Funding Round attributes
Bioptimus, an artificial intelligence (AI) foundation model company, has raised an additional $41 million in funding, bringing its total to $76 million. The recent funding round was led by Cathay Innovation and supported by Sofinnova Partners, Bpifrance through its Large Venture Fund, Andera Partners, Hitachi Ventures, Boom Capital Ventures, Pomifer Capital, Sunrise, and angel investors Emmanuel Cassimatis and Thomas Wolf.
The company aims to address a long-standing issue in biological research: the compartmentalization of data and knowledge. Historically, studies have been limited to isolated biological components such as DNA, proteins, cells, or tissues. This siloed approach has also characterized existing AI models, restricting their ability to fully simulate biological systems. Bioptimus seeks to overcome these limitations with its multi-scale and multi-modal framework, integrating data from molecules, cells, tissues, and organisms, alongside imaging and genetic data.
Jean-Philippe Vert, the co-founder and CEO of Bioptimus, explained the company's mission, stating, "Essentially, it’s like the GPT of biology—but instead of generating text, we’re simulating biology. By learning how biology works directly from raw data across scales, from molecules to whole organisms, our model will empower researchers in the pharmaceutical industry to simulate complex biology, predict disease outcomes and response to treatment, and design therapies with unprecedented precision."
The funding will be utilized to advance Bioptimus's AI platform, enhance its capabilities, and integrate more diverse data sources. Additionally, the company plans to expand its reach across different therapeutic areas, forge strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and grow its datasets to further refine and validate its models.
The holistic nature of Bioptimus’s approach allows for a comprehensive view of biological systems, offering significant potential benefits for the pharmaceutical industry and beyond. By leveraging AI, researchers can simulate biological processes, predict the progression of diseases, and design treatments with greater accuracy. Beyond medicine, the platform has applications across multiple industries, potentially driving breakthroughs in biotechnology and related fields.
Cathay Innovation, a prominent investor in technology-focused ventures, has supported Bioptimus from an early stage. Jacky Abitbol, a partner at Cathay Innovation, noted, "Bioptimus is at the forefront of transforming biological research, leveraging cutting-edge AI to break down silos and unlock the full complexity of biology. Since our initial investment a year ago, Bioptimus has succeeded in structuring a world-class team while achieving key milestones in its development, notably with the launch of its AI foundation model for pathology in July, the largest in the world."
With its multi-modal AI platform and integrated approach, Bioptimus is well-positioned to redefine how biological research is conducted. The company’s vision aligns with the growing recognition of AI’s transformative potential in life sciences, making it a significant player in addressing complex challenges in medicine, biotechnology, and related disciplines.
Bioptimus's success in securing substantial funding and achieving key milestones underscores the confidence investors have in its mission to revolutionize the field of biology through advanced AI-driven models. As the company continues to expand its capabilities and partnerships, it stands poised to contribute meaningfully to advancements in scientific research and innovation.
