There is intense demand among investors for any chance to invest in Elon Musk's ventures. According to correspondence reviewed by Business Insider and an individual with knowledge of the matter, Data from Caplight, a private markets research firm, shows that trades over the past few months have been valued between $29 billion and $42 billion. Since Neuralink remains privately held, certain participants purchase equity through secondary exchanges, where staff or initial backers sell their holdings.
Such valuations are approximations driven by investor appetite, not by ongoing public trading. Neuralink did not provide a response when asked for comment.
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The rapid rise in Neuralink's secondary market worth highlights how much investors crave exposure to Elon Musk's artificial intelligence and robotics ventures. After SpaceX's hugely successful public offering, private investors are more eager than ever to pay high premiums to get into Musk's other private enterprises.
The billionaire is known for generating returns for private backers, in part through cross-company deals. Those who put money into X and xAI later received SpaceX shares as part of those transactions. One venture capitalist said, "Multiple limited partners have been requesting Neuralink shares, declaring they would pay at any price." Still, opinions vary significantly on Neuralink's appropriate valuation, as some investors are reluctant to pay these high prices.
Among Musk's ventures, Neuralink stands out as one of the most forward-looking. The company develops brain-implant technology aimed at enabling paralyzed individuals to operate computers using their thoughts, and eventually to regain vision. This vision remains in its infancy; the firm stated earlier this year that its devices have been placed in 21 test subjects.
The company's current human trials focus on assessing the safety and functionality of its brain-computer interface. While only a limited number of patients have received implants, Neuralink aims to expand to broader applications, including restoring mobility and communication for those with severe disabilities. Such ambitious goals contribute to the high investor interest.
It remains uncertain what Neuralink's official valuation is or if the company is currently seeking new capital. The last disclosed funding occurred in May, when Oman's sovereign wealth fund confirmed it had put money into Neuralink at an unspecified valuation. Elon Musk's personal fortune has grown substantially following SpaceX's recent IPO. In public markets, SpaceX now carries a valuation of roughly $1.6 trillion.
These secondary market transactions reflect investor appetite rather than official company funding rounds, and the wide range of bids - from $29 billion to $60 billion - shows considerable uncertainty about the firm's eventual commercial success. As the technology remains experimental and regulatory approvals are still uncertain, the lofty valuations hinge on future breakthroughs that may take years to materialize.
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