Krux
February 16, 2026
OpenAI Bets Big on Sam Altman's Brain-Computer Startup
Published: February 16, 2026 at 4:47 AM
Updated: February 16, 2026 at 4:47 AM
100-word summary
Sam Altman's brain-computer interface startup Merge Labs just emerged from stealth with an eye-popping $850 million valuation after raising $250 million in seed funding. OpenAI wrote the largest check and will collaborate on AI tools to accelerate R&D, though it won't run day-to-day ops. Unlike Neuralink's implanted electrodes, Merge Labs uses non-invasive ultrasound to read brain activity via molecules. Co-founded by Altman, Alex Blania, and neuroscientists, the research lab bridges biology and AI. With Neuralink valued at $9 billion, this marks an escalating race to decode the human brain and merge minds with machines.
What happened
Sam Altman's brain-computer interface startup Merge Labs just emerged from stealth with an eye-popping $850 million valuation after raising $250 million in seed funding. OpenAI wrote the largest check and will collaborate on AI tools to accelerate R&D, though it won't run day-to-day ops. Unlike Neuralink's implanted electrodes, Merge Labs uses non-invasive ultrasound to read brain activity via molecules. Co-founded by Altman, Alex Blania, and neuroscientists, the research lab bridges biology and AI.
Why it matters
With Neuralink valued at $9 billion, this marks an escalating race to decode the human brain and merge minds with machines.