Slovenian Genomics Firm GenePlanet Lands Strategic HealthTech Investment

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-31

GenePlanet, a Ljubljana-based genomics and laboratory platform delivering advanced genetic testing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) services worldwide, has secured a strategic investment from Lauxera Capital Partners, a specialist HealthTech investor. This move signals a major vote of confidence in the company's ability to scale globally and potentially reach unicorn status. With this investment, the company's existing investor BlackPeak Capital has partially exited its position. It, however, retains a meaningful shareholding in the Slovenian company, indicating continued belief in the long-term growth story. ### A Three-Year Growth Story That Paid Off Niklas Pichler, Managing Partner at BlackPeak Capital, reflected on the journey, saying, "When we first invested in GenePlanet, we backed Marko's conviction that a founder-led, product-driven genetics company from Central Europe could build a truly international platform. Three years later, that conviction has been validated: GenePlanet now operates across more than 50 markets, has completed four acquisitions, launched proprietary products, and built one of the leading genetic-testing laboratory platforms in the region." He added, "Our partial realisation reflects the tangible value created to date, but the opportunity ahead remains significant. We are pleased to remain shareholders and continue supporting the company in its next phase of growth. Lauxera brings specialist healthcare expertise, diagnostics know-how, and market access that can help accelerate GenePlanet's development in ways that are difficult to replicate." ### From 24 Countries to a Global Footprint Founded in 2008 by Marko Bitenc, GenePlanet offers a comprehensive portfolio of clinical, research, and preventive genomic solutions, alongside fully integrated end-to-end NGS services for healthcare and research partners globally. When BlackPeak invested in 2023, GenePlanet was active in 24 countries and operated primarily as a fully integrated genetic-services provider, with a single centralised laboratory hub in Zagreb, Croatia, and a nascent line of proprietary tests. Over the following three years, the company reports that its global footprint more than doubled to more than 50 markets across Europe, Asia, Latin and Central America, and Africa. Four strategic bolt-on acquisitions were integrated, expanding GenePlanet's technology, licences, geographic reach, and talent base. In February 2026, GenePlanet announced the acquisition of New Era Genetics, a Hungarian genetic testing company based in Budapest, from Vascular Group. The company's Zagreb laboratory remains its central hub, now part of a certified Pan-European laboratory platform that includes additional hubs in Sweden and Hungary, enabling fast turnaround across continents. ### The Unicorn Ambition and What's Next Commenting on this investment, Marko Bitenc, the founder of GenePlanet, said, "Now there is a real chance to become a unicorn." With Lauxera's support, the company aims to broaden its proprietary genetic testing product portfolio into oncology and rare-disease panels, and to accelerate its expansion into high-value Western European and U.S. markets, including fast-tracking regulatory approvals and reimbursement access where applicable. In May 2026, Paris- and San Francisco-based Lauxera Capital Partners announced the close of its Lauxera Growth II fund at approximately $545 million, targeting a structural gap in European HealthTech. Victor Decrion, Managing Partner at Lauxera Capital Partners, said, "We believe Europe's next generation of sequencing infrastructure will be built by companies like GenePlanet – ones that combine scientific excellence, business acumen, and entrepreneurial drive to deliver the benefits of genomic-based personalised medicine to patients across the continent." GenePlanet plans to use this capital to support aggressive organic growth, continued geographic expansion, and further bolt-on acquisitions, particularly in new markets and adjacent areas of genetic testing. The company targets a full liquidity event for early investors within three to five years. ### Why This Matters for the Genomics Sector This investment validates a broader trend: European genomics companies are no longer just regional players. They're building infrastructure that can compete on a global stage. - GenePlanet's expansion from 24 to over 50 markets in three years shows execution capability. - The addition of oncology and rare-disease panels opens up higher-value revenue streams. - Fast-tracking U.S. regulatory approvals could unlock a massive, lucrative market. For investors and industry watchers, this is a story about patience, strategic execution, and the growing importance of personalized medicine. If GenePlanet hits its targets, it won't just be a win for the company—it'll be a proof point for the entire European HealthTech ecosystem.