Anthropic to commit 5% of shares to new public benefit fund
Equity directed to public good
Anthropic announced that its new fund would receive 5 percent of the company’s shares, effective immediately if stockholders approve. The company also said the fund’s contribution could grow alongside its market value.
For every 50 percent rise in that value, the board may choose to add another 2 percent of shares. Anthropic contrasted the plan with the executive compensation awards that technology companies commonly increase over time.
Possible uses for the fund
The fund could support responses to problems linked to artificial intelligence, including disruption in labour markets. Anthropic described the effort as directing company equity toward public benefit. The fund’s potential uses include donations to non-governmental organisations and direct distributions to particular populations. The company’s description also points to the broader social effects of AI development.
Company prepares for listing
Anthropic was founded in 2021 by former employees of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. It is preparing for a possible public offering that could be the largest in history.
Key points
- Anthropic plans to allocate 5 percent of its shares to a public benefit fund, subject to stockholder approval.
- The board may add 2 percent after every 50 percent increase in the company’s value.
- The fund could support NGOs, direct distributions and responses to AI-related labour disruption.
- Anthropic is expected to list in the US before the end of 2026, with analysts forecasting a valuation above $2 trillion.