OpenAI and Anthropic are making their play for healthcare, and we're not surprised - Equity Recap

Podcast: Equity

Published: 2026-01-16

Duration: 33 minutes

Guests: Kirsten Korosek, Anthony Ha, Sean O'Kane

Summary

AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are aggressively entering the healthcare sector, raising significant investments and launching specialized products. This episode explores the implications and potential risks involved, such as data security and misinformation.

What Happened

OpenAI and Anthropic are taking bold steps into the healthcare industry. OpenAI recently acquired Torch, a health records startup, for a reported $100 million, while Anthropic introduced Claude for Health. These moves signify a major push by AI firms into healthcare, aiming to transform how medical data is managed and utilized.

Sam Altman-backed MergeLabs closed a $250 million seed round, valuing the startup at $850 million. This massive investment underscores the growing interest in integrating AI with brain-computer interface technology. OpenAI played a significant role by writing the largest check for MergeLabs.

Concerns about AI in healthcare are growing, especially regarding data privacy and the risk of AI hallucinations leading to inaccurate medical information. As more sensitive patient data is handled by AI systems, the potential for security vulnerabilities becomes a significant issue.

Voice AI is another sector experiencing rapid growth, with Eleven Labs reporting $330 million in annual recurring revenue. Meanwhile, Bandcamp has taken a stand against AI by banning AI-generated music from its platform, highlighting a growing tension between traditional and AI-driven approaches in the music industry.

The bankruptcy of Luminar has led to a bidding war over its LIDAR assets, with Quantum Computing Inc. as the stalking horse bidder. Meanwhile, Austin Russell, the founder of Luminar, is also reportedly interested in acquiring these assets through a new AI initiative.

Fusion energy is attracting significant investments, with Type One Energy raising $87 million through a convertible note. The company aims for a $250 million Series B round to support its project of replacing a retired coal plant with fusion technology for the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Key Insights

• OpenAI acquired the health records startup Torch for $100 million, marking a significant move into the healthcare sector. This acquisition aims to enhance how medical data is managed and utilized through AI technology.
• MergeLabs, backed by Sam Altman, closed a $250 million seed round, valuing the startup at $850 million. OpenAI contributed significantly to this funding, signaling strong interest in brain-computer interface technology.
• Eleven Labs reported $330 million in annual recurring revenue, highlighting the rapid growth of the voice AI sector. This contrasts with Bandcamp's decision to ban AI-generated music, indicating tension between AI and traditional music production.
• Luminar's bankruptcy has sparked a bidding war over its LIDAR assets, with Quantum Computing Inc. as the stalking horse bidder. Austin Russell, Luminar's founder, is also interested in acquiring these assets for a new AI initiative.