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 San Francisco, California, USA. Team size: Small-to-medium. Total funding raised: $300M. Latest round: Seed. Key investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Felicis, DST Global, Nvidia, Accel, Jeff Bezos, Eric Schmidt, Elad Gil, Jeff Dean.
AMW Analysis
Periodic Labs applies AI to material science discovery, aiming to shorten the cycle for developing new materials by pairing AI models with autonomous robotic laboratories. The company emerged from stealth in October 2025 with a $300 million seed round—backed by a16z, Nvidia, and others—and described its goal of building “AI scientists” that automate the scientific method, including physical experiments and iteration. By March 2026, Periodic Labs was reported to be in talks to raise at a valuation of roughly $7 billion, a fivefold increase from its $1.3 billion seed valuation six months earlier. The startup, which employs around 40 people, already counts semiconductor customers and generates revenue. Its trajectory shows rapid scaling and market validation, with the funding and valuation growth reflecting investor confidence in its approach to compressing decades of materials research and development into years.
AMW analysis, generated from 3 tracked news signals.
- Founded
- 2025
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, California, USA
- Team size
- Small-to-medium
- Total funding
- $300M
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)
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.
Latest news about Periodic Labs
- Periodic Labs is in talks to raise at a ~$7B valuation — 5x its $1.3B seed from just 6 months ago. Founded by ex-OpenAI's Liam Fedus and ex-DeepMind's Ekin Dogus Cubuk, the ~40-person startup already
- Periodic Labs just emerged from stealth with a massive $300 million seed round, backed by a16z and Nvidia, to "build AI scientists." This funding shatters seed-stage records and signals a critical shi
- Periodic Labs just secured a massive $300 million seed round, led by a16z and supported by tech giants like Nvidia and Jeff Bezos, to build "AI scientists." This funding signals a decisive shift in AI
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Official website: https://periodic.com/