Anthropic, the AI startup behind Claude, is planning to issue shares that give its CEO Dario Amodei and other co‑founders extra voting power. This is a first for the company and is aimed at strengthening founder influence as the firm looks to go public. The move comes as the company eyes a possible IPO that could take place as early as late September.
The new share structure would give the founders a greater say in key corporate decisions, even though they own a relatively small portion of the company’s equity. The arrangement is similar to what leaders at other tech giants use, such as Mark Zuckerberg and Evan Spiegel. It is intended to keep the founders’ vision at the helm.
Anthropic also plans to keep its current group of non‑shareholder trustees in a special class of stock that would let them elect a majority of the board. This preserves the influence of the company’s governance body even as ownership expands through a public listing. The company’s public‑benefit status means its long‑term mission stays central.
The potential IPO would come at a time of high investor interest in the AI sector. If the company proceeds, it could become one of the largest technology debuts ever. The valuation of about $96.5 billion after a May funding round made Anthropic one of the world’s most highly valued private firms.
Both Anthropic and rival OpenAI have filed confidential paperwork for possible public offerings. The super‑voting structure could become a key part of Anthropic’s IPO narrative. It would allow the founders to maintain control even as public shareholders gain a stake.
Investors see the move as a way to balance growth with governance. By giving the founders more voting power, Anthropic aims to protect its mission while attracting capital. The company’s strategy reflects its unique corporate structure.
If the IPO proceeds, it could reshape the AI market and set a precedent for other tech companies. The enhanced voting rights will be a central feature of the company’s public‑market story. The final voting arrangements are still being finalized and may change.
The announcement was reported by The Information on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The company’s plans are part of a broader effort to strengthen its governance framework ahead of a potential Wall Street debut. The exact details are not yet finalized.