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Bayer is a multinational life sciences and chemical company that develops prescription pharmaceuticals, nonprescription consumer health products, and agricultural biotechnology solutions, based in Leverkusen, Germany. The corporation operates globally across its pharmaceutical, consumer health, and crop science divisions, generating approximately €47.6 billion in total annual sales during the 2023 fiscal year. To support its extensive manufacturing, commercialization, and research operations across international markets, the enterprise currently employs nearly 100,000 people worldwide. Under the strategic leadership of Chief Executive Officer Bill Anderson, the company manufactures and distributes highly recognizable consumer healthcare brands such as Aspirin, Claritin, and Aleve. The organization has historically expanded its specialty pharmaceutical capabilities and market share through major corporate transactions, most notably including the €17 billion acquisition of Schering AG. Bayer was originally founded in 1863 by Friedrich Bayer and Johann Friedrich Weskott.
Key people at Bayer.
Bayer has 3 tracked investments across 3 companies. The latest tracked deal is $5.0M Seed in Acorai in January 2024.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | Acorai | $5.0M Seed | Solardis Health Ventures | Carma Fund, Cedars Sinai, KHP Ventures, Mayo Clinic |
| Jul 1, 2019 | Pyxis Oncology | $22.0M Series A | Bayer | Agent Capital, Longwood Fund, Ipsen |
| Mar 2, 2017 | Boragen | $10.0M Series A | — | John Dombrosky, Joel Marcus, Kristina Burow, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Elanco Animal Health, Flagship Pioneering, Hatteras Venture Partners, Mountain Group Partners, Pappas Capital, Syngenta Ventures |
Bayer AG is a German multinational corporation specializing in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and crop science, with roots as a dyestuffs producer. Founded in 1863, it has evolved into a global leader employing over 101,300 people and generating about $52 billion in revenue in 2021, despite ongoing legal challenges from products like Roundup (acquired via Monsanto merger in 2016).[1][2][3]
The company develops and markets iconic pharmaceuticals like Aspirin (launched 1899), the first sulfa drug Prontosil (1930s), and other innovations in pain relief, antibiotics, and crop protection. It serves healthcare providers, consumers, farmers, and industries worldwide, addressing needs in disease treatment, agricultural productivity, and chemical manufacturing, while navigating controversies over past products like heroin and modern lawsuits.[1][2][3][4]
Bayer was founded in 1863 in Barmen (now Wuppertal), Germany, by dye salesman Friedrich Bayer (1825–1880) and master dyer Johann Friedrich Weskott (1821–1876) as a partnership producing synthetic dyestuffs like fuchsine and aniline, capitalizing on the Industrial Revolution's demand for cheaper, brighter colors.[1][2][3][4][5]
Early expansion included a move to Wiesdorf (leading to Leverkusen headquarters in 1912–1930) and the Bayer Cross logo in 1904. Pivotal moments: Aspirin in 1899 by Felix Hoffmann, heroin as a cough suppressant (1898–1910), and Prontosil by Gerhard Domagk (1932–1933, Nobel 1939). In 1925, it merged into IG Farben conglomerate; post-WWII dissolution in 1951 re-emerged Bayer as Farbenfabriken Bayer AG, later Bayer AG, under Allied oversight until the 1970s.[1][2][3][4]
Bayer rides trends in biotechnology, precision agriculture, and pharmaceutical R&D, leveraging chemical expertise for crop protection (enhanced by Monsanto) amid global food security pressures and climate challenges. Timing aligns with post-WWII "German Economic Miracle," where it, BASF, and Hoechst dominated chemicals/pharma recovery.[2][3][4]
Market forces favor its scale in agrotech (e.g., herbicides, GM seeds) and pharma amid aging populations and antibiotic resistance. It influences ecosystems via patents, supply chains, and controversies—shaping drug regulation (e.g., heroin bans) and ag policy, while funding startups indirectly through ventures, though primarily operating as a legacy giant rather than VC firm.[1][2]
Under CEO Bill Anderson (since June 2023), Bayer eyes heavier agriculture focus post-Monsanto, streamlining pharma amid lawsuits (e.g., Roundup cancer claims). Trends like gene editing, sustainable farming, and AI-driven drug discovery will shape it, potentially boosting crop yields while pressuring legacy chemical ops.[2]
Influence may evolve toward biotech-agri convergence, reducing scandal risks via ethical R&D; success hinges on litigation resolution and innovation pace, reinforcing its 160+ year pivot from dyes to life sciences dominance.[1][2]
Key people at Bayer.
