Aiming to secure $250 million, the new venture associated with Sam Altman is in initial discussions with OpenAI and other investors. Altman will not be making a personal investment in this endeavor.
This initiative would position itself as a competitor to Neuralink, a company established by Elon Musk in 2016, which focuses on developing technology to connect human brains directly to computers.
Musk and Altman, who co-founded OpenAI, have had a tumultuous relationship since Musk left the board in 2018 after disagreements with Altman. They have since emerged as significant rivals in the field of artificial intelligence.
In 2023, Musk founded his own AI startup known as xAI and has been actively attempting to challenge OpenAI’s transition from a nonprofit status in the legal arena. Notably, Musk was instrumental in providing much of the initial funding that launched OpenAI.
Neuralink is part of a growing group of companies focused on brain-computer interfaces, joining several emerging startups, including Precision Neuroscience and Synchron, that are also exploring this technology.
Earlier this year, Neuralink successfully raised $650 million, achieving a valuation of $9 billion, bolstered by investments from notable firms such as Sequoia Capital, Thrive Capital, and Vy Capital. Altman had previously been an investor in Neuralink.
While brain implants have been around for decades, recent advancements in artificial intelligence and electronic components designed to capture brain signals have enhanced their potential for practical applications.
Altman has also supported a variety of other ventures in industries related to OpenAI, which currently holds a valuation of approximately $300 billion. His investment portfolio includes backing for nuclear fission company Oklo and nuclear fusion enterprise Helion.
OpenAI has refrained from commenting on these developments.
© 2025 The Financial Times Ltd. All rights reserved. Not to be redistributed, copied, or modified in any way.
