The journey from a private company to a publicly traded entity is a milestone, signalling both financial expansion and industry credibility. Across the life sciences market, IPOs are more than just fundraising —they are indicators of investor confidence and market potential. After a slowdown in recent years, IPO activity is picking up pace again in 2025, particularly within biotech funding. Companies are seizing the opportunity to raise capital, accelerate drug development, and expand operations. At the same time, professionals in the industry are navigating new career prospects, as IPOs create fresh demand for leadership, regulatory, and technical expertise.

So, what does this resurgence mean for businesses and professionals alike? In this blog, Invenia Group Consultant Katie Davis explores the latest IPO trends, the forces shaping the market, and the key takeaways for those looking to capitalize on this evolving landscape.

 

An IPO (Initial Public Offering) marks a transition for businesses from private to publicly traded by offering shares on a stock exchange for the first time. For the life sciences industry, IPOs are more than just financial milestones—they showcase growth and opportunity for both businesses and talent. During the market heights of 2020-21, 131 and 154 biotech IPOs were completed respectively, compared to 17 by the end of Q3 2024.

 

2024 saw renewed IPO activity across the biotech and pharma sectors. A few to note:
  • CG Oncology raised $437 million to advance its oncolytic virus therapy, CG-0070, targeting non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
  • ArriVent Biopharma secured $175 million to fund treatments for non-small cell lung cancer.
  • Rapport Therapeutics, focusing on small molecule treatments for central nervous system disorders, launched its IPO at $17 per share, raising approximately $136 million.

 

So far throughout 2025, we’ve seen:
  • Metsera, based in the US, went public with its IPO in January, raising $275M.
  • Maze Therapeutics, headquartered in the US, went public with its IPO raising $140M.
  • Ascentage Pharma, headquartered in China, went public with its IPO, raising $126M.
  • Zhengye Biotechnology, based in China, went public with its IPO, raising $6 million.

 

business growth graph

 

Continuing this year, Europe’s IPO market is poised for significant growth.

“According to a recent analyst note, 373 European companies now have a high likelihood of listing, up 24% year over year. More than 30 companies have a 90%-plus chance of an IPO with an aggregate value of €53 billion.” – A recent Pitchbook report suggests that the European IPO window is set to widen, driven by several factors:

 

  1. Stronger economic conditions – Declining energy prices have improved investor confidence.
  2. Private equity pressure – With global private equity assets under management exceeding $5 trillion, firms are eager to take companies public and realize value.
  3. A strong pipeline – A backlog of high-quality private companies across diverse sectors is gearing up for IPOs.
  4. Successful market precedents – Strong performances by companies like Puig Brands, Galderma, and CVC Capital have signalled positive investor appetite.

 

For leaders and executives across the industry, IPO activity directly impacts hiring, talent strategy, and organizational growth. How?

  1. Scaling – IPOs inject money that fuel expansion. Companies often scale R&D, regulatory, commercial, and manufacturing teams quickly post-IPO.
  2. Leadership shifts – Public companies require established executives, including CFOs with IPO experience, legal and compliance officers, and investor relations specialists.
  3. Compensation structure – Equity and stock options become more significant in attracting and retaining top talent in newly public companies.
  4. Competition for talent – As more biotech and pharma firms go public, competition intensifies for highly skilled professionals in drug development, regulatory affairs, and commercialization.

 

What does it mean for your business?

More opportunity to raise capital – This stream of funds can be crucial for advancing R&D, expanding operations, and speeding up the commercialization of therapies and technologies.

With a more favourable IPO environment, companies may find themselves in stronger positions to pursue mergers and acquisitions.

 

What does it mean for biotech or life science talent?

Skill demand – The surge in IPO activity drive a heightened demand for professionals with expertise in AI, data science, & machine learning. It also opens new avenues for career advancement. Professionals may find increased opportunities in leadership roles, research positions, and specialized functions, reflecting the industry’s dynamic evolution.

 

How can your business prepare?

For companies considering an IPO, preparation is key—not just financially, but in building the right team to navigate public markets.

  1. Leadership readiness – Successful IPOs require building robust infrastructure well before going public.
  2. Support – A successful IPO typically requires strong support from existing investors.
  3. Strategy – Companies should begin preparation at least 6-12 months before their target IPO date to address several critical components. The audit process is often the longest lead-time item, particularly for life sciences companies with lean financial teams.

 

As the IPO momentum builds, businesses need to proactively prepare, while professionals need to capitalize on upcoming opportunities. Whether you’re an executive scaling a company or a professional looking to grow in your career, the market presents exciting possibilities this year.

 

 

Are you a biotech or life science company looking to hire? Submit your vacancy and a recruitment consultant that specialises in your field will be in touch shortly.

Alternatively, register your CV with us today to schedule a confidential discussion about your career prospects.

Or, take a look at our biotech, life science or executive search industry pages to dive into the latest startup, funding or talent attraction and retention data.