OpenAI researcher Miles Wang launches AI drug discovery startup at $2B valuation

OpenAI researcher Miles Wang, a key contributor to the company's scientific AI efforts, is departing to start his own venture focused on AI-driven drug discovery. According to sources, Wang is in talks to raise approximately $200 million at a $2 billion valuation, with Lightspeed leading the round. The startup will develop AI models designed to identify new therapeutic applications for existing FDA-approved drugs — and potentially for drugs that previously failed clinical trials. This approach could dramatically shorten the path to revenue since these compounds have already undergone safety testing. Several other OpenAI researchers are expected to join Wang.

The move underscores a broader trend of top AI talent pivoting toward life sciences. Recent examples include Chai Discovery, a two-year-old startup that raised $400 million at a $3.8 billion valuation, co-founded by former OpenAI researcher Josh Meier. Meanwhile, Google DeepMind spinout Isomorphic Labs secured a $2.1 billion Series B in May. Wang joined OpenAI in 2024 after dropping out of Harvard, where he had been pursuing a computer science degree. Despite his youth, investors have shown renewed willingness to back founders who haven't completed college. Wang disputed some details of the funding report but did not provide specifics.