In 2015, there were 61 IPOs across western stock exchanges, down from 87 in 2014, with companies raising $4.68 billion, compared to $6.3 billion in 2014. Total US and EU venture capital (VC) funding grew 34.4% and 46.4% to $7.04 billion and $2.02 billion, respectively, although the number of rounds for each region declined. To be in the top 10 VC rounds in 2015, firms needed to raise more than $100 million, whereas in 2014, the required amount was less than $100 million; to be in the top five in 2015, firms needed to raise over $200 million. Investments declined in series A round funding in favor of B and C stage funding. Data show that B round funding made up almost one-third of total VC funding, whereas series A round funding was less than one-fifth. The biopharmaceutical industry disbursed $345 billion last year for 262 deals, up 56.8% from the 208 deals made in 2014, giving 2015 the highest deal count in nine years. However, this year’s current decline in funding and stock prices is pointing towards possibly more acquisitions and increased efforts for collaboration, R&D and licensing.

Source: EP Vantage