HITS Raises ₩18.3B Series B for AI Drug Discovery Platform

HITS Secures ₩18.3 Billion in Series B Funding

HITS, a South Korean AI drug discovery company, has raised ₩18.3 billion in Series B funding. The round included participation from Premier Partners, Korea Investment Partners, and Yuanta Investment. No lead investor was disclosed.

Company Background

Founded in 2020 as a KAIST faculty startup by chemistry professor Woo Youn Kim, HITS has built a portfolio of AI-driven tools for drug discovery and design. The company develops HyperLab, a web-based AI platform that covers virtual screening, hit-to-lead design, and ADME/T prediction. It also commercializes K-Fold, a bio foundation model for protein structure prediction co-developed with KAIST researchers.

In addition, HITS is developing a multi-agent AI Co-Scientist, scheduled for full launch in late 2026. This system is designed to support the research workflow from literature search to data analysis and hypothesis validation. The company has stated that integration into automated laboratory equipment is targeted for 2027.

Funding Details

• Round type: Series B
• Amount raised: ₩18,300,000,000 KRW
• Investors: Premier Partners, Korea Investment Partners, Yuanta Investment
• Announcement date: September 28, 2026

What the Platform Offers

HITS addresses multiple stages of the drug discovery process through its AI products:

• HyperLab: A web-based platform for virtual screening, hit-to-lead design, and ADME/T prediction. It is intended to help researchers identify and optimize drug candidates.
• K-Fold: A bio foundation model for protein structure prediction, developed with KAIST researchers. Protein structure prediction is a critical step in understanding how potential drugs interact with biological targets.
• AI Co-Scientist: A multi-agent system planned for full launch in late 2026. It aims to assist with literature search, data analysis, and hypothesis validation—tasks that are often time-consuming in early-stage research.

Strategic Implications

The Series B round provides HITS with capital to advance its platform and prepare for the launch of its AI Co-Scientist. The involvement of Premier Partners, Korea Investment Partners, and Yuanta Investment suggests confidence in the company's approach to AI-driven drug discovery.

For acquirers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or AI platform companies, HITS represents a target with a differentiated technology stack. The combination of a web-based discovery platform, a foundation model for protein structure prediction, and a forthcoming multi-agent research assistant creates multiple potential integration points. Pharmaceutical companies looking to enhance their internal R&D capabilities could view HITS as a strategic acquisition, while AI platform companies might see value in the company's domain-specific models and workflows.

Market Context

AI drug discovery has attracted significant investment in recent years as companies seek to reduce the time and cost of bringing new therapies to market. HITS's focus on both small-molecule design (through HyperLab) and protein structure prediction (through K-Fold) positions it across key stages of the discovery pipeline. The planned integration with automated laboratory equipment in 2027 further suggests a vision of end-to-end, AI-driven research workflows.

Looking Ahead

HITS has not disclosed specific revenue figures, customer names, or partnership details in this funding announcement. However, the Series B round and the stated product roadmap indicate that the company is moving toward commercialization and broader adoption of its AI tools. Acquirers and investors should watch for the full launch of the AI Co-Scientist in late 2026 and the subsequent integration with lab automation as key milestones.