8-8-2023 (SAN FRANCISCO) Elon Musk’s brain chip startup Neuralink has successfully raised a staggering US$280 million in funding, with the majority of the investment led by Thiel’s Founders Fund, according to reports. This recent funding round comes shortly after Neuralink received approval to conduct its first-ever in-human clinical trial.
The exact valuation of the company following this funding round has not been disclosed. However, back in June, Reuters reported that Neuralink held a valuation of around US$5 billion, based on private stock trades.
Neuralink expressed great enthusiasm for this new phase of its journey, stating, “We’re extremely excited about this next chapter at Neuralink,” in a post on X, the social media platform owned by Musk (formerly known as Twitter).
Sources within the company revealed to Reuters last year that Neuralink was under pressure to expedite surgeries on various animals, including monkeys, pigs, and sheep. Unfortunately, this rush resulted in more animal deaths than necessary. The animal experiments were conducted to gather data in support of Neuralink’s application for human trials.
In light of these revelations, US lawmakers called for regulatory authorities to investigate potential financial conflicts within the panel overseeing animal testing at Neuralink. It is alleged that these conflicts may have contributed to the rushed and flawed nature of the experiments.
The recent funding injection will undoubtedly provide Neuralink with the necessary resources to further its groundbreaking research and development in the field of brain-computer interfaces. With the financial backing from Thiel’s Founders Fund and other investors, Neuralink aims to advance its mission of merging humans with artificial intelligence.
Neuralink’s innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the way humans interact with machines. By creating a direct interface between the human brain and computers, Neuralink aims to enhance cognitive abilities and address neurological conditions.
As the world eagerly watches the progress of Neuralink, the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of brain-computer interfaces. With this significant funding milestone, Neuralink is poised to accelerate its research and bring us closer to a future where humans and AI can seamlessly collaborate.
This news is a testament to the growing interest and investment in cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to shape the future of humanity. As Neuralink paves the way for advancements in neurotechnology, the possibilities for human-machine integration seem more promising than ever before.
