Anthropic warns investors against secondary platforms offering access to its shares

Anthropic, a prominent AI company, has issued a public warning to investors regarding unauthorized secondary platforms facilitating the sale and transfer of its shares. The company explicitly stated that any transactions conducted through these platforms are void and will not be recognized. This move aims to protect investors and maintain control over its equity distribution.

Several platforms were named by Anthropic as unauthorized, including Open Doors Partners, Unicorns Exchange, Pachamama Capital, Lionheart Ventures, Hiive, Forge Global, Sydecar, and Upmarket. Forge Global, however, claimed erroneous inclusion and stated they are working with Anthropic to rectify the situation, asserting they only facilitate transactions with explicit company approval.

The warning comes at a time of heightened investor interest in AI companies, leading to a proliferation of secondary market offerings, "tokenized" securities, and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) purporting to offer access to AI stocks. Anthropic emphasized that both its preferred and common stock are subject to strict transfer restrictions, making any unapproved sale or transfer invalid.

Anthropic further clarified its stance on SPVs, stating that it does not permit them to acquire its stock and that any such transfers are void. The company also prohibits offers to invest in its past or future financing rounds through SPVs. This underscores Anthropic's commitment to managing its shareholder base directly and securely.