Frankfurt-based startup Qualifyze has raised $54 million in a Series B funding round to enhance its capabilities in managing pharmaceutical supply chains, particularly with plans for U.S. expansion. The funding round was led by Insight Partners, with participation from existing investors HV Capital, HarbourVest Partners, H14, and Cherry Ventures. This round brings the company’s total funding to $84 million, with a valuation now “significantly higher” than its previous $100 million post-money figure.

Qualifyze addresses a crucial issue in the pharmaceutical industry: fragmented and inefficient supply chains. The startup offers a network of quality assurance experts and a database of suppliers and buyers to ensure compliance with industry standards such as GxP, ESG, and ISO. The company works with 250 auditors and monitors over 3,000 suppliers, serving major industry players like Merck, Teva, and Sun Pharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceutical supply chains are notoriously complex, stretching from chemical manufacturers to drug companies, packagers, and transporters. Supply chain mishaps can drive costs up by as much as 20%, contributing to the high cost of pharmaceuticals. Qualifyze’s solution provides a more transparent and efficient way to monitor these operations.

With the new funds, Qualifyze plans to expand its presence in the U.S. market and integrate more advanced technologies such as AI and analytics into its product offerings. CEO Dr. David Schneider stated that the funding will allow the company to focus on predictive risk management and procurement innovations based on the proprietary data it has amassed.

Despite challenges in later-stage funding for startups, Qualifyze’s strong customer base and technology-driven approach have positioned it well for continued growth. Ryan Hinkle, managing director at Insight Partners, emphasized the opportunity for Qualifyze to deepen its offering in life sciences, especially in the rapidly growing U.S. market.

Qualifyze has already carved out a niche by emphasizing compliance and quality assurance, and its future trajectory points toward even greater integration of data-driven tools. This, combined with the global scale of the pharmaceutical market—expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2029—highlights the potential for Qualifyze to continue leading innovation in supply chain management.