Atomwise is an AI drug discovery company that uses deep learning to explore chemical space and identify novel small-molecule candidates across therapeutic areas. Its AtomNet-based platform screens billions of compounds in silico to predict binding affinity against protein targets, with a focus on first- and best-in-class candidates in immune and inflammatory diseases.
The platform has historically supported hundreds of programs through partnerships with academic researchers and pharmaceutical companies. In recent years, the company has shifted emphasis from being a discovery-as-a-service provider toward building and advancing its own internal therapeutic pipeline.
Atomwise was founded in 2012 by Abraham Heifets, Izhar Wallach and Alex Levy. Heifets served as CEO for more than a decade before departing in May 2024. Steve Worland, Ph.D., a veteran drug development executive, was appointed CEO in February 2025 to lead the company through its pipeline-focused phase.
The company has raised approximately $219 million across eight rounds, with its most recent reported round in March 2024. Earlier investors include B Capital Group, Baillie Gifford, Sanabil Investments, DCVC and Y Combinator. The company laid off roughly 30 staff in late 2022 as part of its pivot, and has continued to navigate cost discipline through 2024 and 2025.
Atomwise differentiates through its long tenure in AI drug discovery, the breadth of its historical chemical screening efforts and partnerships with major pharma including Sanofi. At the same time, the company faces a more competitive and capital-intensive landscape against newer AI-bio entrants such as Isomorphic Labs, Recursion and Insilico Medicine.