However, the company has been under scrutiny for alleged mistreatment of monkeys used in testing, with claims of psychological distress and chronic infections due to surgeries. It was under federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for nearly a year regarding animal welfare violations, but was cleared of any breaches other than a self-reported incident from 2019. In November 2023, U.S. lawmakers asked the SEC to investigate Neuralink for omitting details about the deaths of at least a dozen animals fitted with its implants.
Key takeaways:
- Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, has raised an additional $43 million in venture capital, increasing its previous tranche from $280 million to $323 million.
- The company, which develops implantable chips that can read brain waves, has been under scrutiny for alleged toxic workplace culture and unethical research practices.
- In 2022, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine accused Neuralink and UC Davis of mistreating monkeys involved in testing, leading to a federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- In November 2023, U.S. lawmakers asked the SEC to investigate Neuralink for omitting details about the deaths of at least a dozen animals surgically fitted with its implants.