tech
January 15, 2026
OpenAI invests in Sam Altman’s brain computer interface startup Merge Labs
OpenAI is participating in a $250 million seed round into Merge Labs, Sam Altman's brain computer interface startup. The startup is valued at $850 million.
TL;DR
- OpenAI has invested in Sam Altman's brain-computer interface startup, Merge Labs.
- Merge Labs aims to develop non-invasive BCI technology using molecules and ultrasound, contrasting with Neuralink's invasive approach.
- The company's goal is to bridge biological and artificial intelligence to enhance human abilities and creativity.
- Altman envisions this 'Merge' as humanity's best-case scenario for survival against superintelligence.
- OpenAI will collaborate with Merge Labs on scientific foundation models and frontier tools.
- This investment deepens Altman's involvement in companies that could potentially drive more users to OpenAI.
- Merge Labs' co-founders will continue roles at their other companies, including Tools for Humanity and Forest Neurotech.