Musk’s Neuralink Raises $650M as Human Trials Begin

Elon Musk’s brain-tech startup Neuralink has raised $650 million in a new investment round, advancing the company’s mission to bridge the gap between the human brain and machines.

Capital Raise Supports Rapid Expansion

The latest round values Neuralink at $9 billion pre-money, up from $5 billion a year ago. Backers include Sequoia Capital, ARK Invest, Founders Fund, Thrive Capital, and others. The capital will support Neuralink’s clinical rollout and continued development of its brain-computer interface technology.

Mind-Control Tech in Action

Neuralink’s implant — a chip that translates brain signals — is now in clinical trials across three countries. Five patients with severe paralysis are using it to control phones, computers, and devices using only their thoughts. One nonverbal user demonstrated how he edits and narrates YouTube videos with the implant.

FDA Accelerates Review

The FDA has granted Neuralink two “breakthrough device” designations, one for speech restoration, the other for vision. The program is designed to speed up the review process for technologies that address serious medical conditions.

Musk Refocuses on Core Companies

Elon Musk recently stepped down as a special adviser to Donald Trump to focus on his businesses, including Neuralink, Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, and X. Meanwhile, xAI is reportedly targeting a $113 billion valuation, with Morgan Stanley arranging a $5 billion debt package.

With real-world use already underway and major capital secured, Neuralink is transitioning from experimental tech to a practical solution — one with the potential to redefine communication, mobility, and the human-machine interface.