Venomics AI Raises $2.7 Mn to Advance AI-Powered Drug Discovery From Animal Venoms

The startup combines venom biology, molecular sequencing, machine learning, and experimental screening to identify and evaluate compounds that could be developed into medicines.

Bengaluru-based biotechnology startup Venomics AI has raised $2.7 Mn in a pre-seed funding round, co-led by Speciale Invest and South Park Commons, with participation from Operators Studio, to advance its AI-powered drug discovery platform.

Spun out of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Venomics AI was founded in May 2026 by Kartik Sunagar and Vinay Prabhu. The startup combines venom biology, molecular sequencing, machine learning, and experimental screening to identify and evaluate compounds that could be developed into medicines.

Venomics AI is developing the Venom Atlas, a platform designed to connect molecular information from animal venoms with AI-based analysis and laboratory testing.

Its approach involves using AI to prioritise promising molecular candidates, evaluating them through functional screening and incorporating experimental results into subsequent predictions and molecular design.

The startup will deploy the fresh capital to expand its molecular dataset, strengthen its AI and laboratory screening capabilities, and recruit specialists across venom biology, computational science and drug discovery.

"Animal venoms represent one of nature's richest yet least explored sources of potential medicines, and at Venomics AI, we are combining cutting-edge experimental science with AI to unlock this extraordinary potential," said Kartik Sunagar, founder and director of Venomics AI and professor at IISc.

Sunagar brings expertise in venom evolution and antivenom development, while Prabhu contributes experience in machine learning and large-scale AI systems.

The startup aims to combine these capabilities with India's venom biodiversity to build a platform for global therapeutic development.

Other companies are also exploring venom-derived therapeutics. Snaayu Lifesciences, incubated at C-CAMP, is working on isolating and characterising novel analgesic compounds from cone snail venom.

Meanwhile, AI-driven drug discovery continues to attract investment. Bengaluru-based Peptris Technologies raised INR 70 Cr in a Series A round co-led by IAN Alpha Fund and Speciale Invest in February 2026. The startup uses AI-based molecular discovery and experimental validation to advance potential drug candidates.

For Venomics AI, the next phase will focus on expanding its platform and validating promising molecules, as it works to translate animal venom research into potential therapeutic candidates.

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