The Neuralink Corporation is one of the first neurotechnology companies that are developing implantable brain–machine interfaces (BMIs). It was founded by Elon Musk in 2016 with $100 million along with $58 million in other funding. Neuralink is headquartered in San Francisco and has a staff of 90 employees including high-level neuroscientists from various universities. Neuralink announced it was developing “sewing machine-like” devices that would be capable of implanting micro-threads into brains. It demonstrated a system it created that read information from a lab rat through 1,500 electrodes. They anticipate starting experiments with humans sometime in 2021.[1]
The new and improved neural interface technology being created by Neuralink could both help improve the symptoms and better study and treat severe neurological conditions in patients of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.[2]
As of September 2018, Musk remained the majority owner of Neuralink but he doesn’t hold an executive position. The other $58 million came from investments in the company by Craft Ventures, DFJ Growth, Dreamers VC, Future Ventures (San Francisco), and Valor Equity Partners. Neuralink is currently valued at $500 million in 2021 by some estimates.[3]
Neuralink stock is currently not publicly traded as it has never had an Initial Public offering. It could have an IPO in the future if Elon Musk wants to raise more capital to expand its research instead of funding it his self or raising capital through venture funds. This would be an interesting company to invest in and trade as it would have Elon Musk’s name attached to it and provide opportunities for speculation and investment growth.
