Warp Sciences aims to bring chemical synthesis back with robots

Kevin Weil, former scientific lead at OpenAI, has launched Warp Sciences to automate wet lab processes applied to drug discovery. The startup announces it has raised $215 million at a valuation of $865 million, aiming for robots that operate continuously.

Bringing Back Outsourced Syntheses and Reducing Geopolitical Risk

For several years, many biotechnology companies have outsourced the synthesis of thousands of molecular variations to subcontractors based in China, such as WuXi AppTec. Kevin Weil aims to reverse this trend by bringing these activities back with Warp Sciences. He also indicates a desire to protect the entire drug development process from geopolitical risks related to the supply chain. To achieve this, the company plans to automate the wet lab with robots capable of operating 24/7 to accelerate the discovery of new compounds.

$215M Raised for $865M Valuation, Led by Lightspeed

Kevin Weil, former scientific lead at OpenAI, announced on X the creation of Warp Sciences and the raising of $215 million, valuing the company at $865 million. The funding round was led by Lightspeed, with participation from IVP, Premji Invest, and Lux Capital.

Chemists Train Robots at the Bench

Warp Sciences focuses on automating laboratory operations for drug discovery. The company's robots are trained to manufacture and test compounds identified by researchers. To do this, Warp Sciences' chemists, equipped with cameras and sensor gloves, must train these robots to perform various laboratory tasks.