Amazon-Backed OpenAI Rival Anthropic in Talks to Raise $2 Billion at $60 Billion Valuation

Jan 7, 2025, 06:21 PM

AI startup Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI research executives and considered an OpenAI rival, is in advanced discussions to raise $2 billion in a funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, which would value the company at $60 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. The new valuation would significantly increase from the $18 billion valuation Anthropic had last year. The company's annual recurring revenue has recently reached approximately $875 million, primarily from business sales. Amazon, an existing investor that has invested $8 billion since 2023, is expected to participate and convert its investments as part of the deal. The funding would make Anthropic one of the most valuable startups in the United States, trailing only companies like SpaceX, OpenAI, Stripe, and Databricks.