- In recent years, Slootweg has served as a board member and vice-chair of Invest Europe’s Venture Council and will now assume the role of Chairperson for the coming year.
- Forbion is a founding member of the European Life Sciences Coalition (ELSC), established earlier this year in collaboration with Invest Europe, to strengthen Europe's life sciences and biotechnology investment ecosystem.
- Daniela Couto, General Partner at BioGeneration Ventures (BGV), Forbion's joint venture partner for seed- and early-stage investments, has been elected to the Invest Europe Board as a representative of Invest Europe’s Venture Capital Platform.
Naarden, the Netherlands and Boston, USA, 17 June, 2026 - Forbion, a leading global life sciences venture capital firm with deep roots in Europe, today announces that its co-founder and Managing Partner Sander Slootweg has been appointed Chairperson of Invest Europe for the 2026–2027 term. In addition, Daniela Couto, PhD, General Partner at BioGeneration Ventures (BGV), Forbion's joint venture partner, has been elected as a member to the Invest Europe Board.
Invest Europe is the association representing Europe's private equity, venture capital and infrastructure sectors. Slootweg succeeds Elias Korosis, Global Investment Partner at Federated Hermes Private Equity, and will work alongside Chair-elect Valentina Franceschini, Senior Partner at Wise Equity SGR.
A long-standing contributor to Invest Europe, Slootweg has served on the organisation's Board and most recently was vice-chair of its Venture Capital Platform Council. He is also a founding member of the European Life Sciences Coalition (ELSC), launched in association with Invest Europe, to strengthen Europe's life sciences and biotechnology venture capital ecosystem through increased private and public investment.
As Europe seeks to strengthen its competitiveness, resilience and strategic capabilities, private capital has a vital role to play. Our task is to champion the European investment case and ensure Europe remains a leading place to innovate, invest and grow.
Sander Slootweg
Managing Partner, Forbion
Slootweg assumes the Chair position at a pivotal time for Europe, as policymakers, investors and industry leaders focus on strengthening the continent's competitiveness, innovation capacity and strategic resilience. Under his leadership, Invest Europe will continue to advocate for a strong private capital ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship, scientific innovation, technological leadership and sustainable economic growth across Europe.
"Sander's appointment as Chair of Invest Europe and Daniela's election to the Board reflect the increasing importance of venture capital in driving innovation, competitiveness and long-term value creation in Europe," said Eric de Montgolfier, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Europe.
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About Forbion
Forbion is a leading global venture capital firm with deep roots in Europe and offices in Naarden, the Netherlands, Munich, Germany, and Boston, USA. Forbion invests in innovative biotech companies, managing approximately €5 billion across multiple fund strategies covering all stages of (bio)pharmaceutical drug development. In addition to its human health focus, Forbion also invests in planetary health solutions through its BioEconomy strategy. The firm’s team of over 30 investment professionals has a strong track record, with more than 130 investments across 10 funds, resulting in numerous approved therapies and successful exits. Forbion is a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment and operates a joint venture with BGV for seed and early-stage investments in the Benelux and Germany regions.
