Anthropic announced it has secured $3.5 billion in funding, valuing the firm at $61.5 billion. Investors include Lightspeed Venture Partners and others, yet the spotlight is also on FTX's missed financial opportunities.
Investments in Anthropic
Anthropic attracted significant investment from leaders such as Lightspeed Venture Partners, Cisco Investments, D1 Capital Partners, Fidelity, General Catalyst, and Salesforce Ventures. This financial backing elevates the company's valuation to $61.5 billion, highlighting its significance in the AI market.
FTX's Missed Opportunities
In 2021, FTX and Alameda Research invested $500 million in Anthropic, securing an 8% stake. However, following FTX's collapse in 2022 amid fraud allegations, the bankruptcy estate liquidated its holdings to repay creditors. Had FTX kept its stake, its value might have risen to $2.5 billion. Instead, in March 2024, FTX sold around two-thirds of its shares for $884 million, with Abu Dhabi's ATIC Third International Investment Company acquiring $500 million worth. By mid-2024, the remainder was sold for $452 million, totaling $1.3 billion—significantly less than potential returns.
Other Investments and Insights
Besides Anthropic, FTX was an early backer of projects like Solana and SUI. Last year, Mysten Labs repurchased its stake and tokens from FTX for $96 million. FTX's founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, claimed the firm was solvent but illiquid, stating creditors could be fully repaid if not for the bankruptcy filing. However, with assets sold, FTX's legacy is defined by its lost opportunities more than its achievements.
The story of FTX and its investments in Anthropic illustrates the significant risks and potential rewards within modern financial ventures. Despite the collapse and unrealized gains, the lasting lessons for the future remain pivotal.
