Sam Altman's Brain Computer Interface Bet and OpenAI's Next Billion Dollar Moves

Sam Altman BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Sam Altman made waves this week with OpenAI's blockbuster investment in his brain-computer interface startup Merge Labs, which emerged from stealth Thursday with a 250 million dollar seed round at 850 million valuation, according to TechCrunch. OpenAI led the largest check, alongside Bain Capital, Interface Fund, Fifty Years, and Gabe Newell, fueling non-invasive tech using molecules and ultrasound to link neurons with AI for superhuman feats, directly challenging Elon Musks Neuralink. Merge co-founders like Alex Blania from Tools for Humanity and Caltechs Mikhail Shapiro stay in their day jobs, while OpenAI plans joint AI models to speed bioengineering, deepening the circular deal whispers around Altmans empire.

On X, Altman posted Friday recruiting a Head of Preparedness, flagging AI risks like mental health manipulation, cyberattacks, self-improving systems beyond human control, and governance gaps, as Chambers and Associates reports, sparking global regulation buzz including Indias AI ethics bill.

Business Insider notes OpenAI preps ads for free ChatGPT users and the new eight dollar Go plan, softening Altmans past last resort stance after his Instagram shoutouts. Mid-January rumors swirl of OpenAIs 60 billion capital raise eyeing a 2026 IPO post its for-profit pivot with CFO Sarah Friar, per Chronicle Journal markets.

No fresh public appearances, but Altmans Davos invite looms January 19 to 23 for elite schmoozing with Gates and Zuckerberg. Gary Marcus Substack sniped January 13 on Altmans waning cred amid OpenAI profit woes and Anthropic rivalry, yet his merge vision endures. A quirky indie film deepfaked Altman for an AI-directed chat when interviews flopped, AV Club dishes. Healthcare pushes continue, with Altman eyeing AI for clinical workflows, per Healthcare Digital. All verified bar IPO speculation. Word count 348.

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