Anthropic commits 5% of shares to new public benefit fund that could address AI job disruption

A new fund for public benefit

The Anthropic Public Benefit Fund is a new entity within the company. Anthropic says it is committing 5% of its shares to the fund, whose value could increase if the shares rise.

In a blog post, the company said the fund would have more flexibility and scale. It said possible uses include large donations to nonprofits or direct distributions to specific populations.

Focus on AI’s labor effects

The company said the pace of AI progress may require bolder approaches. It did not specify what those approaches would be.

Company’s broader commitments

CEO Dario Amodei and Anthropic’s five other cofounders established the company as a public benefit corporation. That designation is chosen by for-profit companies seeking to balance financial goals with social impact.

The founders have also pledged to donate 80% of their wealth. About half of Anthropic’s employees participate in an equity donation match program, in which the company matches pledged shares.

Shares and planned IPO

Anthropic says roughly 20% of its shares will be dedicated to the public good when the latest commitment is included. The total could rise further if the company’s valuation reaches specified milestones. The company is planning a large initial public offering as soon as November.