer hurdles. We are convinced that this new company will be an invaluable business incubator that is a suitable match to our other Venture activities. Moreover, we feel secure with the business foundations,' stated Vice President Anders Wilhjelm, Danisco Venture. The investment in DTU Invest is the first one made by Danisco Venture, which was established earlier this year with a capital base of DKK 500 million. Danisco Venture extends entrepreneurs the offer of capital and - via Danisco - access to global food and beverage producers as well as cooperation within development, production and sales.
