Anthropic Founders Seek Majority Voting Control Ahead of IPO

Anthropic’s seven co-founders are seeking a voting structure that would let them retain control after the AI company goes public, according to The Information.

The proposal would give CEO Dario Amodei and his six co-founders special shares carrying a combined 50.1% of the vote on most corporate matters, provided at least three founders maintain a minimum stake. Shareholders are reportedly being asked to approve the structure in the coming days.

Unlike founder-control structures at companies such as Meta and Snap, Anthropic’s proposal would distribute voting control across a group rather than one individual.

Founders seek control without extra economic value

The seven co-founders reportedly own about 2% of Anthropic each. The special shares would add no economic value but would preserve their collective voting influence.

Amodei has pledged to give away 80% of his wealth and warned in a January essay about risks from AI-driven wealth concentration.

Anthropic’s Long-Term Benefit Trust would continue selecting most of the board, while founders would gain a third board seat. Employees would also receive voting stock to break ties on some issues.

Anthropic moves toward an IPO

Anthropic was valued at $965 billion in May and later reached a reported $1.5 trillion valuation on the secondary market.

The proposed structure would preserve founder control as Anthropic prepares for a public listing.