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.

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OpenAI led a $250 million seed round for Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface startup co-founded by Sam Altman, valuing it at $850 million. The company aims to develop non-invasive neural interfaces using molecules and ultrasound instead of electrodes, competing with Neuralink's invasive approach. OpenAI plans to collaborate on AI foundation models to accelerate development, creating a circular investment where successful BCIs could drive more users to OpenAI's software. The deal raises questions about conflicts of interest as it increases the value of Altman's personal startup using resources from the company he runs.

OpenAI invests in Sam Altman’s brain computer interface startup Merge Labs