Periodic Labs
Category: AI in Climate / Energy
AI for material science discovery, founded by former OpenAI/DeepMind researchers. Periodic Labs was founded in 2025. The company is led by William (Liam) Fedus. Based in Likely based in the US (exact headquarters not publicly disclosed). Team size: Small-to-medium. Total funding raised: ~$500M. Latest round: Seed funding (initial round). Key investors include ["Andreessen Horowitz", "Nvidia", "Jeff Bezos", "Eric Schmidt"].
- Founded
- 2025
- Headquarters
- Likely based in the US (exact headquarters not publicly disclosed)
- Team size
- Small-to-medium
- Total funding
- ~$500M
Value proposition
Utilizes cutting-edge AI technologies to significantly shorten the discovery cycle for new materials with desired properties, thereby providing a competitive edge in research and manufacturing.
Products and solutions
Prototype AI platform for materials discovery (detailed product offerings to be announced)
Unique value
Integrates advanced AI techniques, including potential use of foundation models, specifically tailored to the field of material science. Leverages deep domain expertise from its founding team.
Target customer
Industrial manufacturers (chemicals, energy, electronics) and research institutions/laboratories seeking advanced materials discovery tools
Industries served
Material Science, Chemicals, Energy, Electronics
Technology advantage
Strong background in AI model development from the CEO’s tenure at OpenAI coupled with strategic ties to top AI research communities; perceived potential partnership and/or investment interest from OpenAI adds credibility.
How they differentiate
Focused exclusively on applying AI to material science from inception, leveraging direct industry experience from leadership and potential strategic partnerships with leading AI innovators.
Main competitors
Google DeepMind (GNoME initiative), Microsoft (MatterGen, MatterSim initiatives)
Key partnerships
OpenAI
Notable customers
Not publicly disclosed
Major milestones
Company founded and publicly announced Secured initial significant seed funding
Growth metrics
Not publicly disclosed
Market positioning
Emerging player entering the competitive sphere of AI-driven materials research with a niche focus on material science applications.
Geographic focus
Primarily targeting the US market initially, with global application potential
Patents and IP
Not publicly disclosed
About William (Liam) Fedus
William (Liam) Fedus is the Founder and CEO of Periodic Labs. He was formerly the Vice President of Research for Post-training at OpenAI, where he was a key figure in the development of technologies like ChatGPT and GPT-4. His experience is rooted in applying AI to scientific research, with a background in physics.