What is Iktos?
Founded in October 2016, Iktos is at the forefront of applying artificial intelligence to chemical research, with a particular focus on medicinal chemistry and novel drug design. The company has developed a proprietary deep learning generative model that designs molecules optimized in silico for small molecule discovery projects. This technology offers substantial productivity gains in early-stage pharmaceutical R&D. Iktos commercializes its AI solutions through professional services and its SaaS platform, Makya, while also developing Spaya, a synthesis planning software. Recently, Iktos has expanded its research into AI technologies for peptide-based therapeutics, creating advanced generative and predictive models for designing novel peptide therapeutics with specific properties.
How much funding has Iktos raised?
Iktos has raised a total of $19M across 2 funding rounds:
Series A
$16.4M
Grant
$2.6M
Series A (2023): $16.4M with participation from Merck Ventures and Omnes Capital
Grant (2025): $2.6M led by The European Innovation Council
Key Investors in Iktos
Merck Ventures
M Ventures is the strategic venture capital arm of Merck, focused on investing in innovative technologies and products that can significantly impact Merck's core business areas. They actively support portfolio companies in translating innovation into commercial success, with a strong emphasis on early-stage investments and company creation.
Omnes Capital
Omnes Capital is a European private equity firm specializing in the energy transition and deeptech innovation. They support high-performing companies and entrepreneurs, managing significant assets and partnering globally to drive future growth through responsible investment.
The European Innovation Council
The European Innovation Council operates within the higher education sector, focusing on fostering innovation and technological advancement. It plays a role in supporting promising ventures and research initiatives across Europe.
What's next for Iktos?
With the recent infusion of $2.6M in a major strategic investment, Iktos is poised to further solidify its position in the competitive pharmaceutical R&D landscape. The company's focus on both small molecule design and peptide therapeutics, powered by its proprietary AI technology, positions it for significant growth. This enterprise-level capital injection will likely fuel further expansion of its SaaS platform, Makya, and accelerate the development of its synthesis planning software, Spaya. Continued investment in its AI capabilities, particularly in the burgeoning field of peptide-based therapeutics, signals Iktos's ambition to become a leader in AI-driven drug discovery and development.
See full Iktos company page
