Overview
- Reports say Merge will be announced soon, with Sam Altman co-founding alongside Alex Blania.
- Mikhail Shapiro has been positioned as a key leader in meetings with investors, though his official title remains unspecified.
- The startup’s technical focus centers on ultrasound-based neural imaging and control, with gene-driven cell markers consistent with Shapiro’s Caltech research.
- Financial Times reporting indicates Merge aims to raise hundreds of millions from OpenAI and other backers, with discussions still underway.
- Altman has voiced opposition to invasive implants like Neuralink and is expected to serve as chairman rather than run day to day, while the principals declined to comment.