Established in 1999, Novo A/S is the majority shareholder of publicly listed companies Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S. It ensures the Foundation receives sufficient dividends for medical and scientific research by actively managing its investments and maintaining a material influence on the companies. Novo A/S has a venture capital arm that has invested in over 50 life science companies globally. It also supports early-stage research through its Novo Seeds program and provides growth equity to later-stage life science companies. The companies in the Novo Group operate independently but share common values and principles outlined in the Charter for Companies in the Novo Group.