Chai Discovery raises $130M to turn AI-designed proteins into medicines

Founded in 2024 by Joshua Meier (CEO), Jack Dent, Matthew McPartlon, and Jacques Boitreaud, Chai Discovery is an applied AI research company focused on developing large-scale foundation models capable of modelling and predicting how biological molecules interact at a fundamental level.

Its Chai-2 model family enables the direct generation of novel antibodies without requiring prior examples, allowing candidates to be designed and tested directly in laboratory environments. By shifting biological discovery toward a design-driven workflow, Chai aims to reduce the time and complexity involved in developing advanced biologic therapies that are difficult to address with conventional drug discovery techniques.

Based in San Francisco, the company recently closed a $130 million Series B financing round led by General Catalyst and Oak HC/FT, with participation from OpenAI, Thrive Capital, Menlo Ventures, Lachy Groom, Yosemite, Neo, and SV Angel, Dimension, Emerson Collective and Glade Brook. The capital will support research and the expansion of their team.

Sources: Chai Discovery | Crunchbase | image from: 180 Technews

Founders: Joshua Meier, Jack Dent, Matthew McPartlon, Jacques Boitreaud