How to Invest in Neuralink Before Its IPO

Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, is a neurotechnology company developing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to revolutionize healthcare and human-AI integration. With recent milestones like successful human trials and a valuation of approximately $5 billion as of June 2023, Neuralink has captured significant investor interest. However, as a private company, its shares are not available on public stock exchanges, making direct investment challenging for retail investors. This article explores the limited options for investing in Neuralink before its potential initial public offering (IPO) and alternative ways to gain exposure to the neurotechnology sector.

Why Neuralink Is Attracting Attention

Neuralink aims to create implantable devices that enable direct communication between the human brain and computers, with applications like restoring mobility for individuals with paralysis and potentially enhancing cognitive abilities. The company has raised over $679 million from private investors, including a $649 million equity financing round in 2025, and its technology has shown promise, with five successful human implants reported by May 2025. Despite these advancements, Neuralink has not announced plans for an IPO, and Elon Musk, the majority shareholder, has indicated no immediate need for public funding due to substantial private capital.

For investors eager to get involved with this cutting-edge company, here are the primary ways to gain exposure to Neuralink before it goes public, along with alternative investment strategies.

Options for Investing in Neuralink Pre-IPO

1. Become an Accredited Investor and Use Secondary Marketplaces

Neuralink’s stock is not available to the general public, but accredited investors can sometimes purchase shares through secondary marketplaces. According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), an accredited investor must have:

• A net worth of at least $1 million, excluding the value of their primary residence, or
• An annual income of at least $200,000 for individuals ($300,000 for married couples) for the past two years, with an expectation of the same in the current year, or
• A valid securities license (e.g., Series 7, Series 65, or Series 82).

If you qualify, platforms like Hiive, EquityZen, Forge Global, UpMarket, and Nasdaq Private Market facilitate the buying and selling of pre-IPO shares from existing shareholders, such as early employees or venture capitalists. For example, Hiive reported 35 orders of Neuralink stock available as of March 2025, with prices varying based on seller offers. These transactions are highly speculative, illiquid, and carry significant risks, including the potential loss of the entire investment. Always verify pricing and terms through platforms like these or consult a private market broker.

Steps to Get Started:

1. Confirm your accredited investor status.
2. Register with a secondary marketplace like Hiive or EquityZen.
3. Review available Neuralink share listings, which may include asking prices or bidding options.
4. Consult a financial advisor to assess risks, as private securities often have lock-up periods or restrictions on resale.

2. Invest in Public Companies with Ties to Neuralink

For non-accredited investors, direct investment in Neuralink is not possible, but indirect exposure can be achieved by investing in publicly traded companies that have invested in Neuralink. Two notable options include:

• Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL, GOOG): Google Ventures, a subsidiary of Alphabet, participated in Neuralink’s funding rounds, including a $205 million Series C round in 2021. While Neuralink is a small part of Alphabet’s portfolio, its success could positively impact Alphabet’s venture capital returns.
• Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: COIN): Paradigm, a venture capital fund led by Coinbase co-founder Fred Ehrsam, has invested in Neuralink. This provides indirect exposure, though the impact on Coinbase’s stock is likely minimal.

These investments are not direct bets on Neuralink but offer a way to benefit from its potential growth through established, liquid public stocks. You can purchase shares of Alphabet or Coinbase through commission-free brokers like eToro, Interactive Brokers, or Fidelity.

3. Explore Neurotechnology and Biotech ETFs

Another indirect approach is to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on neurotechnology or biotechnology, which may include companies working on similar technologies. One option is the iShares Neuroscience and Healthcare ETF (IBRN), which invests in U.S. and non-U.S. companies involved in neuroscience innovation, such as treatments for neurological disorders. While Neuralink is not part of this ETF, it provides exposure to the growing BCI and neurotech market, projected to reach $1.6 billion by 2045.

The ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG) is another option, offering diversified exposure to biotech and genomics companies, some of which overlap with neurotechnology. These ETFs can be purchased through platforms like eToro or TradeStation.

Alternative Neurotech Investment Opportunities

If Neuralink’s private status or high-risk profile is a barrier, consider investing in publicly traded companies in the neurotechnology or biotech sectors that align with Neuralink’s mission. Examples include:

• Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN): A $168.5 billion biotechnology company focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, with a Digital Health and Innovation team advancing healthcare technology.
  
  
• Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB): Known for developing treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, Biogen is a leader in the neurotech space.
  
  
• Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT): This company offers neuromodulation devices, providing a complementary approach to Neuralink’s BCI technology.
  
  
• BrainChip Holdings Ltd. (ASX: BRN): An Australian company developing AI and machine learning technologies with applications in neuromorphic computing.

These companies are accessible through most brokerage accounts and offer more liquidity and lower risk compared to pre-IPO investments.

Risks and Considerations

Investing in Neuralink or related sectors comes with significant risks:

• High Risk of Pre-IPO Investments: Private company shares are illiquid, and there’s no guarantee of an IPO or liquidity event. Neuralink’s technology is still in early clinical trials, and regulatory hurdles, such as FDA approvals, could delay commercialization for years.
• Speculative Nature: Neuralink’s valuation of $5 billion is based on private trades and funding rounds, but its products are not yet market-ready, and profitability remains uncertain.
• Market and Ethical Challenges: Neuralink faces competition from companies like Synchron and BrainGate, and ethical concerns about brain implants could impact its growth.
• Indirect Exposure Limitations: Investing in Alphabet or ETFs like IBRN provides only minimal exposure to Neuralink’s success, as these are diversified investments.

Before investing, conduct thorough due diligence, assess your risk tolerance, and consult a financial advisor. For pre-IPO investments, ensure you understand the terms, including lock-up periods and transaction fees.

Preparing for a Potential Neuralink IPO

While Neuralink has not announced an IPO, its progress in clinical trials and significant private funding suggest a public offering could occur in the future. To prepare:

1. Open a Brokerage Account: Platforms like eToro, Fidelity, or TradeStation offer commission-free trading and access to IPOs. Set up an account now to be ready when Neuralink files its SEC S-1 form, which will signal an upcoming IPO.
2. Monitor News and Filings: Follow Neuralink’s official website, press releases, and financial news outlets like Bloomberg or Reuters for updates on funding rounds or IPO plans.
3. Research the Market: Understand the BCI market’s potential and Neuralink’s competitors to make informed decisions when shares become available.

Conclusion

Investing in Neuralink before its IPO is challenging for retail investors due to its private status. Accredited investors can explore secondary marketplaces like Hiive or EquityZen, while non-accredited investors can gain indirect exposure through public companies like Alphabet or ETFs like IBRN and ARKG. Alternatively, investing in neurotech companies like Amgen or Biogen offers a more accessible way to tap into the growing BCI market. Given the high risks and speculative nature of pre-IPO investments, thorough research and caution are essential. By staying informed and preparing a brokerage account, you’ll be well-positioned to invest in Neuralink if and when it goes public.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing in private companies or neurotechnology stocks involves significant risks, including the potential loss of your entire investment. Always consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.