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OpenAI Invests $250M in Brain-Computer Interface Startup Merge Labs

1/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

OpenAI has invested in Merge Labs as part of a $250 million seed round valuing the company at $850 million.
Merge Labs develops non-invasive brain-computer interface technology using ultrasound to connect with neurons, in contrast to Neuralink's surgical implants.
OpenAI will collaborate with Merge Labs to advance research in bioengineering and neuroscience.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, co-founded Merge Labs and envisions a future where humans and machines merge.

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Story summary

OpenAI has invested in Merge Labs as part of a $250 million seed round valuing the company at $850 million.
Merge Labs develops non-invasive brain-computer interface technology using ultrasound to connect with neurons, in contrast to Neuralink's surgical implants.
OpenAI will collaborate with Merge Labs to advance research in bioengineering and neuroscience.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, co-founded Merge Labs and envisions a future where humans and machines merge.