Iconiq set to invest about $1 billion in Anthropic in deal

Iconiq set to invest about $1 billion in Anthropic in deal

Anthropic, a leading AI startup, is nearing a significant funding round that could triple its valuation to $170 billion. Iconiq Capital, the lead investor in this deal, is set to invest approximately $1 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter [1]. This funding round, expected to total between $3 billion and $5 billion, would mark a substantial increase in valuation for Anthropic, which was previously valued at $61.5 billion following a $3.5 billion funding round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners in March [1].

The funding round is attracting interest from global investors, including the Qatar Investment Authority and Singapore's sovereign wealth fund, GIC. This international interest underscores the growing importance of AI technology and the intense competition among investors to secure stakes in leading AI companies [2]. If finalized, the deal would involve a second lead investor, potentially from firms currently in talks to join the round [1].

Anthropic, founded in 2021 by former employees of OpenAI, has positioned itself as a reliable and safety-conscious firm. The new funding will fuel its competition with OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI, both of which have raised billions in capital this year to finance their investments in data centers and talent for building AI models [1]. OpenAI was most recently valued at $300 billion, including money raised, and Musk is said to be seeking a valuation of as much as $200 billion for xAI [1].

Despite the potential for significant capital infusion, Anthropic's funding strategy has raised ethical concerns. CEO Dario Amodei expressed reservations about accepting investments from sovereign wealth funds of authoritarian governments in a memo to employees [2]. Amodei acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining ethical standards while meeting the massive capital requirements of AI development, stating, "Unfortunately, I think 'No bad person should ever benefit from our success' is a pretty difficult principle to run a business on" [2].

This deal reflects the intensifying competition in the AI sector. Rival company OpenAI is also seeking significant investments, with plans to raise up to $40 billion [2]. The massive influx of capital into companies like Anthropic and OpenAI is likely to accelerate AI development significantly, but it also raises questions about the concentration of power and resources in a small number of AI firms [2].

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-29/anthropic-nears-deal-to-raise-funding-at-170-billion-valuation
[2] https://theoutpost.ai/news-story/anthropic-nears-massive-5-b-funding-round-valuing-ai-startup-at-170-b-18394/