Leo Foundation

The LEO Foundation is one of Denmark's largest commercial foundations, primarily focused on supporting research in dermatology. Established in 1984, it is the controlling shareholder of LEO Pharma, a leading company in medical dermatology with a strong R&D pipeline. The foundation’s main objective is to ensure the long-term development and success of LEO Pharma while also providing philanthropic grants to advance skin disease research globally. The foundation holds financial assets worth approximately EUR 2.2 billion. Their investment strategy emphasizes generating attractive returns to support LEO Pharma’s strategic growth and funding their philanthropic activities. The portfolio is diversified across asset classes, including listed shares, bonds, and alternative investments like private equity and real estate. Investments are managed by a small team within their subsidiary, LEO Holding A/S, and through external professional asset managers. In 2022, the foundation awarded DKK 125 million across 36 grants to support diverse dermatological research projects. They also faced challenges from a tough macroeconomic environment, resulting in a negative return on investments. However, the foundation remains committed to its long-term goals, including enhancing its grant-giving capacity and supporting LEO Pharma’s profitability and growth strategies.