Overview

• Merge Labs positions itself as a direct competitor to Elon Musk’s Neuralink by aiming to use AI to power less invasive brain-computer interfaces.
• The startup is co-founded by Sam Altman alongside Alex Blania, a leader in AI-driven biometric projects; Altman will not invest personal capital or oversee daily operations.
• Merge Labs is seeking about $250 million at an $850 million valuation, with OpenAI’s venture arm expected to lead investment.
• Sources caution that funding talks remain preliminary; OpenAI has yet to publicly commit, leaving deal terms subject to change.
• Neuralink, founded in 2016, continues human clinical trials; it secured $650 million at a $9 billion valuation in June; it remains the leading player in BCI development.