Anthropic and OpenAI Plan Wealth Funds to Offset AI Job Loss

Anthropic and OpenAI are developing mechanisms to distribute wealth to the public to mitigate economic instability and workforce disruptions caused by artificial intelligence. Anthropic announced the creation of the Anthropic Public Benefit Fund, committing 5% of its shares to the entity pending stockholder approval. The company claims that roughly 20% of its total shares will be dedicated to the public good, which includes a previous $200 million commitment to study the economic effects of AI.

Anthropic is preparing for an initial public offering as soon as next month and has stated the fund will not be used for political giving or lobbying. Similarly, OpenAI is planning an IPO for next year and has proposed a Public Wealth Fund to distribute returns from AI growth directly to individuals. OpenAI's nonprofit foundation has already committed $1 billion to grantmaking earlier this year.

Both companies are structured as public benefit corporations. While executives argue these initiatives ensure shared prosperity, critics and AI experts suggest the use of limited-liability company structures for these funds allows the companies to maintain control and avoid the transparency required of traditional foundations.