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Anthropic and OpenAI sketch plans to share their wealth ahead of IPOs
AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI are planning massive public offerings and intend to share their wealth with the public. These companies argue this is crucial to address potential workforce disruptions caused by AI. Anthropic announced it will commit 5% of its shares to a Public Benefit Fund, pending stockholder approval. This fund may support traditional nonprofits or distribute money to specific populations. Philanthropy experts welcome the commitment but urge caution against assuming expertise translates to effective giving. Anthropic's pledge is contingent on its upcoming initial public offering, which is anticipated to be one of the largest ever. The specifics of how the fund will operate, its transparency, and beneficiary selection remain unresolved. OpenAI also has plans to create a "Public Wealth Fund" and has committed $1 billion to its grantmaking capacity. Critics express skepticism, viewing these announcements as attempts to gain public favor. The companies are structured as public benefit corporations, legally obligating them to pursue social good alongside profit. While these pledges are a step towards sharing AI's economic benefits, the concrete details require further clarification.