Anthropic Eyes $150B Valuation in $5B Raise, FTX’s Former Stake Now Worth $12B+
Introduction: A Meteoric Rise in AI Valuation
Artificial intelligence (AI) startup Anthropic is reportedly in early discussions to raise $3–$5 billion in fresh funding at a staggering $150 billion valuation, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. This potential raise comes just four months after the company secured $3.5 billion at a $61.5 billion valuation in March 2024, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners.
If successful, this round would more than double Anthropic’s valuation in less than half a year, reinforcing its position as one of the most valuable AI firms globally. Notably, this surge would also dramatically increase the worth of FTX’s former 8% stake, which was sold for approximately $1.3 billion last year but could now be valued at over $12 billion.
The rapid escalation highlights the soaring investor interest in generative AI and positions Anthropic as a key rival to OpenAI, despite neither company yet turning a profit. Below, we break down the implications of this funding round, the shifting stakes, and what it means for the broader AI and crypto investment landscape.
Anthropic’s Funding Trajectory: From $61.5B to $150B in Months
Anthropic’s latest funding talks signal an aggressive expansion strategy, with the company seeking to secure additional capital to fuel its AI model development and infrastructure. The proposed $150 billion valuation would place it among the world’s most valuable private tech firms, rivaling giants like SpaceX and OpenAI.
Key Funding Milestones:
- March 2024: Raised $3.5 billion at a $61.5 billion valuation (Series E led by Lightspeed).
- July 2024 (Projected): Targeting $3–$5 billion at a $150 billion valuation.
This exponential growth mirrors the broader AI sector’s boom, where companies are securing massive investments despite high operational costs and unprofitability. Unlike traditional tech startups, AI firms require substantial capital for compute power, data acquisition, and talent retention—factors driving these record-breaking valuations.
FTX’s Former Stake: From $1.3B to $12B+ in Under Two Years
One of the most striking aspects of Anthropic’s rising valuation is its impact on FTX’s former holdings. The bankrupt crypto exchange had acquired an 8% stake in Anthropic before its collapse in late 2022. That stake was later sold for around $1.3 billion to a UAE-based fund linked to MGX, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign AI investment arm.
At a $150 billion valuation, that same stake would now be worth over $12 billion, marking an almost tenfold increase from its sale price. This revaluation underscores how rapidly AI investments can appreciate, even amid broader market volatility.
Who Bought FTX’s Stake?
- The buyer was an Abu Dhabi-affiliated fund under MGX, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
- MGX is now reportedly seeking participation in Anthropic’s new funding round, signaling continued confidence in the startup’s growth trajectory.
This development also raises questions about how FTX creditors might view the missed opportunity had they retained the stake—though liquidation was necessary given the exchange’s financial collapse.
Anthropic vs. OpenAI: The Battle for AI Dominance
While OpenAI remains the most recognized name in generative AI (thanks to ChatGPT), Anthropic has emerged as a formidable competitor with its flagship model, Claude. Both companies share similarities:
- Heavy reliance on venture capital due to high operational costs.
- No clear path to profitability yet.
- Strategic partnerships with major tech players (OpenAI with Microsoft, Anthropic with Amazon and Google).
However, key differences exist:
| Feature | Anthropic | OpenAI |
|---------|-----------|--------|
| Valuation (Projected) | $150B | ~$80B (as of early 2024) |
| Key Investors | Lightspeed, Amazon, Google | Microsoft, Thrive Capital |
| Flagship Model | Claude 3 | GPT-4o |
Anthropic’s higher projected valuation suggests investors see long-term potential beyond OpenAI’s current market dominance—possibly due to its focus on enterprise applications and safety-aligned AI development.
Why Are Investors Betting Big on Unprofitable AI Firms?
Despite burning cash at alarming rates, Anthropic and other leading AI startups continue attracting billions in funding. Several factors explain this trend:
(1) First-Mover Advantage in Generative AI
Companies like Anthropic and OpenAI are setting industry standards for large language models (LLMs). Early dominance could translate into long-term market control as enterprises integrate their APIs into workflows.
(2) Strategic Corporate Backing
Tech giants like Amazon and Google have poured billions into Anthropic to ensure they remain competitive against Microsoft-backed OpenAI. These partnerships provide not just capital but also cloud infrastructure and distribution channels.
(3) Sovereign Wealth Funds Entering AI Race
The involvement of UAE-based MGX highlights how sovereign wealth funds are increasingly investing in cutting-edge technology as part of national economic strategies—similar to Saudi Arabia’s PIF backing Lucid Motors or SoftBank’s Vision Fund bets on tech unicorns.
Conclusion: What Comes Next for Anthropic & AI Valuations?
Anthropic’s potential leap to a $150 billion valuation underscores how investor enthusiasm for generative AI remains sky-high despite profitability concerns. Key takeaways for crypto and tech observers:
- AI Valuations Are Still Climbing: Even after massive rounds earlier this year, top-tier AI firms continue attracting unprecedented funding at inflated valuations—signaling sustained confidence in the sector's growth potential.
- FTX’s Missed Opportunity: The revaluation of FTX's former stake highlights how quickly high-growth tech investments can appreciate—and how bankruptcy liquidations sometimes sell assets too early at undervalued prices.
- Watch for More Sovereign Wealth Involvement: As nations vie for AI supremacy, expect deeper investments from state-affiliated funds like Abu Dhabi's MGX or Saudi Arabia's PIF into leading startups like Anthropic or Mistral AI.
For now, all eyes remain on whether Anthropic successfully closes this round—and if its next-gen models can justify such a staggering valuation amid intensifying competition from OpenAI and others.