Anthropic’s 7 cofounders are splitting $200 billion almost evenly, down to the last stock option

Anthropic's seven cofounders are set to split a staggering $200 billion nearly evenly following the company's anticipated IPO. Each cofounder holds between 231 million and 244 million shares, which would be worth roughly $21 billion to $30 billion each, should the company's IPO price it at $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion. The equity also includes 2,185,400 stock options and 639,500 restricted stock units, which can be cashed in immediately and vest after the IPO, respectively.

This nearly identical distribution of wealth sets Anthropic apart from other tech giants, where the wealth is typically concentrated at the top. The seven cofounders, including siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, hold nearly identical stakes and each have one vote in the company's shareholder vote, with a separate trust to elect the majority of the board.

This egalitarian approach to founder compensation is highly unusual, given that seven founders is considered a "relatively large" group. Despite serving as both CEO and president, as well as board chairperson, Dario Amodei does not appear to be at the top of a pay pyramid.