Neuralink Raises $43M Amid Controversies, Gears Up for Human Trials

Elon Musk's brain implant startup faces scrutiny over animal testing and workplace culture while preparing for FDA-approved human trials next year.

Elon Musk's Neuralink has raised an additional $43 million, bringing the total funding to $323 million, with the latest round led by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund.
Neuralink, which is developing a brain implant device, has received FDA approval to start human trials next year, with the first trial to include 11 people.
The company has faced criticism and calls for investigation over allegations of animal mistreatment during testing, with claims of monkeys experiencing health issues and being euthanized.
Neuralink has also been scrutinized for a toxic workplace culture, with reports of a 'culture of blame and fear' and several founding scientists quitting.
Musk has suggested that the Neuralink chip could be combined with Tesla's robot limbs to create realistic bionic limbs for amputees.