Sam Altman Launches Merge Labs to Rival Neuralink
Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, is stepping into the brain-computer interface (BCI) field with a new startup called Merge Labs.
This venture is designed to compete directly with Elon Musk’s Neuralink, advancing how humans and machines could merge.
Key Details
Valuation & Funding: Merge Labs is targeting a valuation of around $850 million and plans to raise $250 million, largely through OpenAI’s venture arm.
Leadership Role: Sam Altman will co-found the company alongside Alex Blania, leader of the iris-scanning ID project World. Altman won’t hold a day-to-day operational role nor invest his personal funds.
Tech Focus: The company aims to develop high-bandwidth brain implants that benefit from the latest AI advances—faster, more precise, and scalable than existing options.
Motivation Behind the Name: “Merge” nods to Altman’s long-standing vision of human–machine integration.
He first speculated about this convergence in a 2017 blog post.
Background
Musk vs. Altman Rivalry: Once allies at OpenAI, Musk and Altman have been at odds since 2018. Altman’s move into BCI reignites their rivalry on a new frontier—human-machine interfaces.
Neuralink’s Head Start: Musk’s Neuralink has already begun human trials and raised $650 million at a $9 billion valuation.
It uses a coin-sized implant with robotic insertion of electrodes.
Market Growth
The global BCI market is forecast to grow substantially some estimates target growth from $2.3 billion (2024) to $12.87 billion by 2034, indicating room for multiple players.
News Gist:
Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, is launching Merge Labs, a $850M brain–computer interface startup to rival Elon Musk’s Neuralink.
Aiming for faster AI-integrated brain implants with OpenAI backing amid a rapidly growing neurotech market.
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Sam Altman Launches Merge Labs to Rival Neuralink
