Merge Labs
Category: AI in Education
A spatial computing company that develops augmented reality (AR) hardware and software designed to make 3D digital content tangible for K-12 STEM education. Merge Labs was founded in 2014. The company is led by Franklin Lyons. Based in San Antonio, USA. Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: $17.1M. Latest round: Series A, $4.6M, 2020-01, led by SJF Ventures. Key investors include SJF Ventures, various private investors.
AMW Analysis
Merge Labs was founded in 2014 as a spatial computing company building augmented reality hardware and software to make 3D digital content tangible for K-12 STEM education, with a value proposition centered on hands-on, multisensory learning experiences that let students interact with virtual 3D objects. Its earlier funding history includes a Series A of $4.6 million led by SJF Ventures in January 2020, contributing to total funding of $17.1 million, with SJF Ventures and various private investors as key backers, reflecting a company built around education-focused AR hardware.
The company's most recent tracked news marks a sharp change in trajectory: multiple reports describe Merge Labs raising a $252 million (also cited as $250 million) seed round led by OpenAI, at an $850 million valuation, with Bain Capital also cited as a co-lead in one report. This funding is tied to non-invasive brain-computer interface technology using ultrasound, described across the news items as aiming to connect neurons to AI without surgical implants. The scale and subject matter of this funding round differ substantially from the company's original AR-in-education profile and earlier financing history.
AMW analysis, generated from 5 tracked news signals.
- Founded
- 2014
- Headquarters
- San Antonio, USA
- Team size
- 11-50
- Total funding
- $17.1M
Value proposition
Provides a hands-on multisensory learning experience by allowing students to 'hold' and interact with virtual 3D objects, improving engagement and retention of complex scientific concepts.
Products and solutions
Merge Cube (AR hardware tracking peripheral), Merge EDU Platform (Subscription-based educational software), Explorer App (Science simulations and virtual dissections), Object Viewer (Tool for uploading and viewing custom 3D models), HoloGlobe (Real-time satellite and NASA data visualization)
Unique value
Created the 'Merge Cube,' the world’s first low-cost, durable holographic object that utilizes computer vision to turn a physical foam cube into a digital interface.
Target customer
K-12 educational institutions, STEM educators, school districts, and parents/home-schoolers.
Industries served
Education Technology (EdTech), Augmented Reality (AR), Consumer Electronics, STEM Education
Technology advantage
Proprietary tracking technology that works with standard mobile device cameras (iOS/Android/Chromebook) without requiring expensive AR headsets, making spatial computing accessible to the mass education market.
How they differentiate
Tactile AR experience using the Merge Cube, which allows students to physically hold and rotate 3D digital objects using a smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need for expensive, tethered VR headsets.
Main competitors
zSpace, ClassVR (Avantis Education), Nearpod
Key partnerships
Microsoft (Integration with Minecraft: Education Edition), Google (ARCore and Google Classroom integration), Major Retailers (Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon), Educational Distributors (CDW-G, Dell, Insight)
Notable customers
Los Angeles Unified School District, Walmart, Best Buy, Microsoft (Integration Partner)
Major milestones
Launched the Merge Cube in 2017 as the first holographic object you can hold., Successfully pivoted from consumer VR hardware to a subscription-based K-12 STEM platform (Merge EDU)., Partnered with Microsoft to integrate with Minecraft: Education Edition., Secured Series A funding led by SJF Ventures to scale educational platform adoption.
Growth metrics
Products used in over 1 million classrooms worldwide; established retail presence in Walmart and Best Buy.
Market positioning
Leading provider of accessible, low-cost AR/VR tools for K-12 STEM education.
Geographic focus
North America, Europe, and Australia.
Patents and IP
Holds multiple patents including US Patent 10,163,261 for 'System and method for providing an augmented reality experience' and design patents for the physical Merge Cube interface.
About Franklin Lyons
Franklin Lyons is a pioneer in the spatial computing and educational technology sectors. He founded Merge Labs in 2014, where he led the development of the Merge Cube, the world’s first holographic object you can hold in your hand. Prior to Merge, he was the Owner and Creative Director of Lyons Den Inc., a creative agency focused on brand development and marketing. His expertise lies in consumer hardware, augmented reality (AR), and scaling educational platforms.
Latest news about Merge Labs
- Merge Labs secured a $252 million seed round led by OpenAI, valuing the BCI startup at $850 million. Unlike surgical competitors, Merge uses non-invasive ultrasound to bridge human cognition with AI s
- OpenAI led a 250 million dollar seed round for Merge Labs at an 850 million dollar valuation to pioneer non-invasive brain-computer interfaces. 🚀 By combining ultrasound with molecular engineering, th
- OpenAI led a 250 million USD seed round for Merge Labs at an 850 million USD valuation. The startup builds non-invasive BCI technology using ultrasound to connect neurons to AI without surgery. This s
- Merge Labs, co-founded by Sam Altman, raised 252 million dollars to develop ultrasound-based brain-computer interfaces. Led by Bain Capital and OpenAI, this 850 million dollar startup aims to build hi
- Sam Altman's reported backing of Merge Labs marks the true beginning of the non-invasive BCI race against Neuralink. Merge Labs is aiming for an $850 million valuation by pioneering an interface that
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Official website: https://mergeedu.com/
