The bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX has requested permission from the bankruptcy court to sell its approximately 8% stake in the artificial intelligence company Anthropic, which could generate over a billion dollars in revenue. FTX has also asked the court to shorten the timeframe so that the sale request can be considered at the next hearing scheduled for February 22.
FTX Prepares to Sell Its Shares in Anthropic
Cryptocurrency exchange FTX is preparing to sell its most significant illiquid asset. In October 2021, FTX, which received a $500 million investment from former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, moved to urgently sell its approximately 8% stake in the artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
Currently managed by John Ray III, who replaced Bankman-Fried, FTX has filed a petition with the court requesting approval for the sale of its Anthropic shares. The company also made a separate request to shorten the negotiation period for the sale request so that it can be heard at the bankruptcy court’s next session on February 22. Objections to the request must be made by February 15.
The court filing reveals the full size of FTX’s stake in Anthropic (7.84%) and outlines two main methods for selling the shares: auction or private sale. FTX’s lawyers stated that “disclosing the reference price publicly could harm the debtors’ goal of obtaining higher and better offers for the Anthropic shares,” thus conveying their desired price for the shares.
FTX’s Shares Estimated to be Worth Around $1.4 Billion
Anthropic’s last reported valuation in December 2023 reached up to $18 billion. This indicates that FTX’s stake in the company is worth approximately $1.4 billion.
The value of Anthropic’s shares is a significant resource for the creditors affected by FTX’s bankruptcy. Despite concerns from customers and claimants, the cryptocurrency exchange anticipates a liquidation that will ensure all payments are made and no one is left at a loss.
