Elon Musk’s Neuralink raises another $43 million

Elon Musk's Neuralink, a company working on implantable brain-wave-reading chips, has secured an additional $43 million in venture capital, as revealed in a recent SEC filing. The company, founded in 2016, increased its funding from $280 million to $323 million in August, with Peter Thiel's Founders Fund leading the round. While Neuralink's current valuation remains undisclosed, reports from June estimated it at around $5 billion.

Neuralink's unique technology involves a sewing machine-like device that implants ultra-thin threads in the brain, connected to a specialised chip with electrodes for reading neuron information. Although brain-signal-reading implants have a long history, Neuralink distinguishes itself by making the implants wireless and increasing the number of electrodes.

Despite its technological strides, Neuralink faces criticism for its workplace culture and alleged unethical research practices, according to media reports. Former employees have described a toxic environment, citing a "culture of blame and fear." Additionally, concerns have been raised about the treatment of monkeys involved in testing, including allegations of psychological distress and chronic infections.

In November 2023, US lawmakers urged the SEC to investigate Neuralink for allegedly omitting details about the deaths of at least twelve animals fitted with its implants, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the company's practices.