Meta Platforms is negotiating a computing power lease with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic that could be worth up to $10 billion over two years, according to people familiar with the matter. The deal would give Meta access to Anthropic's computing infrastructure, which is critical for training and running large language models. Separately, Anthropic is reportedly advancing its plans for an initial public offering, signaling growing investor appetite for AI companies.
A $10 Billion Bet on AI Infrastructure
The potential lease, if finalized, would be one of the largest such agreements in the tech industry. It reflects Meta's aggressive push into generative AI, where it competes with rivals like OpenAI and Google. Meta has been investing heavily in its own AI models, including the open-source Llama series, but the company needs vast amounts of computing power to train and deploy these systems. Leasing capacity from Anthropic, which operates its own data centers, could help Meta scale quickly without building new infrastructure.
Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI employees, has raised billions of dollars from investors including Google and Salesforce. The startup is known for its Claude family of AI models and has focused on safety and responsible AI development. A $10 billion lease would provide a significant revenue stream and validate its infrastructure capabilities.
Anthropic's IPO Plans Gain Momentum
Alongside the lease talks, Anthropic is reportedly moving forward with preparations for an initial public offering. The company has been in discussions with investment banks and is considering a listing as early as 2025, sources said. An IPO would give Anthropic access to public capital markets and allow early investors to cash out. It would also mark a major milestone for the AI industry, which has seen a surge in valuations but few public listings.
The timing of the IPO remains fluid, and no final decisions have been made. Anthropic has declined to comment on the matter. The company's valuation in private markets has soared, with some estimates placing it at over $30 billion.
For Meta, the lease deal could provide a strategic advantage. The company has been vocal about its need for massive computing resources to power its AI ambitions. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has said Meta plans to spend billions on AI infrastructure this year. Leasing from Anthropic could supplement Meta's own data center expansion.
Neither Meta nor Anthropic has confirmed the discussions. The talks are ongoing, and there is no guarantee a deal will be reached. If it does go through, it would likely be structured as a multi-year agreement with options to renew.
Anthropic's IPO plans add another layer of complexity. A public listing would subject the company to greater scrutiny and quarterly earnings pressure, but it would also provide a currency for acquisitions and talent retention. The AI startup landscape is evolving rapidly, and Anthropic's next moves will be closely watched.
