1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council, is designed to support innovative startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their quest to develop and scale breakthrough technologies. The program provides both grant funding and equity investments, enabling enterprises to overcome financial barriers and accelerate their growth in the competitive European deep tech landscape.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers blended finance, which combines grants and equity investments. The grant component can reach up to €2.5 million, aimed at supporting the early stages of innovation development, technology validation, and market entry. Additionally, the program provides equity investments, with the capacity to offer up to €15 million until 2024. Starting in 2025, this equity investment limit will reduce to €10 million. This dual funding approach not only alleviates financial burdens but also attracts additional private sector investments, facilitating a comprehensive growth strategy for the participating companies.

Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem

The primary objective of the EIC Accelerator is to bolster the European startup ecosystem by nurturing DeepTech innovations with high potential for commercialization. By providing substantial funding and facilitating access to mentorship, networking, and additional resources, the program plays a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of European firms on a global scale. The EIC Accelerator helps companies scale by validating their business models, refining their technologies, and guiding them through the complex process of securing further private funding.

Case Study: Fibriant B.V and the RECOFIB Project

Fibriant B.V, a Dutch company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator with its innovative project titled RECOFIB. This project focuses on developing a unique recombinant manufacturing platform for human fibrinogen (rhFib) and thrombin (rhThr), two critical components in the field of biotechnology and medicine.

Project Overview: RECOFIB

The RECOFIB project aims to revolutionize the production of fibrinogen and thrombin, which are essential for various medical applications, including surgical procedures and wound healing. These proteins play a crucial role in blood coagulation, making them vital in both emergency and elective surgical settings. The current methods of obtaining these proteins involve complex processes, often reliant on human or animal sources, which can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities and ethical concerns.

Technology Basics and Background

The recombinant manufacturing platform at the heart of the RECOFIB project leverages advanced genetic engineering techniques. By using engineered cells, Fibriant B.V. can produce rhFib and rhThr in a controlled and efficient manner. This approach allows for the generation of high-purity proteins that are free from the risks associated with traditional sources, such as viral contamination and immunogenicity.

The platform utilizes a proprietary expression system designed to optimize yield and functionality of the recombinant proteins. Additionally, the manufacturing process is streamlined to enhance scalability and reduce production costs, making the resultant products more accessible for healthcare providers.

Fibriant B.V.'s technology not only addresses current limitations in fibrinogen and thrombin production but also paves the way for innovative applications in regenerative medicine and personalized healthcare. By creating a reliable supply of these essential proteins, the RECOFIB project stands to significantly impact clinical practices and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation within Europe’s DeepTech and startup ecosystem. By providing essential funding and support to companies like Fibriant B.V., the program enables the development of groundbreaking technologies such as the RECOFIB project, which promises to enhance medical practices and patient care through advanced recombinant manufacturing techniques. The success of such initiatives underscores the importance of structured funding mechanisms in driving technological advancement and economic growth across Europe.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised by Fibriant B.V. Since EIC Accelerator Funding

EIC Accelerator Award (December 2021):

• Fibriant B.V., based in Leiden, Netherlands, was awarded up to €16.5 million in total funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program as of December 23, 2021. This support targets the development and expansion of their RECOFIB platform.
• The EIC funding structure included a €2.5 million grant specifically for R&D activities to broaden the therapeutic applications of their technology.

Funding Rounds and Timing:

• Prior to the EIC Accelerator award, Fibriant's last publicly disclosed funding round was a Seed VC round approximately seven years ago in which they raised $320,000 USD (~€270,000 at historical rates).
• The investor for this seed round was UNIIQ.

Breakdown of Funding Information:

Round	Date	Amount	Investors
Seed VC	~2014–2015	$320K	UNIIQ
EIC Accelerator	Dec 2021	Up to €16.5M	EIC Fund

No other financing rounds or investors have been publicly reported between these two events.

Investor Information

• UNIIQ: Participated as an early-stage investor during the seed round.
• EIC Fund: The main backer for scale-up since late 2021 via blended finance (grant plus potential equity).

Company Valuations

There is no public disclosure regarding company valuation following either funding event.

Exit Events

There is no record or announcement indicating that Fibriant B.V. has undergone any exit event such as an IPO, buyout, or acquisition since receiving its EIC Accelerator award through April 2025.

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Sources

• Fibriant awarded Euro 16.5M EIC Accelerator funding
• Fibriant awarded €16.5 M funding from EIC Accelerator (PDF)
• News - Fibriant
• Fibliant Company Profile on CB Insights

3 The Press Releases

Fibriant B.V., a biotechnology company based in Leiden, Netherlands, has made significant advancements since winning the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021. Below is a detailed overview of their key developments, partnerships, technology progress, team updates, and related press releases.

EIC Accelerator Funding and Development Focus

On December 23, 2021, Fibriant announced it was awarded up to €16.5 million from the EIC Accelerator program to support the development of its RECOFIB platform. This platform centers on recombinant fibrinogen technology aimed at creating innovative healthcare solutions for hemostasis and tissue repair.

Technology Advancements

• Fibriant specializes in recombinant human fibrinogen variants and active human thrombin production using a proprietary CHO cell-based manufacturing platform.
• Their lead product candidate is RecoSeel™, a fully recombinant fibrin-based topical hemostat designed to stop surgical bleeding effectively.
• Pipeline products also target severe infections caused by MRSA bacteria.
• The company’s technology leverages natural variation in fibrinogen forms to design customized healthcare solutions for bleeding control and wound healing.

Licensing and Partnerships

• In December 2019, Fibriant expanded its license agreement with Bioceros B.V., adding recombinant human (pro)thrombin capabilities alongside existing recombinant fibrinogen production using Bioceros's CHO BC® expression technology. This expansion supports developing a broader suite of fully recombinant fibrin-based topical products.
• Fibriant entered into a research collaboration with Biomed Elements (supported by an MIT grant from Zuid Holland province) combining their respective technologies—fibrinogen from Fibriant and biopolymers from Biomed Elements—to develop new topical hemostat products aimed at stopping life-threatening bleeding in pre-hospital settings.
• Earlier licensing deals include an exclusive license with TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research) signed in September 2015 allowing access to specific variants of human fibrinogen that underpin their innovative product development efforts.

Team Updates

• In recent years including after securing EIC funding, Fibriant has expanded its operational team significantly; five new employees joined as part of ramping up activities at its Leiden Bioscience Park facility equipped with advanced biochemistry laboratories.
• The management team includes experienced experts who worked together previously at ProFibrix BV; they bring scientific expertise in fibrinogen research alongside industry experience relevant to biopharmaceutical product development.

Patents or Intellectual Property

While no specific recent patent grants were detailed explicitly in public press releases or blog posts related directly post-EIC funding announcement, the company's broad licenses—such as those with TNO—and proprietary manufacturing platform imply strong intellectual property positioning around various recombinant human fibrin(ogen) variants and thrombin technologies.

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Summary

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021:

• Funding: Secured €16.5M for RECOFIB platform advancement
• Technology: Advanced manufacture of variant-specific recombinant human fibrinogens & thrombin; lead product RecoSeel™ targeting surgical bleeding
• Partnerships: Expanded licensing with Bioceros; collaboration with Biomed Elements on novel topical hemostats
• Team Growth: Added multiple new hires focused on scaling operations
• IP & Licensing: Holds exclusive licenses critical to proprietary tech foundation

Fibriant continues developing cutting-edge biotech solutions leveraging nature-inspired blood protein science aimed primarily at improving hemorrhage control during surgery and severe trauma scenarios.

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Sources:

This comprehensive insight reflects publicly available updates primarily sourced from official company communications since October 2021 when they won the EIC Accelerator award.

4 The Technology Advancements

Overview of Fibriant B.V.

Fibriant B.V. is a biotech company headquartered in Leiden, Netherlands, specializing in the development of recombinant biotechnology for the healthcare sector. The company focuses on creating products based on recombinant Fibrinogen and Fibrin, which are crucial in hemostasis, tissue repair, and host-defense against infections.

Current Capabilities

Fibriant's capabilities include a recombinant manufacturing platform for producing specific variants of human Fibrinogen and active human Thrombin. This platform is based on CHO cells, allowing for cost-effective production. Their lead product, RecoSeelTM, is a fully recombinant Fibrin-based topical hemostat designed to stop surgical bleeding.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Following the receipt of €16.5M in EIC Accelerator funding in December 2021, Fibriant has continued to develop its RECOFIB platform. Although the funding was awarded in December 2021, it is noted that the company was on track for clinical studies with RecoSeelTM in early 2021. There are no specific updates on advancements made directly after the October 6, 2021, cut-off date, but the company has been expanding its capabilities in developing recombinant fibrinogen and thrombin.

Technology Improvements and New Features

Fibriant has expanded its license agreement to include the development of recombinant human (pro)thrombin, allowing for the creation of fully recombinant fibrin-based products. This expansion enables the company to develop a suite of products for hemostasis and regenerative medicine.

Demonstration in the Market

There is no published information on the specific demonstration of their technology in the market with customers, demonstrators, pilots, or clinical trials post-funding. However, RecoSeelTM was expected to enter clinical testing for mild-to-moderate bleeding.

New Patents and Scientific Publications

Fibriant has filed patents related to the therapeutic uses of fibrinogen gamma prime variants, with one patent granted in June 2023. There is no information available on new patents or scientific studies published specifically since the EIC Accelerator funding in late 2021.

Sources

• Fibriant: Home
• Fibriant - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees
• News - Fibriant
• Fibriant awarded Euro 16.5M EIC Accelerator funding to support ...
• Fibriant Expands License Adding Recombinant Human (pro ...

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Fibriant B.V. Partnerships and Strategic Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding

Following its €16.5 million EIC Accelerator award in December 2021, Fibriant B.V., a Netherlands-based biotech specializing in recombinant fibrinogen technology, has advanced partnerships and product development to strengthen its market position in hemostasis, host defense, and regenerative medicine.

Key Partnerships and Collaborations

• Bioceros B.V.: Extended licensing agreement for CHOBC® cell-line technology to produce recombinant thrombin alongside fibrinogen, enabling fully recombinant products like RecoSeel™ (a topical hemostat targeting surgical bleeding).
• Biomed Elements: Collaboration since 2017/2019 to combine fibrinogen with biopolymers for a pre-hospital hemostat targeting severe bleeding.
• Academic/Industrial Networks: Broad collaborations with experts in fibrinogen structure-function research, protein production, and clinical applications.

Strategic Focus Areas

• RecoSeel™ Development: Clinical studies initiated in 2021 for mild-to-moderate surgical bleeding, with the EIC funding likely accelerating scaling for advanced trials.
• Pipeline Expansion: Includes MRSA-targeted therapies (host defense) and injectable hemostats using engineered fibrinogen variants.
• Technology Licensing: Provision of recombinant fibrinogen/thrombin to third parties for product development or plasma-protein replacement.

Market Positioning through Relationships

Collaborations enhance Fibriant’s ability to:

New customer details remain undisclosed publicly; however, Fibriant’s hybrid model emphasizes B2B supply agreements alongside proprietary product development. The EIC funding positions the company as a leader in next-generation bioengineered solutions for clotting disorders and tissue repair.

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Sources

• About Us - Fibriant [Licensing strategy] [Collaborations] [Pipeline] [Products]
• Fibriant-Biomed Elements Collaboration [Pre-hospital hemostat project]
• Fibriant Steps Up Fibrinogen Platform [CHOBC® expansion]

+ EIC Accelerator Announcement + CB Insights Profile

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Fibriant B.V. Team Growth and Development

Fibriant B.V., a biotech company based in Leiden, Netherlands, has been focused on developing technology and products centered around recombinant Fibrinogen and Fibrin since its founding in 2015. The company received the EIC Accelerator funding in December 2021, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey.

Current Team Size and Hiring Status

Currently, Fibriant operates with a small but experienced team. While specific details about the current headcount are not available, the company continues to look for qualified and motivated individuals to enhance its team. As of the latest available information, there were no open job positions listed on their website.

Growth and Recent Hiring

Fibriant's growth is supported by its extensive network of academic and industrial collaborations, which facilitate research and development activities. The company has not publicly disclosed specific details about recent key positions hired or significant changes in management. However, the leadership team includes Jaap Koopman as CEO, Jos Grimbergen as COO, and Miranda Weggeman as co-founder.

Impact of New Team Members

New team members will play a crucial role in scaling and growing the company by contributing to the development of innovative biopharmaceutical products. Fibriant's focus on hiring experienced professionals ensures that it remains at the forefront of recombinant fibrin(ogen) technology, enhancing its capabilities in hemostasis, host-defense, and regenerative medicine.

Future Prospects

The EIC Accelerator funding received in 2021 has been pivotal for Fibriant, supporting the development of its RECOFIB platform and other products like RecoSeelTM, a fully recombinant fibrin-based topical hemostat. This funding and the company's strategic approach to team growth position Fibriant for continued innovation and expansion in the biotech industry.

Management and Founding Team

There are no recent reports of major changes in the founding team or management. The core leadership, including Jaap Koopman, Jos Grimbergen, and Miranda Weggeman, remains integral to the company's strategic direction and operational success.

Sources: - Fibriant: Home

• About Us - Fibriant
• Fibriant - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees
• Careers - Fibriant

7 The Media Features and Publications

Fibriant B.V., a biotechnology company based in Leiden, Netherlands, has received significant attention and recognition in the media and scientific community since winning the EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021. The company specializes in recombinant fibrinogen technology aimed at developing innovative healthcare solutions for hemostasis, regenerative medicine, and host-defense.

Media Features and Publications

• Fibriant has been featured prominently on its own news platform highlighting key milestones such as being awarded up to €16.5 million from the European Innovation Council Accelerator program to support its RECOFIB development platform. This funding announcement was made public in December 2021.
• Earlier media releases include news about expanding licenses to add recombinant human (pro)thrombin capabilities for their recombinant fibrinogen manufacturing platform. This step is crucial for developing fully recombinant fibrin-based topical products like RecoSeel™, which targets surgical bleeding control.
• The company’s progress has been covered by business wire platforms like BioSpace that detailed their exclusive licensing agreements with TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research) that underpin their proprietary fibrinogen technology platform aiming at broad healthcare applications including tissue repair and immune response.
• Fibriant is also recognized within biotechnology startup listings in the Netherlands as an innovative scale-up contributing significantly to medical biotech advancements through its unique approach to blood clotting proteins.

Content from Publications About Fibriant

Publications have focused on several aspects:

• Their technological innovation with CHO cell-based recombinant production of human fibrinogen variants essential for creating new therapeutic products.
• Clinical study readiness with RecoSeel™ targeting mild-to-moderate bleeding, emphasizing Fibriant’s ambition toward commercial clinical applications of their platform technology.
• Collaborations announced with other biotech companies such as Biomed Elements on novel topical hemostat products supported by regional grants indicate ongoing research synergy efforts showcased through press releases hosted by the company website.

Podcasts or Interviews

There are no specific publicly available records or direct links found relating to podcasts or interviews featuring Fibriant's team members. However, notable presentations include CEO Jaap Koopman presenting at significant industry events such as the 11th Annual Biotech Showcase event held in San Francisco in January 2019 where they updated stakeholders about developments around their recombinant fibrinogen technology platform. This suggests leadership engagement with global biotech audiences through conferences rather than recorded podcast formats.

Conference and Fair Visits / Presentations

Fibriant's involvement includes:

• Presentation participation by Prof. Matthew Flick representing collaborative research efforts involving novel human fibrinogen variants during international scientific meetings like the International Fibrinogen Research Society meeting held in Winston-Salem, NC USA—highlighting academic-industry collaborations connected to Fibriant’s technologies.
• Their CEO's presentation at major biotech showcases indicates active participation at high-profile industry events aimed at investor relations and scientific dissemination of product pipeline progressions since before they secured EIC funding .

Involvement in Events

The company's engagement extends beyond presentations:

Collaborations supported by governmental grants (e.g., MIT grant from Zuid Holland province) point towards active roles not only commercially but also within regional innovation ecosystems fostering new product development partnerships between academia and industry players .

This combination of media presence via press releases, participation in prestigious conferences related directly to their field of expertise, licensing announcements covered widely across business news platforms specializing in life sciences all underscore a robust profile post-EIC Accelerator award received late 2021.

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Sources

• News - Fibriant
• Fibriant Steps Up Development Of Fibrinogen Technology Platform ...
• Fibriant Expands License Adding Recombinant Human (pro ...)
• Fibriant: Home
• 74 Top Biotechnology Startups And Companies In The Netherlands - EU Startups