Anthropic, an AI startup, is reportedly raising US$3.5 billion at a US$61.5 billion valuation, with potential backers including Lightspeed Venture Partners, General Catalyst, and Bessemer Venture Partners.

This funding target surpasses its earlier US$2 billion goal, reflecting strong investor interest in AI startups, especially in the US, which accounted for nearly half of last year’s global venture funding.

Anthropic’s valuation highlights fierce AI competition, with OpenAI exploring a US$300 billion valuation and China’s DeepSeek gaining attention, though US companies remain key investment priorities.

Founded by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei and ex-OpenAI executives, Anthropic was valued at US$18 billion in 2024 and recently launched Claude 3.7 Sonnet for faster, more detailed responses.

Recent Anthropic developments