Anthropic became the world's most valuable AI startup at $965 billion, passing OpenAI at $852 billion. In May 2026 Anthropic raised $65 billion in a Series H, and its valuation jumped about 2.5x in three months from $380 billion in February. It released Claude Opus 4.8 on the same day. ASAP summarizes the result from the primary source.

The valuation crown changed hands

The top valuation among AI startups moved from OpenAI to Anthropic. Anthropic was valued at $965 billion, ahead of OpenAI at $852 billion. The safety-focused lab behind Claude now leads on valuation.

The round in numbers

The round is unusual in both size and speed. Anthropic raised $65 billion in its Series H, and the valuation jumped about 2.5x from $380 billion in February. The round was led by Altimeter, Dragoneer, Greenoaks, and Sequoia.

Revenue behind the valuation

The valuation is backed by fast-growing revenue. Anthropic said its run-rate revenue crossed $47 billion. Coding and agent demand drove Claude usage, adding substance to the valuation.

Opus 4.8 the same day

Anthropic released Claude Opus 4.8 on the same day as the funding announcement. Pairing the raise with a model release underscored momentum. It signaled to the market by bundling the top valuation with a new model.

What it means — a safety-focused lab in the lead

Anthropic's number-one spot is a sign the center of gravity in AI has shifted. A lab that leads with safety now leads on both revenue and valuation. Still, private-market valuations swing widely, so revenue growth and profitability are the next test.

Wrap-up

Anthropic became the world's most valuable AI startup at $965 billion. A $65 billion Series H, about 2.5x growth from February, and $47 billion run-rate revenue are the backdrop. It is the moment the AI valuation crown passed from OpenAI to Anthropic.

Source: ASAP summary of reporting on Anthropic's Series H (May 2026; $965 billion valuation, $65 billion raised, $47 billion run-rate revenue).