In Q4 2014 start-ups raised $1.5 billion, a new record. Several companies penned alliances with tech transfer entities; eight start-ups were acquired.

Derived from Strategic Transactions, Informa’s premium source for tracking life sciences deal activity, the Dealmaking column is a survey of recent health care transactions listed by relevant industry segment – In Vitro Diagnostics, Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, and Research/Analytical – and then categorized by type – Acquisition, Alliance, or Financing. This month’s column covers deals announced December 2014.

The past year has been a rollercoaster of a ride for the private investment market. The US continues to lead the way by a long shot, although robust business strategies have allowed some European biotechs to make their presence felt. And the return of the biotech IPO, while long awaited, is delivering mixed blessings, reports Simon Varcoe.

The number of private companies securing investments took a sizeable leap last month, as a number of small financing rounds added to some heavyweight deal making, a Scrip analysis has found.