Global investors, including sovereign wealth funds, are demonstrating strong interest in acquiring a significant stake in AI startup Anthropic, previously owned by the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX. This stake, purchased in 2021 for $500 million, has doubled in value, now estimated at $1 billion, underscoring the rapidly growing valuation of cutting-edge AI firms.
FTX, alongside Alameda, had acquired an 8% share in Anthropic, a direct competitor to OpenAI, highlighting the exchange’s strategic investment in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. However, following FTX’s bankruptcy, a New York court authorized the sale of these shares, with proceeds aimed at reimbursing FTX investors.
The anticipated sale of Anthropic’s shares is nearing completion, with several global entities, excluding investments from Saudi Arabia due to national security concerns, showing keen interest. Anthropic, on its part, remains open to investments from other sovereign wealth funds, including the United Arab Emirates’ Mubadala, signaling a wide array of potential investors for its next growth phase.
