WSJ: Google commits $2 billion to AI startup Anthropic

Google has pledged to invest up to $2 billion in the AI startup Anthropic. The information comes from the WSJ, citing sources.

The agreement provides for an initial investment of $500 million and a further $1.5 billion in the future.

In February, the media reported that Anthropic attracted $300 million from Google. In March, the Spark Capital invested a similar amount in the AI startup. At that time, its valuation reached $4.1 billion.

In August, Anthropic raised $100 million from the South Korean telecom giant SK Telecom. In September, Amazon announced strategic investments in the startup totalling up to $4 billion.

Anthropic was founded in 2021 by former OpenAI employees Daniela Amodei and Dario Amodei. They were among those who left the company due to internal disagreements, including questions about collaboration with Microsoft.

In October, within the FTX 2.0 coalition allowed a full return of funds to clients of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange if the new financing round for Anthropic is closed at no less than $2 billion. According to expectations, the investment is expected to lift the AI startup’s valuation to $20-30 billion.