UK-based biotech startup Antiverse has raised $9.3 million in a Series A financing round to expand its AI-powered antibody discovery platform.
The round was led by Soulmates Ventures, with participation from Innovation Investment Capital, DOMiNO Ventures, and existing investors DBW, Kadmos Capital, and i&i Biotech Fund. The latest raise brings the company’s total funding to more than $20 million.
Targeting “Undruggable” Proteins
Many diseases are driven by complex molecular targets that remain difficult to treat using conventional drug discovery approaches. These so-called “undruggable” targets contribute to high attrition rates in clinical development, with failure rates often approaching 90%.
Antiverse focuses on generating therapeutic antibodies against challenging protein classes such as G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels. These targets are implicated in cancer, neurological conditions, and rare genetic diseases including cystic fibrosis.
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AI-Driven Discovery With Lab Validation
The company combines machine learning models with proprietary laboratory validation systems. Its platform designs antibody candidates in silico and then tests them in-house using cell systems engineered to replicate how target proteins are presented in the human body.
By integrating computational design with experimental validation, Antiverse aims to accelerate the identification of viable antibody candidates and reduce the risks typically associated with early-stage drug discovery. Promising molecules are advanced toward preclinical and clinical development.
Strategic Collaboration
Antiverse has partnered with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to design antibodies targeting the extracellular region of the CFTR protein, a historically difficult target. The collaboration leverages the company’s AI platform to improve the speed and precision of antibody generation.
Use of Proceeds
The new capital will support scaling of Antiverse’s AI discovery engine, expansion of pharmaceutical and foundation partnerships, and growth of its internal therapeutic pipeline. The company also plans to progress selected lead programs toward in vivo efficacy studies.
About Antiverse
Antiverse is a UK-based techbio company developing AI-designed therapeutic antibodies for complex disease targets such as GPCRs and ion channels. By combining advanced computational models with in-house experimental validation, the company aims to accelerate the development of novel biologics and expand treatment options for patients facing difficult-to-treat conditions.
