Who’s really in charge at Anthropic after the IPO?

Anthropic, a company focused on AI safety, has a complex governance structure that prioritizes mission over shareholder value. The company is a public benefit corporation with a board chaired by Daniela Amodei, including her brother Dario Amodei, and other notable members. A Long-Term Benefit Trust (LTBT) also has significant control over the board, with the ability to elect and remove a majority of directors. This structure is meant to ensure the company prioritizes AI safety, but it leaves common shareholders with limited say in major decisions. The trust is chaired by Neil Shah, a global health expert, and includes Ben Bernanke, the former Federal Reserve chair, as a member. The company is preparing for its initial public offering.