포트래이

Portrai (포트래이) is a Korean precision-medicine tech-bio company that combines spatial biology with artificial intelligence to shift drug discovery from hypothesis-driven to data-driven work. It has assembled a spatial transcriptomics-based cancer data platform built on real patient tissue, integrating per-cell gene expression, tissue architecture and tumor microenvironment (TME) information that bulk RNA analysis cannot resolve, and layers proprietary AI analytics on top to nominate drug targets faster and with higher resolution. The company positions this as a way to reduce trial and error at the pre-clinical stage and lower early R&D risk.

The company describes its platform as three linked engines: a Data Engine (a spatial transcriptomics database with 2,000+ patient samples and 50M+ spatially resolved cells across 7+ cancer types), a Prediction Engine (in-silico Microscopic-PK, Microscopic-PD and a Vision-Gene-Language (VGL) suite for target and toxicity assessment), and a Validation Engine that translates computational insights into physical assets computationally, then in tissue, then in vivo, oriented toward antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and radiopharmaceutical therapeutics (RPTs).

Alongside platform and partnership work, Portrai runs its own oncology pipeline. Its website lists three pre-clinical-stage programs with undisclosed targets: POR001 (ADC, pre-clinical), POR003 (ADC, in-vitro) and POR006 (RPT, in-vivo). Press coverage describes early-stage programs in indications including hepatocellular carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and pan-solid cancer, with antibody and peptide modalities.

Founding story

Portrai was founded in 2021 by four medical researchers from Seoul National University. Press coverage describes the founders as four physicians trained at Seoul National University's College of Medicine.

Business model

Portrai operates a platform-plus-pipeline model: it monetizes its spatial transcriptomics database and AI analysis platform through joint research and development agreements with pharmaceutical companies for target discovery, while advancing its own oncology assets (ADC and RPT programs) toward the clinic. It also invites partnerships around biomarker development and companion diagnostics.

Revenue is associated with collaborative drug-discovery agreements with pharmaceutical partners, including an October 2025 contract with Celltrion valued at up to $87.75 million including an undisclosed upfront payment, as well as planned commercialization of its patient-derived spatial transcriptomics database.

Traction

Portrai reports 2,000+ patient samples, 50M+ spatially resolved cells and coverage of 7+ cancer types in its data platform, three pre-clinical oncology programs, a Celltrion joint research agreement worth up to $87.75 million, selection for the Amgen–KHIDI Golden Ticket program, and multiple AACR research presentations.

Latest developments

In December 2025 Portrai announced a KRW 14.5 billion Series B round with participation from STIC Ventures, BNH Investment, Kakao Ventures, Envisioning Partners, Bon Angels Venture Partners, Pearl Abyss Capital and CKD Venture Capital. The company said it would use the proceeds to advance and commercialize its spatial transcriptomics patient database, develop multi-omics-based target discovery, and expand joint research with global pharmaceutical companies.