Bengaluru-based biotechnology startup Venomics AI has raised $2.7 million in a pre-seed funding round. The investment was co-led by Speciale Invest and South Park Commons, with additional participation from Operators Studio.
Founded in 2026 by Kartik Sunagar and Vinay Prabhu, the startup originated from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The company intends to utilize the capital to expand its “Venom Atlas,” a proprietary database of molecular compounds derived from animal venom. Additionally, the funds will support the development of laboratory screening capabilities and the recruitment of staff specializing in computational science and drug discovery.
Leveraging Venom for Pharmaceuticals
Venomics AI operates at the intersection of venom biology and artificial intelligence. The firm aims to identify therapeutic leads by analyzing the molecular diversity found in animal venoms, which have evolved over millions of years to interact with specific biological targets. While some venom-derived compounds have already influenced existing medicines, the company states that a significant portion of this molecular diversity remains unexplored.
The startup’s platform uses molecular sequencing to map venom profiles into its database. It then applies artificial intelligence algorithms to prioritize potential drug candidates, which are subsequently validated through functional laboratory screening.
Growth in India’s Biotech Sector
The funding follows broader growth in India’s biotechnology industry, which hosts more than 11,000 startups. According to data from the India Brand Equity Forum (IBEF), the national bioeconomy is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030.
Government initiatives have also targeted the sector, including the “Biopharma SHAKTI” scheme announced in the 2027 budget, which includes a ₹10,000 crore outlay. Other recent investments in the space include $13 million raised by StrainX Bioworks and ₹20 million secured by Cellogen Therapeutics.