Startup News: Neuralink makes third implant; acquisitions in crypto sector
Neuralink announces third brain implant
Neuralink, based in Freemont, California, announced last week that a third brain implant has been tested on a human. Co-founder, Elon Musk, said the company’s brain-computer interface was “working well,” although specifics were not provided.
Neuralink is a producer of brain-chips, implanted with a goal to improve paralysis in humans. Neuralink was listed as an emerging healthcare company on Forge this year. Its implants have received FDA approval in the U.S., with testing to start in Canada soon.
Founded in 2016, the private company’s investors include Valor Equity Partners, Craft Ventures, Founders Fund, and OpenAI.
Neuralink’s Forge Price™ is $44.88 as of January 15, 2025, implying a valuation of $8.13 billion.
MoonPay acquires Helio
MoonPay, the Miami, Florida-based crypto company, announced last week it has acquired Helio, bringing its Solana payment processor into its portfolio. The deal was reportedly made at $175 million.
According to the company’s announcement, MoonPay will be able to expand its crypto payment services, leveraging Helio’s ability to handle $1.5B in transactions worldwide with its checkout app being available to 6,000+ merchants and millions of application users.
MoonPay, founded in 2018, is a financial technology company that builds payment infrastructure for crypto. The private company’s investors include Mantis Venture Capital, Coatue Management, and Broadlight Capital. The firm also has a notable slate of celebrity investors including Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton, and Kate Hudson.
MoonPay’s last price per share was $247.51 with a post-money valuation of $3.52 billion as of its latest funding round in April 2022.
Chainalysis acquires Alterya
Meanwhile, Chainalysis, based in New York City, announced last week it acquired cybersecurity company Alterya. Alterya is known for its partnerships with top cryptocurrency exchanges and financial services firms to monitor and protect over $8 billion in transactions worldwide.
Chainalysis will be able to build on its crypto security technologies given this recent acquisition. The acquisition deal was reportedly over $100 million.
Founded in 2014, Chainalysis is a blockchain data platform that provides cryptocurrency investigation and compliance solutions. The private company’s investors include Coatue, Crew Capital, and Paradigm.
Chainalysis’ Forge Price™ is $10.26 as of January 15, 2025, implying a valuation of $2.19 billion.
