Apheris Raises $8.25M to Unlock Life Sciences Data for AI

Berlin-based startup Apheris has secured $8.25 million in Series A funding to address one of healthcare's most pressing challenges: unlocking the vast amounts of unused data for AI and machine learning applications. According to information from OTB Ventures, the round was led by OTB Ventures and eCAPITAL, with participation from existing investors Octopus Ventures and Heal Capital.

The company's statistics reveal a striking reality: 97% of all healthcare data remains unused due to concerns over data sharing and trust. Apheris aims to change this through its innovative federated computing technology, which enables secure, governed access to data across organizations without moving sensitive information from its original location.

The startup's Compute Gateway solution has already attracted several major pharmaceutical companies, including Roche and Johnson & Johnson, as well as multiple hospitals. The technology allows organizations to train AI models while maintaining strict data privacy and regulatory compliance.

Robin Röhm, CEO of Apheris, emphasizes the company's mission: "With our partners' help, Apheris will unlock the potential of AI and machine learning for the life science industry by solving its critical bottleneck: access to large and diverse data."

The fresh funding will support the deployment of foundational AI models, particularly in protein-complex-prediction, and expand the company's network of biopharmaceutical clients. Apheris aims to establish the largest secure life sciences data network by the end of 2025, positioning itself as a key player in the evolution of AI-driven healthcare solutions.