Anthropic and Elon Musk have proposed competing ways to share the financial gains from artificial intelligence. Anthropic will commit 5% of its shares to a public benefit fund, while Musk promises one SpaceX share to every American child next year. The announcements come as AI companies face questions about job losses, safety, and wealth distribution.
The proposals differ in how benefits would reach people. Anthropic plans to support public causes through a fund, while Musk favors direct share ownership. Both announcements come as AI companies expand and face greater public scrutiny.
Anthropic announced its plan over the weekend, saying the fund would expand its ability to support projects that serve the public. The Claude developer intends to contribute 5% of its equity, with possible additions as its valuation rises.
The company is preparing for a major initial public offering as a public benefit corporation. That structure requires management to balance commercial interests with broader public interests. Its possible market value has drawn attention ahead of the planned listing.
One estimate places Anthropic's value near USD 2 trillion. Reuters also reported that some investors are considering a lower valuation of about USD 1.5 trillion. Under those estimates, the initial fund stake would carry a value of roughly USD 75 billion to USD 100 billion.
The new fund builds on commitments from Anthropic's founders and staff. Its co-founders have pledged to donate 80% of their equity, and the company also offers employees a donation-matching program. Together, these arrangements dedicate 20% of Anthropic's shares to public purposes, before any future fund increases.
Anthropic said the fund would not use its equity for political donations or lobbying, either in the United States or abroad. The company plans to disclose further details about governance, its structure, and the valuation thresholds for additional contributions.
Musk outlined a different plan on Monday, saying he would give one SpaceX share to every child in America next year. He presented direct ownership as a way for the public to participate in future economic growth.
According to figures cited in the report, Musk held about 6.42 billion shares in the company as of June. With around 72 million children in the United States, the proposed distribution would have an estimated value of USD 11 billion at current share prices.
His pledge follows the launch of Trump Accounts, a federal investment program for children. The initiative provides USD 1,000 in government funding to eligible US citizens born from 2025 through 2028. Families can add to those accounts over time.
The program also allows individuals and companies to contribute shares. Dell, Visa, Micron, and Delta Air Lines have pledged support through added funding or employer matches. President Donald Trump thanked Musk and linked the proposed SpaceX gift to Trump Accounts.
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The announcements come amid concern about AI-related layoffs and potential risks from advanced systems. Companies have cut thousands of jobs after investing in AI, often citing efficiency gains from its use.
Security breaches involving AI systems have also raised safety concerns. Meanwhile, industry leaders have warned that uncontrolled development could create severe risks, including threats to humanity's survival. Policymakers in the United States are considering stronger oversight.
The contrasting proposals raise a central question: Should AI wealth reach people through public benefit funds or direct share ownership? Anthropic has not yet detailed its fund's final governance arrangements, while Musk's pledge sets out a distribution for next year.
At the same time, AI companies are increasing their efforts to shape regulation. Anthropic says its fund will avoid lobbying and political contributions, even as the broader industry faces attention from lawmakers.
Anthropic plans to dedicate 5% of its shares to a public benefit fund, potentially worth USD 75 billion to USD 100 billion. Musk has promised SpaceX shares for American children, with an estimated USD 11 billion value. Both announcements come amid increasing debate over AI's economic and social effects.