OpenAI's Miles Wang is Launching a $2 Billion AI Startup

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Key Takeaways

1Miles Wang, a researcher at OpenAI, plans to leave the company to found an AI startup focused on drug discovery.

2The new company could raise $200 million, with a potential valuation of $2 billion, according to sources close to the matter.

3The growing interest from investors in AI within the life sciences is illustrated by the success of Chai Discovery and Isomorphic Labs.

💡Why it matters — Wang's initiative could transform drug discovery, accelerating innovation and reducing time to market.

A Turning Point for Miles Wang and OpenAI

Miles Wang, a researcher at OpenAI, is set to leave the company known for ChatGPT. His goal? To launch an innovative startup dedicated to using artificial intelligence to revolutionize drug discovery. According to four well-informed sources, this new venture could attract several other researchers from OpenAI, highlighting the appeal of this initiative.

Financial Ambitions and Ongoing Discussions

Wang is currently in discussions to raise around $200 million, which would value the startup at $2 billion. Lightspeed is in talks to lead this funding round, according to sources. However, these negotiations are still ongoing, and the terms of the deal could evolve. Despite Wang's contestations regarding the figures mentioned, he has not provided alternative details. Lightspeed, for its part, has not responded to requests for comment.

AI at the Heart of Life Sciences

The growing interest from investors in applying AI to life sciences is undeniable. For example, Chai Discovery, a startup specializing in AI models to predict molecular interactions, recently raised $400 million, reaching a valuation of $3.8 billion. Chai Discovery's co-founder, Josh Meier, was also a researcher at OpenAI. Similarly, Isomorphic Labs, a spin-off from Google DeepMind, raised $2.1 billion in a Series B round in May, further fueling enthusiasm for this sector.

An Innovative Approach to Drug Discovery

Wang's startup could focus on developing AI models capable of rediscovering existing drugs, including those that have failed in clinical trials. This strategy could allow for the repurposing of drugs already approved by the FDA, significantly reducing the time needed to generate revenue compared to creating new drugs.

The Unconventional Path of Miles Wang

Miles Wang joined OpenAI in 2024 after leaving Harvard, where he was pursuing a degree in computer science. His journey illustrates a growing trend among investors to support young entrepreneurs, even if they have not completed their college education. At OpenAI, he co-authored research papers, including an evaluation of how AI models can automate and accelerate scientific discovery, an expertise he intends to leverage in his new entrepreneurial venture.