{"id":"7ec30a9c-acea-4920-b2b4-4a42f56ab37d","slug":"sam-altman-merge","name":"Sam Altman","bioBrief":"Co-founder of Merge Labs, a brain-computer interface startup backed by OpenAI Ventures that aims to rival Neuralink by fusing human brains with AI systems. Also serves as CEO of OpenAI. Merge Labs represents Altman's expansion into neurotechnology and physical AI interfaces, co-founding the venture to build implantable BCI technology at scale.","priorExits":null,"nationality":"American","verificationPosture":"verified","aliases":[],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/openai-invests-in-brain-computer-interface-startup-founded-by-openai-ceo/","title":"OpenAI invests in brain-computer interface startup founded by OpenAI CEO","sourceName":"Data Center Dynamics"},{"url":"https://www.ft.com/content/04484164-724e-4fc2-92a2-e2c13ea639bd","label":"Financial Times","title":"Sam Altman challenges Elon Musk with plans for Neuralink rival"},{"url":"https://www.corememory.com/p/exclusive-openai-and-sam-altman-back-merge-labs-bci","label":"Core Memory","title":"OpenAI and Sam Altman Back A Bold New Take On Fusing Humans And Machines"}],"reviewStatus":"reviewed","createdAt":"2026-08-08T22:37:48.052Z","updatedAt":"2026-08-12T14:00:05.328Z","educations":[],"companyRoles":[{"id":"851765df-e013-4cba-a3fa-86ef53016f78","personId":"7ec30a9c-acea-4920-b2b4-4a42f56ab37d","companyId":"437cc12d-fc58-4893-a44e-4b15607e9dcf","role":"founder","roleTitle":"Co-founder","startDate":null,"endDate":null,"currentRole":true,"roleBasis":"verified_secondary","displayOrder":null,"createdAt":"2026-08-08T22:37:48.847Z","company":{"slug":"merge-labs","name":"Merge Labs"}}],"boardRoles":[],"investorRoles":[],"foundings":[{"id":"bd6d2a6f-148c-4cc6-b8cb-a825d8280981","personId":"7ec30a9c-acea-4920-b2b4-4a42f56ab37d","companyId":"437cc12d-fc58-4893-a44e-4b15607e9dcf","foundingDate":"2025-01-01T00:00:00.000Z","cofounderStatus":"cofounder","stillAtCompany":true,"createdAt":"2026-08-12T14:00:06.483Z","company":{"slug":"merge-labs","name":"Merge Labs"}}]}