OpenAI has made a bold new investment in Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface (BCI) startup co-founded by CEO Sam Altman, marking another layer in a growing web of circular business ties. Merge Labs, which emerged from stealth with a $250 million seed round at an $850 million valuation, describes itself as a research lab focused on merging biological and artificial intelligence to enhance human potential. OpenAI led the round with the largest single investment, underscoring a strategic alignment between Altman’s personal ventures and the AI company he leads. Merge Labs aims to develop non-invasive neural interfaces that communicate with the brain using molecules and deep-reaching modalities like ultrasound, rather than traditional electrodes. The goal is to enable direct, high-bandwidth communication between the human brain and machines—restoring lost abilities, improving mental health, and unlocking new levels of creativity and collaboration with AI. This vision positions Merge Labs as a key player in the race to create seamless human-AI symbiosis, directly competing with Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which uses invasive surgical implants to read neural signals. OpenAI’s involvement goes beyond capital. The company plans to collaborate with Merge Labs on foundational AI models and tools, leveraging AI to interpret noisy neural signals and adapt to individual users. In turn, Merge Labs could serve as a natural interface for OpenAI’s software—potentially turning the brain into a remote control for AI systems. This creates a feedback loop: successful BCI technology could drive more users to OpenAI’s platforms, justifying further investment in Merge Labs, which Altman co-founded and leads. The deal deepens a pattern of interconnected ventures tied to Altman. He is also involved with other startups backed by OpenAI’s Startup Fund, including Red Queen Bio, Rain AI, and Harvey. OpenAI has also entered commercial agreements with Altman’s other ventures, such as Helion Energy and Oklo, both focused on nuclear fusion and fission. Additionally, OpenAI acquired Jony Ive’s hardware startup io, which is reportedly developing a screenless AI device—possibly an earbud—furthering the push toward ambient, intuitive AI interaction. Altman has long championed the idea of a “merge” between humans and AI, first articulating it in a 2017 blog post. He sees this fusion as essential for humanity’s survival in the face of superintelligent AI, which he views as a separate, potentially adversarial species. The merge, he argues, could allow humans to become the “biological bootloader” for digital intelligence, either evolving into a new form or fading into history. While BCIs hold promise for medical applications—such as helping people with paralysis control devices—the focus at Merge Labs appears more ambitious: enhancing cognition, creativity, and human-AI collaboration. The technology could allow users to “think” commands to AI, access vast knowledge instantly, or even co-create ideas with machines in real time. Critics may see the investment as self-serving, given that Altman owns both OpenAI and Merge Labs. But supporters argue it reflects a long-term vision where AI and human intelligence evolve together. Whether this circular model leads to breakthroughs or raises ethical concerns about control, access, and identity remains to be seen. For now, OpenAI’s bet on Merge Labs signals a pivotal step toward a future where the human mind and artificial intelligence are no longer separate—but deeply intertwined.