OpenAI has invested the largest amount in Merge Labs’ $250 million seed round at an $850 million valuation. The brain-computer interface startup, founded by Sam Altman, emerged from stealth on Thursday to develop noninvasive technology bridging human neurons and AI.
In 2017, Sam Altman published a blog post outlining his vision of a merge between humans and machines occurring between 2025 and 2075. He described potential forms such as plugging electrons into brains or forming close relationships with chatbots. Altman positioned this merge as humanity’s best-case scenario for surviving superintelligent AI, which he characterized as a separate species in conflict with humans.
Altman wrote that the merge has already begun and predicted it would become much weirder. He stated, “We will be the first species ever to design our own descendants.” He further elaborated, “My guess is that we can either be the biological bootloader for digital intelligence and then fade into an evolutionary tree branch, or we can figure out what a successful merge looks like.” This concept frames Merge Labs’ work as a step toward realizing such integration.
Merge Labs describes itself as a research lab dedicated to bridging biological and artificial intelligence to maximize human ability. A statement from Merge Labs reads, “Our individual experience of the world arises from billions of active neurons.” The lab continues, “If we can interface with these neurons at scale, we could restore lost abilities, support healthier brain states, deepen our connection with each other, and explore what we can imagine and create alongside advanced AI.”
To achieve these goals, Merge Labs develops entirely new technologies that connect with neurons using molecules instead of electrodes. These technologies transmit and receive information through deep-reaching modalities like ultrasound, ensuring a noninvasive approach. This method contrasts with existing solutions that rely on surgical implantation.
The startup’s efforts position it in direct competition with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. Neuralink develops computer-interface chips enabling individuals with severe paralysis to control devices using thoughts. The process involves invasive surgery where a surgical robot removes a small piece of skull and inserts ultra-fine electrode threads into the brain to read neural signals. Neuralink raised $650 million in a Series E round at a $9 billion valuation in June 2025.
OpenAI justified its investment through a blog post stating, “Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are an important new frontier.” The post adds, “They open new ways to communicate, learn, and interact with technology. BCIs will create a natural, human-centered way for anyone to seamlessly interact with AI. This is why OpenAI is participating in Merge Labs’ seed round.” A source familiar with the matter confirmed OpenAI wrote the largest single check in the round.
As part of the investment agreement, OpenAI will collaborate with Merge Labs on scientific foundation models and other frontier tools. These efforts aim to accelerate progress in bioengineering, neuroscience, and device engineering. OpenAI’s involvement extends beyond funding to joint development of technologies supporting BCI advancement.
OpenAI highlighted how AI operating systems enhance BCI interfaces. These systems interpret user intent, adapt to individual differences, and operate reliably with limited and noisy signals. Such capabilities address key challenges in neural data processing, making interfaces more practical and effective.
OpenAI invests primarily through its Startup Fund. This fund has backed other companies connected to Altman, including Red Queen Bio, Rain AI, and Harvey. OpenAI has also entered commercial agreements with startups Altman owns or chairs, such as nuclear fusion company Helion Energy and nuclear fission firm Oklo.
In parallel, OpenAI works with Jony Ive’s startup io, which it acquired last year. The partnership focuses on producing AI hardware that does not rely on a screen. Recent unconfirmed leaks suggest the device may take the form of an earbud, expanding OpenAI’s hardware initiatives beyond screens.
While BCIs hold medical applications, Merge Labs emphasizes enhancing human capabilities through biological-AI integration. This aligns with broader Silicon Valley interests in superhuman augmentation via technology. The investment underscores OpenAI’s commitment to hardware enabling seamless AI interaction.
