Neuralink has secured an impressive $600 million in a new funding round, pushing its valuation to a reported $9 billion. The funding was led by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund and joined by other prominent investors including Gigafund, Google Ventures, and the UAE’s Vy Capital, according to a report from Semafor.
Founded in 2016, Neuralink aims to revolutionize the way humans interact with technology by developing implantable brain chips that allow for direct communication between the human brain and external devices. The company envisions a future where neurological conditions can be treated and augmented cognition becomes possible — all through a device smaller than a coin.
New Funding Comes Amid Human Trial Milestones
The $600 million infusion comes at a pivotal time for Elon Musk’s company. Neuralink began its first human trials after receiving approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023. The first patient to receive a Neuralink implant is able to control a computer cursor using only their thoughts, demonstrating early success in restoring motor function.
Recently, Neuralink announced its second human trial. Similar to the first patient in Neuralink’s PRIME study, Alex is a man who suffered a spinal cord injury and lost control of his limbs. He received a Neuralink brain implant and has been using it to regain some control over his body.
While the technology is still in its infancy, these trials represent a crucial step toward proving Neuralink’s capabilities in real-world scenarios. The new capital will likely be used to accelerate clinical testing, expand the company’s engineering and neuroscience teams, and enhance manufacturing capabilities.
