Westlake Omics Secures Hundreds of Millions in Pre-A Funding to Advance Proteomics-Driven Clinical Diagnostics and AI-Powered Drug Discovery

On January 13, Westlake Omics (Hangzhou) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. completed a Pre-A financing round worth hundreds of millions of yuan,This round of financing was co-led by Yifeng Capital and existing shareholder Hillhouse Venture, with participation from Mifang Capital, existing shareholder Banyan Capital, and Westlake Sci-Tech Innovation Investment., the financing proceeds will continue to advance the research and development of mass spectrometry-driven in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products and AI-enabled drug discovery solutions.

Westlake Omics was established in July 2020, dedicated to the development and application of multi-omics technologies centered on protein mass spectrometry to advance human health. The company has assembled a professional team with interdisciplinary backgrounds, comprising top-tier talents in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and drug R&D. Westlake Omics holds multiple patented technologies and has established wholly-owned subsidiaries, Hangzhou Omi Medical Laboratory Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Omi Intelligent Manufacturing Biotechnology Co., Ltd. It has signed strategic cooperation memoranda with mass spectrometry manufacturers such as Sciex, Thermo Fisher, and Bruker, and serves as the exclusive distributor and service provider for Pressure BioSciences Inc. in China. Westlake Omics has built close collaborative relationships with more than 70 leading hospitals, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies both domestically and internationally. It was listed on the 2021 Venture 50 “New Sprout” List, selected as one of QbitAI’s 2021 Companies of the Year in the biological computing category, and honored with the title of “Zhejiang Province Small and Medium-sized Technology Enterprise.”

Guo Tiannan, Founder of Westlake OmicsHe stated, “Human understanding of disease is progressively deepening to the microscopic molecular level. Westlake Omics has mastered a variety of cutting-edge technologies that enable precise measurement of thousands of biomolecules from minute clinical samples. Currently, we are focused on continuously developing and optimizing high-throughput mass spectrometry technologies to achieve in-depth, cost-effective proteomic profiling of微量 tissue samples. We are also developing AI technologies to analyze the resulting large-scale proteomics data, aiming to fundamentally improve the treatment of major diseases, enhance drug R&D efficiency, closely monitor health status, and contribute to the broader healthcare industry.”

Zhu Pai, Managing Partner at Yifeng Capital“Proteomics serves as a complement and enhancement to genomics, representing a highly promising new technology in the post-genomic era. Its applications are extensive, encompassing companion diagnostics for therapy, discovery of novel drug targets, and studies on drug mechanisms and toxicology. As a flagship enterprise in the field of proteomics, Westlake Omics focuses on AI-enabled molecular diagnostics, holding promise for multi-dimensional applications in diverse scenarios such as precision medicine and drug R&D, which is worthy of anticipation.”

Project Lead, Hillhouse Ventures“The emergence of proteomics as a new discipline represents another breakthrough in humanity’s exploration of the mysteries of life. Leveraging AI-enabled proteomics technologies and drawing on years of deep expertise in the field, the Westlake Omics team is continuously driving the development and launch of in vitro diagnostic products. As an enterprise supported by Hillhouse Ventures since its seed round, we look forward to seeing more proteomics-based products applied in clinical settings in the near future, thereby supporting precision medicine.”

Cai Hong, Investor at Mifang Capital“It has been stated: ‘The Westlake Omics team, led by Dr. Guo Tiannan, has been deeply engaged in proteomics research for many years, achieving globally pioneering results in the development of foundational mass spectrometry-based proteomics technologies. By building AI deep-learning capabilities and leveraging extensive clinical resources, the team is committed to advancing translational applications. We look forward to the Westlake Omics team continuously pushing the boundaries in the field of proteomics and contributing to the acceleration of clinical translation. Mifang Capital is optimistic about the translational potential of proteomics in global clinical research, disease diagnosis and treatment, and drug development, driven by the ongoing optimization of technology and the continuous reduction of costs.’”

Le Beilin, Vice President of Gaorong Capital“HighRong Capital has always looked forward to collaborating with world-class interdisciplinary teams to continuously push the boundaries of human understanding of life through cutting-edge technologies. Dr. Guo Tiannan’s team is dedicated to uncovering the biological principles embedded within the infinitely complex and dynamic microscopic world of proteins, leveraging large-scale proteomics data to address key challenges in the two major areas of precision medicine: diagnosis and treatment. Since investing in Westlake Omics’ seed round, we have been delighted to witness the company’s rapid progress in accumulating proteomics big data and developing clinical diagnostic products, as well as its establishment of a precision medicine platform built upon China’s abundant clinical resources. We look forward to seeing Westlake Omics’ technology applied to more unresolved clinical problems in the future, thereby advancing the field of proteomics in China.”

Shen Lifen, Chairman of Westlake Sci-Tech Venture Capitalstated, “Proteomics represents a major breakthrough in achieving precision medicine. We will continue to provide comprehensive support in funding, policy, and industry development to facilitate the research, development, and commercialization of molecular diagnostic products based on clinical proteomics by Westlake Omics. Moving forward, Westlake Sci-Tech Venture Capital will further strengthen its empowerment of high-quality sci-tech innovation enterprises in Xihu District, with a particular focus on advancing the implementation of the Grand Health Initiative, supporting the growth of biopharmaceutical technology companies, and delivering more precise solutions for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.”

Yifeng Capital is among the earliest specialized biomedical investment firms in China. Its investment team comprises PhDs in biomedical sciences from top-tier universities both domestically and internationally, focusing on global venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) investments in the biomedical sector and successfully facilitating the public listings of numerous portfolio companies. Recognized for its outstanding investment performance and research capabilities, Yifeng Capital has been honored as one of the Top 30 Healthcare Investment Institutions in China by Zero2IPO, listed among the Top 10 Best Exit Cases in the Biopharmaceutical Sector, and acknowledged as one of China’s Most Dynamic Innovative Drug Investment Firms. It has also been featured in an exclusive interview by Nature, a world-renowned scientific journal. Yifeng Capital maintains a strong focus on innovative novel drugs and high-end medical devices, deeply identifying high-potential enterprises, driving the industrialization of scientific and technological achievements through capital, and dedicating itself to advancing life sciences.

GL Ventures is Hillhouse’s venture capital platform dedicated to early-stage innovative companies, with a focus on key sectors including deep tech, software, biotechnology, new materials, emerging brands, and consumer technology. GL Ventures seeks out all founders who are passionate about technology and believe in innovation. We aim to be the first call for entrepreneurs seeking financing, and we look forward to accompanying them throughout their entrepreneurial journey over the long term.

Mifang Capital focuses on early-stage investments in the life sciences sector, operating as an investment platform that integrates “decentralized investing” with “systematic operations.” Headquartered in Shanghai, it maintains concurrent operations in Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. Its investment team comprises veterans of the healthcare industry, MDs from top-tier academic institutions, former physicians from leading Grade-A tertiary hospitals, and professional pharmaceutical investors, bringing extensive healthcare ecosystem resources, deep professional expertise, and valuable frontline clinical and investment experience. Mifang Capital concentrates on biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, medical diagnostics, digital health, and related services.

Gaorong Capital is one of the most active venture capital firms in China, focusing on early-stage and growth-stage investments, with a particular emphasis on innovative sectors such as new consumer trends, emerging technologies, and healthcare. To date, 20 companies invested in or held by Gaorong have completed their initial public offerings, and more than 30 have achieved valuations exceeding $1 billion, with many growing into industry leaders. Gaorong Capital continues to maintain a strong focus on the healthcare sector, investing in innovative enterprises in areas such as digital health, medical services, new drug development, medical devices, and diagnostics.

Hangzhou Xihu District Science and Technology Innovation Equity Investment Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Xihu Sci-Tech Investment”) is a state-owned enterprise directly under the Hangzhou Xihu District People’s Government. It manages and operates the Xihu District Sci-Tech Direct Investment Fund, with a scale of RMB 1 billion, focusing on investing in high-quality enterprises in Xihu District across fields such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, aerospace information, biopharmaceuticals, intelligent manufacturing, and cultural creativity, thereby empowering their growth and development.