AI startup Anthropic is reportedly closing in on one of the largest funding rounds to date for an artificial intelligence firm, with investors pushing the total to as much as $10 billion.
Investor interest pushes round beyond expectations
Anthropic, the artificial intelligence startup founded in 2021 by former OpenAI employees, is in late-stage talks to raise up to $10 billion in fresh funding, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The sum is notably higher than previously expected and, if finalized, would rank among the largest megarounds ever for an AI company.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Anthropic was seeking up to $5 billion in the round, valuing the company at about $170 billion.
Sources now suggest that strong investor appetite has driven the potential funding total significantly higher, though the final amount could still change as discussions continue.
Iconiq Capital leads, major firms expected to join
According to individuals familiar with the negotiations, Iconiq Capital is leading the new round.
Other investors expected to participate include TPG Inc., Lightspeed Venture Partners, Spark Capital, and Menlo Ventures.
In addition, Anthropic has reportedly held discussions with sovereign wealth funds, including Qatar Investment Authority and Singapore’s GIC, about joining the financing.
If those institutions come on board, the round would further underline the global interest in backing top-tier AI developers.
Anthropic last raised capital in a $3.5 billion round earlier this year, led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, which valued the company at $61.5 billion.
The new financing would represent a significant leap in valuation and further consolidate its position as one of the most valuable private AI firms worldwide.
Competition intensifies in AI megafunding
The fundraising push highlights the intensifying race among AI startups and tech giants to secure capital for scaling infrastructure and talent.
Anthropic is positioning itself as a safety-first, reliability-focused alternative in the rapidly expanding AI landscape.
Rivals, including OpenAI and Elon Musk’s xAI, have also raised billions of dollars this year, with much of the funding earmarked for data centers, advanced computing hardware, and top engineering talent.
Reports said Meta Platforms froze AI hiring after offering joining packages worth up to $100 million.
If finalized at the $10 billion level, Anthropic’s deal would not only underscore its credibility with major institutional backers but also mark a milestone in the broader AI investment boom.
The potential valuation of $170 billion would nearly triple its worth from earlier in 2025, reflecting the market’s heightened expectations for the company’s long-term role in shaping AI adoption.
For now, the exact size of the round remains subject to change, but the trajectory indicates that investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence remains robust, despite broader concerns about valuations in the tech sector.
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