Warp Science Emerges with $215 Million to Automate Drug Discovery Labs
Kevin Weil, former OpenAI science lead, launched Warp Science with $215 million in funding at an $865 million valuation to train robots to work in pharmaceutical laboratories.
Kevin Weil, former OpenAI science lead, launched Warp Science, a company specializing in automating lab work for drug discovery, raising $215 million at an $865 million valuation, according to TechCrunch.
Lightspeed led the round with participation from IVP, Mayfield, Lux Capital, Premji Invest, and Menlo Ventures, with the funds to be used to train robots to synthesize and test promising compounds.
Human chemists at the company wear cameras and sensor gloves to train the robots on lab tasks, aiming to operate around the clock and accelerate drug discovery.
The company seeks to reshore labor-intensive chemical synthesis work from contractors in China, such as WuXi AppTec, to the United States to reduce geopolitical supply chain risks in drug development.
What do these terms mean?
Valuation: The estimated market value of a company determined by investors when injecting new capital.
Lab Automation: The use of robotics and software to conduct repetitive lab experiments and tests instead of relying solely on manual labor.
Wet Lab: A laboratory that conducts experiments on liquid chemical or biological substances, such as synthesizing and testing compounds.
Reshoring: Relocating a production or service activity from one country to another, usually to the company's home country.
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