Davos 2025: Novo Holdings' Kasim Kutay Highlights Long-Term Growth Opportunities In Life Sciences
As part of its 2030 strategy, Novo Holdings is expanding beyond traditional buyer solutions and is focusing on investments in green technology and decarbonisation.
Geopolitical rivalry has been a longstanding reality and has the potential to intensify, in addition to the elements of decoupling and increasing tariffs, which will require careful navigation, according to Kasim Kutay, chief executive officer at Novo Holdings.
Despite these challenges, Novo Holdings remains committed to life sciences, a sector that faces hurdles but is supported by strong long-term trends, Kutay told NDTV Profit at the World Economic Forum in Davos. "These include significant innovation, an aging population and the growing aspirational middle class, particularly in certain markets."
Kutay said the company made its entry into Asia with Singapore, and this had been a successful run. The healthcare opportunities there are strong, and the company has built a solid team with excellent leadership in place, he said. "Building on our experience in Singapore and our enthusiasm for the region, we have also opened offices in Shanghai and Mumbai."
The company is excited about two key areas in India. First being the innovation around diagnostics, with the company investing in a leading AI-enabled X-ray imaging diagnostic firm, Kutay said. "Also, hospitals and clinics in India have become an area of focus for Novo Holdings, reflecting their diversified approach."
2030 Strategy
As part of its 2030 strategy, Novo Holdings is expanding beyond traditional buyer solutions and is focusing on investments in green technology and decarbonisation, according to Kutay.
Kutay highlighted that he is a long-term investor, and his major focus will be on planetary health. Even though many investors are pulling away from this area, this remains an area of great interest for Novo Holdings.
Additionally, Kutay said 50% of the company's portfolio is towards life sciences while other half is across non-life science sectors. This diversified portfolio includes bonds, equities, real estate and infrastructure.
Kutay is excited about the intersection of IT, healthcare and digitalisation, and they are actively investing in India in this space.
