Neuralink, the brain-computer interface startup founded by Elon Musk, has secured $600 million in fresh funding, bringing its valuation to $9 billion before the new capital, according to a report from Semafor, citing sources familiar with the matter.
This new valuation marks a significant leap from last year’s estimated $5 billion, which was based on private stock transactions shared with Reuters. Previously, Neuralink raised $280 million in a funding round led by Founders Fund, the venture capital firm co-founded by Peter Thiel.
In April, Bloomberg News reported that the company was targeting a $500 million raise, suggesting strong investor interest amid ongoing progress with its brain implant technology.
Neuralink is currently testing its implant on human patients, aiming to assist individuals with spinal cord injuries. The first recipient has reportedly been able to play video games, browse the internet, post on social media, and move a laptop cursor using only brain signals.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted the device a “breakthrough” designation, potentially speeding up its regulatory review process.
Musk has outlined bold goals for Neuralink, envisioning a future where both healthy individuals and those with neurological conditions could receive quick, outpatient implants. His stated aims include treating conditions such as obesity, autism, depression, and schizophrenia, and even enabling telepathic communication and brain-powered web browsing.
Musk announced at the Qatar Economic Forum that Neuralink plans to initiate clinical trials for its Blindsight implant by 2026, aiming to restore vision in completely blind individuals.
Neuralink’s technological breakthroughs and recent funding milestones solidify its role as a major contender in the future of medical innovation, with the potential to transform the lives of individuals with severe disabilities.
As the company pushes forward with new developments, its presence in both the tech and healthcare industries is expected to grow, attracting increased interest and investment.
Musk has repeatedly emphasized Neuralink’s potential to improve human lives and facilitate a symbiotic relationship with AI, including the possibility of using the technology to restore lost function and enhance human abilities. He has also highlighted Neuralink’s progress in developing brain-computer interfaces, with recent updates indicating successful implants in multiple human patients. He envisions Neuralink as a tool to improve human abilities, potentially leading to the development of new functionalities like web surfing and even telepathy.
Earlier this year Musk said a third person had received an implant from Neuralink. “We’ve got … three humans with Neuralinks and all are working well,” he said during a wide-ranging interview at a Las Vegas event streamed on his social media platform X.
Since the first brain implant about a year ago, Musk said the company has upgraded the devices with more electrodes, higher bandwidth and longer battery life. Musk also said Neuralink hopes to implant the experimental devices in 20 to 30 more people this year.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
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