London’s life sciences sector has seen a 60% surge in venture capital investment this year, cementing its status as Europe’s powerhouse for the industry.
Data released alongside London Life Sciences Week revealed that the UK capital pulled in $2.1bn in VC funding for the sector so far in 2025, up from $1.3bn the previous year.
This puts London firmly ahead of Paris the life science sector of which raised just $679m this year.
“Our life sciences sector is critical to the UK growth, jobs, and skills that will drive national renewal. When this industry succeeds, it gives rise to new products to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease – saving lives and creating jobs across the UK,” said Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
“I am delighted to see people’s confidence in our life sciences innovators, backed by billions of pounds flowing into the UK.”
London is home to more than 2,700 life science companies as well as three of the world’s top 15 universities for health and clinical services and 19 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies.
The recent investment surge has been in part driven by interest in how AI innovations can support the sector. As much as $1.1bn of the VC funding going to London life science firms this year were for companies leveraging AI in some way.
“London Life Sciences Week provides a unique opportunity to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and investors, forging valuable partnerships and shaping the future of life sciences across the capital,” said Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
“There is no doubt London is a front runner to become the new world capital of life sciences and innovation globally as we work together to build a better, more prosperous city for everyone.”
