What happened
Kevin Weil, who led OpenAI's science work, has founded a new startup called Warp Sciences. According to Bloomberg, the company raised $215M in a round led by Lightspeed, valuing it at $865M.
What it will do
Warp Sciences plans to build an automated lab in the US. The lab will handle a step in drug development that pharmaceutical companies have long outsourced, particularly to Chinese firms such as WuXi AppTec.
Why it matters
Outsourcing in drug development is increasingly debated over supply-chain and geopolitical risks. Warp Sciences aims to bring that step back to the US through automation. Weil's science background at OpenAI is the startup's strongest card with investors.
