Chai Discovery Secures $130 Million Funding at $1.3 Billion Valuation
An artificial intelligence startup focused on drug discovery has raised substantial capital to advance molecular design tools. ‘Chai Discovery’ announced a $130 million Series B round, valuing the company at $1.3 billion post-money. The financing arrives three months after a prior round, bringing total funds raised to over $225 million.
The round was co-led by ‘Oak HC/FT’ and ‘General Catalyst’. Participants included ‘Thrive Capital’, ‘OpenAI’, ‘Dimension’, ‘Menlo Ventures’, ‘Lachy Groom’, ‘Yosemite’, ‘Neo’, and ‘SV Angel’. New investors ‘Emerson Collective’ and ‘Glade Brook’ also joined.
‘Chai Discovery’ develops models to predict and reprogram biochemical interactions, aiming to create a computer-aided design suite for molecules. The platform targets antibody design and addresses diseases previously challenging for traditional methods.
Founders include CEO Josh Meier, with prior experience at ‘OpenAI’ and ‘Facebook’. The company’s ‘Chai-2’ model generates functional antibodies, achieving success rates significantly higher than predecessors.
Funds will accelerate research, product development, and commercialization efforts. The startup positions biology as programmable, shifting from empirical processes to engineered disciplines.
Investors highlight the transformation of drug discovery through AI. Elena Viboch from ‘General Catalyst’ noted the rewiring of biology into an engineered field.
Annie Lamont from ‘Oak HC/FT’ and Hemant Taneja from ‘General Catalyst’ join the board. The company fuses AI and biological expertise to speed medicine development.
This raise reflects continued investor interest in AI-driven biotech. ‘Chai Discovery’ emerges as a unicorn in the sector, backed by prominent tech and venture entities.
The platform enables scientists to engineer molecules with targeted properties. Success in antibody candidates marks progress in generative AI for pharma.
Commercialization expansion follows model advancements. The funding supports scaling operations amid rapid iteration in AI therapeutics.
AI applications in molecular prediction reduce timelines for drug candidates. ‘Chai Discovery’ contributes to addressing intractable targets through computational design.
The valuation increase underscores market confidence in AI-biotech convergence. Total financing exceeds previous rounds combined in short succession.
Board additions strengthen governance with healthcare and technology expertise. The startup advances toward broader therapeutic impact.
