Sam Altman Reportedly Co-Founding $850M BCI Startup Merge Labs
Sam Altman, the influential CEO of OpenAI, is reportedly venturing into the burgeoning field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) as a co-founder of a new startup named Merge Labs. This ambitious new entity is already generating significant buzz, with an anticipated valuation of around $850 million. While still in early-stage funding discussions, reports suggest that OpenAI Ventures, the investment arm of the artificial intelligence powerhouse, is expected to contribute a substantial portion of the $250 million Merge Labs aims to raise.
Altman’s involvement marks a significant expansion of his technological interests beyond generative AI, reflecting his long-held vision of a deeper integration between humans and machines. He has previously articulated this concept as “the merge,” a future where human cognition and artificial intelligence seamlessly blend. Although Altman will serve as a co-founder and a strong proponent of the venture, he is not expected to be involved in the day-to-day operations or make a personal investment. The operational helm will reportedly be taken by Alex Blania, CEO of Tools for Humanity, the company behind Worldcoin, Altman’s iris-scanning digital identity project. This collaboration suggests a potential future where digital identity and BCI functionalities could intertwine.
Merge Labs is poised to enter a highly competitive landscape, setting the stage for a renewed rivalry with Elon Musk, the founder of Neuralink. Musk and Altman, who co-founded OpenAI before a public falling out, have frequently clashed over the direction of AI and other technological pursuits. Neuralink, established in 2016, has made significant strides in implantable BCI technology, raising over $650 million and achieving a $9 billion valuation. The company has successfully demonstrated its implants in human trials, enabling individuals with paralysis to control digital devices, including video games, with their thoughts. Neuralink aims for a broader impact, targeting 20,000 implants annually by 2031, with projections of generating substantial revenue.
In contrast, Merge Labs is reportedly focusing on “less invasive brain interfaces” and a broader vision of human-AI integration, rather than solely medical rehabilitation. This approach aligns with a growing trend in the BCI sector towards more accessible and user-friendly technologies. The overall BCI market is experiencing rapid growth, with projections indicating an expansion from $2.3 billion in 2024 to $4.5 billion by 2029, and potentially reaching $12.87 billion by 2034. This growth is fueled by advancements in AI and machine learning, which are enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of brain signal interpretation, as well as innovations in non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques. Other notable players in this evolving field include Precision Neuroscience and Synchron, both making progress in their respective BCI platforms.
Altman’s consistent interest in frontier technologies, from nuclear fusion to digital identity, underscores his belief in leveraging cutting-edge innovations to reshape human capabilities and societal structures. His backing of Merge Labs signifies a powerful vote of confidence in the future of brain-computer interfaces, suggesting that the era of direct thought-to-machine interaction is closer than ever, and setting the stage for a fascinating new chapter in the race to merge human and artificial intelligence.