SHORTList
Waypoint Bio logo
AI/ML
Biotech/Pharma

Waypoint Bio

Waypoint Bio is a venture-backed biotech startup building the next generation of cancer therapies. Our platform combines “spatial pooled screening” technology with machine learning to build breakthrough therapies that we believe can meaningfully improve patients’ lives. We are a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary team that moves quickly to bring promising therapies to patients faster.

CORE INFO

$20M
Total Funding
Series A
Round
2021
Founded
11-50
Team Size
New York, New York, USA
Headquarters

Waypoint Bio is a biotechnology startup focused on developing advanced cell therapies for solid tumors, utilizing AI and machine learning to optimize treatment designs for complex diseases like cancer.

  • Series A funding round raised $20 million in May 2026, led by Amplify Partners, with participation from General Catalyst, Time BioVentures, Mitsui Global Investments, Lux Capital, and existing investors including Hummingbird Ventures.businesswire.com
  • Waypoint Bio plans to advance its lead program, WAY-103, into an investigator-initiated trial beginning in late 2026.businesswire.com

WHY WE WOULD WORK AT WAYPOINT BIO

Impactful Mission

Join a team dedicated to developing next-generation cell therapies for solid tumors, addressing the urgent needs of cancer patients with innovative solutions.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Utilize advanced AI, machine learning, and spatial pooled screening technologies to design and optimize therapies, pushing the boundaries of biotechnology.

Collaborative Culture

Work alongside an interdisciplinary team of experts in spatial biology, computational biology, and genomics, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.

Growth Opportunities

Be part of a rapidly growing startup with significant funding, providing ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Proven Success

Contribute to the advancement of WAY-103 into clinical trials by late 2026, showcasing the company's commitment to impactful research and development.

Competitive Compensation

Benefit from a venture-backed startup environment with competitive salaries and potential equity options, rewarding your contributions to groundbreaking therapies.

MARKET AND TRACTION

TOTAL ADDRESSABLE MARKET

  • The biotechnology market for cancer therapies is rapidly expanding, with a significant focus on innovative treatments for solid tumors.

  • Waypoint Bio aims to address the unmet needs of patients suffering from complex diseases like cancer, indicating a substantial market opportunity for their next-generation cell therapies.

    • KEY METRICS

    ✦ KEY METRIC
  • Total funding raised by Waypoint Bio amounts to $20 million, with a $15 million seed round in June 2024 and a $20 million Series A round in May 2026.

  • The company plans to advance its lead program, WAY-103, into clinical trials by late 2026, marking a critical milestone in its development timeline.

    • GROWTH TACTICS

  • Waypoint Bio leverages advanced technologies such as AI, ML, and spatial pooled screening to optimize cell therapies, enhancing their research and development capabilities.

  • The interdisciplinary team at Waypoint Bio, comprising experts in various fields, drives innovation and accelerates the discovery of effective treatments for solid tumors.

    • COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

  • Waypoint Bio's proprietary platform allows for high-throughput testing of therapeutic designs directly within in vivo models, a unique approach in the biotechnology sector.

  • The simultaneous measurement of hundreds of phenotypes at the single-cell level provides a significant edge in developing targeted therapies for complex diseases.

    • MARKET POSITION

  • Founded in 2021, Waypoint Bio is positioned as a venture-backed startup in the competitive biotechnology landscape, focusing specifically on solid tumors.

  • With a growing team of 11 to 50 individuals, the company is well-equipped to innovate and scale its operations in the rapidly evolving biotech industry.

    • PRODUCT AND TECH

    AI-Designed Cell Therapies

    Waypoint Bio develops next-generation cell therapies specifically for solid tumors using artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize therapeutic designs, aiming to enhance treatment efficacy for complex diseases like cancer.

    High-Throughput Testing Platform

    The proprietary platform enables high-throughput testing of thousands of therapeutic designs directly within in vivo models, facilitating the simultaneous measurement of hundreds of phenotypes at the single-cell level.

    Spatial Pooled Screening

    This innovative technology allows for detailed spatial analysis of cell therapies, improving the understanding of therapeutic interactions and effectiveness in solid tumors.

    Interdisciplinary Expertise

    Waypoint Bio's team combines knowledge in spatial biology, computational biology, machine learning, and genomics, driving the development of advanced cell therapies tailored to patient needs.

    Lead Program WAY-103

    WAY-103 is Waypoint Bio's flagship program, set to advance into clinical trials by late 2026, representing a significant step towards bringing AI-optimized therapies to patients.

    COMPANY CULTURE

    Values

  • Commitment to patient-centered care

  • Innovation through advanced technology

  • Collaboration among interdisciplinary teams

  • Integrity in research and development

  • Focus on addressing unmet medical needs

    • Operating Principles

  • Emphasis on data-driven decision making

  • Continuous improvement in therapeutic design

  • Agile response to scientific challenges

  • Open communication within teams

  • Ethical considerations in all research activities

    • Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge biotechnology

  • Collaborative and inclusive work environment

  • Professional development and learning opportunities

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package

  • Impactful work contributing to cancer treatment advancements

    • Team Cadence

  • Regular team meetings to discuss progress

  • Cross-functional collaboration sessions

  • Bi-weekly updates on project milestones

  • Open-door policy for feedback and ideas

  • Celebrations of team achievements and milestones

    • Learning & Growth

  • Access to training in AI and machine learning

  • Encouragement of continuous education and skill development

  • Mentorship programs with industry experts

  • Participation in conferences and workshops

  • Support for pursuing advanced degrees or certifications

    • HIRING SIGNAL

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    KEY COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Filter
    3 announcements · ranked by importance
    May 1, 2026FUNDINGWaypoint Bio Raises $20M Series A Led by Amplify Partners to Advance AI-Designed Cell Therapies Toward the Clinicbusinesswire.com
    Jun 1, 2024FUNDINGWaypoint Bio Raises $14.5M in Seed Fundingfinsmes.com
    Oct 1, 2025EXEC HIREWaypoint Bio Appoints Meta NeuroAI Pioneer Patrick Kaifosh as Chief Technology Officerwaypointbio.com