Eric Schmidt’s Anthropic Stake Could Be Worth $20 Billion in 2026 IPO
Eric Schmidt reportedly owns 1% of Anthropic, a stake worth up to $20 billion if the AI lab hits a $2 trillion valuation in an expected year-end 2026 IPO.
Summary
Bloomberg estimated on October 20, 2026, that former Google CEO Eric Schmidt owns about 1% of Anthropic after investing tens of millions of dollars in its 2021 Series A, when PitchBook valued the startup at $461 million. If accurate, his holding is half the 2% owned by Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei.
Anthropic is widely expected to go public before the end of 2026, with top-end estimates valuing it at $2 trillion. That would make Schmidt’s stake worth as much as $20 billion, adding to a fortune Bloomberg currently estimates at $57.5 billion. Since leaving Google’s CEO role in 2011, Schmidt has invested through Tomorrow Ventures, Innovation Endeavors Management and family office Hillspire; his other AI bets include Mistral, General Intuition and Reflection AI. Schmidt and Anthropic did not immediately comment.
Positives
- Schmidt’s reported 1% Anthropic stake could be worth $20 billion if the company reaches a $2 trillion valuation.
- Tens of millions invested in Anthropic’s 2021 Series A secured exposure when the startup was valued at $461 million.
- Anthropic is widely expected to pursue a public offering before the end of 2026.
- Mistral, General Intuition and Reflection AI extend Schmidt’s investments across multiple AI companies.
Risks & concerns
- Bloomberg’s 1% ownership estimate remains unconfirmed by Schmidt or Anthropic.
- Anthropic’s expected 2026 IPO has not been confirmed, leaving its timing uncertain.
- The potential $20 billion gain depends on Anthropic achieving a top-end $2 trillion valuation.
- Schmidt and Anthropic did not immediately respond to requests for comment.