Anthropic, the developer of Claude AI, announced on October 18 that it will commit 5% of its shares to a new public benefit fund. The company aims to expand support for nonprofits, affected communities and initiatives addressing artificial intelligence’s wider social impact. The plan remains subject to stockholder approval and could grow as Anthropic’s valuation increases.
The proposed Anthropic Public Benefit Fund will operate as a wholly owned limited liability company. Anthropic may add another 2% of its shares for every 50% increase in company value above an undisclosed baseline. The board will decide whether to make these additional allocations, linking the fund’s potential growth to the company’s financial performance.
Anthropic said the fund could finance large nonprofit donations, direct payments to specific populations and research into AI-related labor disruption. The company has already committed USD 200 million to studying and addressing changes that artificial intelligence could bring to employment.
AI adoption has raised concerns about job displacement as businesses use automation to improve productivity. Anthropic has also warned about advanced AI risks, positioning safety and public responsibility as central parts of its corporate mission.
The company stated that fund shares will not support lobbying or political contributions in the United States or elsewhere. Anthropic plans to disclose further details about governance, structure and valuation thresholds in the coming months.
The new fund adds to existing commitments from Anthropic’s founders and employee donation programs. Combined, these efforts could dedicate roughly 20% of Anthropic’s shares to public purposes, excluding potential future allocations.
The announcement comes as Anthropic prepares for a possible major initial public offering. Its public benefit corporation structure requires leadership to consider broader societal interests alongside investor returns.
Elon Musk, who leads rival AI company xAI, criticized the approach on X and recommended 'giving the shares directly to the public.' The fund’s eventual impact will depend on its governance, allocation decisions and ability to support communities facing AI-driven change.
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