Anthropic, the AI company behind the Claude chatbots and a rival to OpenAI, is a highly anticipated IPO candidate, with investors seeking exposure before its public debut. In June, Anthropic filed its IPO paperwork confidentially with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and OpenAI subsequently announced its own filing. While an October IPO has been rumored, the exact timing and valuation remain unclear, though recent fundraising suggests a figure well above $1 trillion. The company’s fundraising history includes: November 2024: Raised $4 billion at a $40 billion valuation; March 2025: Raised $3.5 billion at a $61.5 billion valuation; September 2025: Raised $13 billion at a $183 billion valuation; February 2026: Raised $30 billion at a $380 billion valuation; May 2026: Raised $65 billion at a $965 billion valuation. Investors will scrutinize the forthcoming prospectus to evaluate the company’s ability to generate sustained profits. One direct method for eligible investors is buying private shares on a secondary exchange, which requires accredited investor status. This approach allows the full investment to go directly into Anthropic, though these markets are illiquid and share prices may exceed official valuations.