Former OpenAI Science Lead Launches Warp Sciences Project
Startup trains robots to synthesize compounds for drug development
Warp Sciences has raised $215 million in a Series A round at a valuation of $865 million, announced co-founder and former OpenAI science lead Kevin Weil.
The round was led by Lightspeed, with participation from IVP, Premji Invest, and Lux Capital. The company develops robots for laboratory operations involving compounds selected by researchers.
Warp Sciences chemists will train robots to work in the lab using cameras and sensor-equipped gloves. The startup aims to accelerate drug development through machines capable of operating around the clock. Weil also intends to bring back to the U.S. the synthesis of thousands of molecular variants, which biotechnology companies often outsource to contractors in China, including WuXi AppTec.
