Korean startup Actnova, under CEO Kim Dae-geon, has secured a 3.3 billion won ($2.4 million) Pre-Series A investment, led by Hana Ventures with A Ventures and Fast Ventures also participating. This funding highlights Actnova’s role in advancing animal behavior testing for neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s through its AI-driven SaaS, Actverse. Originating from a KAIST lab, Actverse revolutionizes how behavioral symptoms in animal models are analyzed, combining machine learning with web technologies for precise, automated assessments. This technology streamlines the drug development process by offering quicker, more accurate symptom analysis.
The investment reflects Actnova’s expansion to top institutions, such as MIT and the Broad Institute, and its effectiveness in both domestic and international markets, including collaborations with the Korea Brain Research Institute and Daegu Cheombok Preclinical Center. CEO Kim Dae-geon credits this success to the company’s innovative technology and team effort, aiming to make Actnova a bio industry leader. Hana Ventures’ Jo Soo-jin sees Actnova’s automated analysis as key to meeting the demand for objective animal behavior data. Actnova intends to use the funding to expand its global services, enhancing drug development with its unique technology and contributing to the biotech sector’s digital transformation.
