AI startup Anthropic has secured $3.5 billion in its latest funding round, elevating its valuation to $61.5 billion. The funds are focused on advancing AI technologies and international growth.
Who Invested in Anthropic
The funding round was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from other investors including Bessemer Venture Partners, Cisco Investments, D1 Capital Partners, Fidelity Management & Research Company, General Catalyst, Jane Street, and Salesforce Ventures.
Anthropic's Development Plans
The newly acquired funds will be used to advance next-generation AI systems, enhance computational capabilities, deepen research in mechanistic interpretability and alignment, and accelerate international expansion, particularly in Asia and Europe.
FTX's Link: Impact on Anthropic
Anthropic had an early financial link with cryptocurrency exchange FTX. In 2021, FTX invested $500 million, obtaining about an 8% stake in the company. Following FTX's bankruptcy in 2022, asset liquidation followed. In March 2024, FTX sold about two-thirds of its Anthropic stake for $884 million to a consortium of investors. By June 2024, FTX sold its remaining shares, netting over $450 million.
Anthropic's funding round is a significant step in advancing AI technologies and strengthening its international presence.
