Neurally

Neurally, a brain-computer interface (BCI) startup founded by Sam Altman, emerged from stealth in January 2026 with a $250 million seed round led by OpenAI, valuing the company at $850 million.

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Develops brain-computer interface technology to integrate neural signals with artificial intelligence.

Neurally, a brain-computer interface (BCI) startup founded by Sam Altman, emerged from stealth in January 2026 with a $250 million seed round led by OpenAI, valuing the company at $850 million. The firm positions itself as a research lab focused on bridging biological and artificial intelligence to enhance human capabilities. Neurally’s primary product, Merge Labs, aims to integrate neural signals with AI systems, targeting applications in healthcare, gaming, and cognitive enhancement.

The company’s early-stage focus on EEG-based neurofeedback has attracted attention, particularly for its potential in improving brain function and optimizing human performance. However, Neurally faces skepticism due to the nascent state of BCI technology and the ethical concerns surrounding neural data privacy. The startup’s reliance on OpenAI’s funding and Altman’s leadership raises questions about its independence and long-term viability. As of 2026, Neurally has not disclosed revenue or customer details, but its ambitious vision and high-profile backers have positioned it as a key player in the emerging BCI space.

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Who buys this

  • Healthcare providers seeking cognitive enhancement tools
  • Gaming companies exploring neurofeedback applications
  • Research institutions studying brain-computer interactions
  • Tech firms investing in AI-human integration

Strengths and what to watch

Strengths

  • Backed by OpenAI, providing significant financial and technical resources
  • Led by Sam Altman, a prominent figure in AI and tech innovation
  • Focus on cutting-edge BCI technology with potential for transformative applications

Watch for

  • Ethical concerns around neural data privacy and usage
  • Reliance on OpenAI for funding and strategic direction
  • Early-stage technology with unproven commercial viability

Recent moves

Key Information

Founded
2004
Headquarters
St. Petersburg, FL

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neurally and what do they do?

Neurally is a brain-computer interface (BCI) startup developing technology to integrate neural signals with AI. Founded by Sam Altman, it focuses on bridging biological and artificial intelligence for applications in healthcare, gaming, and cognitive enhancement. The company emerged from stealth in 2026 with significant backing from OpenAI.

How much funding has Neurally raised?

Neurally secured a $250 million seed round led by OpenAI in January 2026, valuing the company at $850 million. This substantial funding supports its research into brain-computer interfaces, though the startup has not yet disclosed revenue or customer details as of its emergence from stealth.

What is Neurally's primary product?

Neurally's primary product is Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface system aiming to integrate neural signals with AI. It focuses on EEG-based neurofeedback for applications in healthcare, gaming, and cognitive enhancement. The technology is still in early stages, with potential for transformative impact across multiple industries.

Who is backing Neurally?

Neurally is backed by OpenAI, which led its $250 million seed round. The startup is also led by Sam Altman, a prominent figure in AI. This high-profile support provides financial and technical resources but raises questions about the company's independence and long-term strategic direction.

What are the potential applications of Neurally's technology?

Neurally's BCI technology targets healthcare for cognitive enhancement, gaming for neurofeedback applications, and research institutions studying brain-computer interactions. Its EEG-based approach could optimize human performance, though commercial viability remains unproven given the nascent state of the technology.

What are the ethical concerns around Neurally?

Neurally faces skepticism over neural data privacy and the ethical implications of AI-human integration. The nascent state of BCI technology also raises questions about reliability and security. These concerns are critical as the company advances its ambitious vision in a largely unregulated emerging field.

Sources

  1. techcrunch.com — OpenAI’s $250 million investment in Neurally
  2. techcrunch.com — Neurally’s $850 million valuation
  3. techcrunch.com — Neurally’s focus on bridging biological and artificial intelligence
  4. techcrunch.com — Neurally’s emergence from stealth in January 2026