OpenAI has invested in Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface startup founded by Sam Altman, its CEO. The company emerged from stealth on Thursday, announcing an undisclosed seed round. A source familiar with the matter confirmed OpenAI provided the largest single check in the $250 million seed round, valued at $850 million.
Merge Labs describes itself as a research lab bridging biological and artificial intelligence to maximize human ability. Its statement reads: “Our individual experience of the world arises from billions of active neurons.” The company aims to interface with these neurons at scale to restore lost abilities, support healthier brain states, deepen human connections, and explore creation alongside advanced AI.
The startup develops non-invasive technology using molecules instead of electrodes, transmitting and receiving information with deep-reaching modalities like ultrasound. This approach contrasts with Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which requires invasive surgery. Neuralink uses a surgical robot to remove a small piece of skull and insert ultra-fine electrode threads into the brain to read neural signals. Neuralink last raised $650 million in a Series E round at a $9 billion valuation in June 2025.
OpenAI highlighted brain-computer interfaces in a blog post: “Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are an important new frontier. 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.”
As part of the investment, OpenAI will collaborate with Merge Labs on scientific foundation models and frontier tools to accelerate progress. OpenAI noted AI will speed research and development in bioengineering, neuroscience, and device engineering. Interfaces will use AI operating systems to interpret intent, adapt to individuals, and handle limited or noisy signals.
The arrangement positions Merge Labs’ technology as a potential interface for OpenAI software. Success could increase OpenAI users, supporting the investment. Altman owns Merge Labs using resources from OpenAI, which he leads.
OpenAI also works with io, Jony Ive’s startup acquired last year, on screenless AI hardware. Recent leaks suggest the device may be an earbud.
OpenAI invests through its Startup Fund, which has backed Altman-connected companies including Red Queen Bio, Rain AI, and Harvey. OpenAI has commercial agreements with startups Altman owns or chairs, such as nuclear fusion company Helion Energy and nuclear fission company Oklo.
Altman has discussed a human-machine “merge” since 2017, when he blogged it might occur between 2025 and 2075. He listed forms like plugging electrons into brains or close friendships with chatbots. Altman called the merge humanity’s “best-case scenario” for surviving superintelligent AI, described as a separate species in conflict with humans. He wrote: “Although the merge has already begun, it’s going to get a lot weirder. We will be the first species ever to design our own descendants. 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.”
TechCrunch has requested more information from OpenAI and Merge Labs. The article confirms Merge Labs’ founders will continue working at their respective companies.
Merge Labs focuses on medical uses like aiding paralysis but emphasizes combining human biology with AI for enhanced capabilities. OpenAI’s involvement deepens Altman’s competition with Musk in BCI development.
The seed round values Merge Labs at $850 million post-money, with OpenAI’s contribution the largest. The company plans to use the funds for non-invasive BCI advancement.
