Netflix Co-Founder Reed Hastings Joins AI Startup Anthropic
Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, has joined the board of directors of Anthropic, an artificial intelligence startup backed by tech giants Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. The appointment was made by Anthropic’s Long Term Benefit Trust, an independent body comprising five financially disinterested members.
Hastings brings extensive experience from his past roles, including positions on the boards of Microsoft, Bloomberg, and Facebook (now Meta). His addition to Anthropic’s board is seen as a strategic move to help the company navigate the benefits and challenges associated with AI development.
“Anthropic is very optimistic about the AI benefits for humanity, but is also very aware of the economic, social, and safety challenges,” Hastings said in a statement. “I’m joining Anthropic’s board because I believe in their approach to AI development and to help humanity progress.”
Hastings’ involvement with Anthropic aligns with his recent $50 million pledge to Bowdoin College to launch an AI research initiative. This program focuses on developing ethical guidelines for AI and studying its effects on education, the workplace, and personal relationships.
Anthropic President Daniela Amodei welcomed Hastings to the board, highlighting his focus on the human impact of technology. “His focus on the human impact of technology — whether at Netflix or through his global health and education initiatives — makes him an ideal addition to our board as we continue building AI that helps rather than harms,” she said.
Earlier this year, Anthropic was valued at $61.5 billion and is now working to keep pace in the AI arms race with rivals such as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, while emphasizing AI safety.
With Hastings’ guidance, Anthropic aims to continue its mission of developing AI that benefits humanity while addressing the associated challenges.
