Why I Invested: Danu Insights
Danu Insights is a UK-based startup applying advances in machine learning to optimize experimental design.
Who are they? Danu Insights is a UK-based startup founded by Christopher Lucas, Professor of Computational Cognitive Science at the University of Edinburgh.
What does Danu do? Are you a drug company looking to run clinical trials as quickly, safely, and cost effectively as possible? Or are you an insurance broker who would love to ask a prospective customer 1,000 questions but can't. How would you dynamically adjust your questions to best inform your risk model? Danu applies advances in machine learning to optimize experimental design in cases like these.
Why did I invest? I've known Chris since college and consider him one of the brightest, most capable people I have known. I would have invested in anything he set out to do.
Beyond that, I'm predict AI is going to radically increase the efficiency of designing pharmaceuticals. I say "designing" because I see the process evolving from one of scientific discovery to one of engineering. Once you have more drug candidates – which we will – the bottleneck becomes the clinical trial. Danu will be crucial in clearing it.
How much did I invest? 50,000 GBP in May 2024 via SAFE modified for UK law.