Today, we’re thrilled to launch the Anthology Fund, a groundbreaking $100 million initiative created through a partnership between Menlo Ventures and Anthropic. We created this fund to fuel the next generation of AI startups through the powerful combination of Menlo’s extensive company-building experience and Anthropic’s pioneering AI technology and deep research expertise. Through this collaboration, we aim to catalyze innovation and shape the future of artificial intelligence in the startup ecosystem.
Why Anthology?
The name not only echoes Anthropic but also embodies our shared vision: a curated collection of AI innovators creating something extraordinary together. Just as an anthology represents a collection of diverse works of art that form a masterpiece, our fund connects visionary entrepreneurs with Anthropic’s groundbreaking technology and Menlo’s venture expertise to fuel revolutionary advancements.
From our earliest meetings with Anthropic when we first invested in early 2023, we were impressed by their team’s caliber and commitment to world-changing, safe AI innovation. In a short time, Anthropic has launched best-in-class models powering a wide variety of market-leading applications and accelerated the imagination of countless entrepreneurs, which is why we doubled down by leading a significant follow-on round in 2024. With the Anthology Fund, we’ve teamed up to further our commitment to the most imaginative AI pioneers.
The Anthology Fund will invest in companies from seed to expansion stages, with investments starting at $100,000 (and up!). We’re focusing on five key areas where entrepreneurs are innovating with Anthropic:
- AI infrastructure—including DevX tools and middleware—that advances the use of Claude and other LLMs, accelerating their adoption and capabilities.
- Frontier/novel applications of AI that will transform bio, healthcare, legal, financial services, supply chains, cloud infrastructure, and cyber security. While we highlight those areas, we are committed to backing exceptional ideas across all sectors.
- Consumer AI solutions that transform the user experience by seamlessly integrating LLMs as core components driving interactions.
- Trust and safety tooling (at or above the model layer) that enhances AI safety and offers scalable, profitable solutions for responsible AI deployment.
- AI apps and tech that maximize societal benefits, such as new forms of education/training, job creation solutions, and tools that expand accessibility.
Startups backed by the fund gain access to a suite of resources, including:
- A strong venture partner: Tap into Menlo’s seasoned investors, dedicated services team, and vast network to help build a product into a business primed to hyperscale.
- Anthropic advantage: Leverage pioneering AI research, products, and tools.
- Frontier model access: Harness Anthropic’s most advanced AI models with $25,000 in free credits.
- Collaborative community: Join a vibrant network of like-minded founders, researchers, and business leaders, all driven by the desire to harness AI for positive change.
- Structured program: Participate in quarterly deep dives with Menlo partners and Anthropic’s developer relations team, designed to optimize your use of Claude. Showcase progress at biannual demo days hosted by the Menlo team and Anthropic leaders like Chief Product Officer Mike Krieger and President Daniela Amodei.
- Additional resources: Enjoy credits from Menlo’s infrastructure partners and fractional workspace in Menlo’s San Francisco and Menlo Park offices.
The Anthology Fund represents more than investing; this fund is an opportunity to drive AI forward. We’re not just looking for startups; we’re seeking AI pioneers who harness Anthropic’s cutting-edge technology to redefine what is possible today through AI. Our goal is not just driving value but fundamentally helping teams to reshape industries and improve lives.
The Menlo Anthology Fund taps expert investors from Menlo’s AI team—partners Tim Tully, Matt Murphy, Joff Redfern, Amy Wu, Deedy Das, and Venky Ganesan—who will work closely with President Daniela Amodei, CPO Mike Krieger, and the rest of the Anthropic team to support the most promising AI startups. If you’d like to be part of the first wave of founders backed by this fund, please reach out to one of the Menlo partners named above; our email addresses are on our website bios. You can also apply at the button below. We look forward to working with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Anthology Fund?
The Anthology Fund is a $100 million fund created by Menlo Ventures and Anthropic to invest in the AI pioneers who will shape our future. Founders can apply online here.
What unique benefits do startups receive from this fund?
Startups backed by the fund receive:
- Access to Anthropic’s AI models
- $25,000 in free Anthropic credits
- Regular access to the Anthropic team for expertise, guidance, and dedicated developer relations support
- A strong network of founders and builders in the AI space
- Quarterly deep dives with Menlo and Anthropic leaders and developer relations team
- Biannual demo days hosted by the Menlo partners and Anthropic leaders like President Daniela Amodei and Chief Product Officer Mike Krieger
- Credits from Menlo Ventures’ companies
- Fractional workspace access in Menlo Ventures’ SF and Menlo Park offices
Do I have to use Claude if I take an investment from Anthology?
No, you’re not required to build on Claude to be backed by the Anthology Fund. However, as of June 20, 2024, Claude 3.5 Sonnet is the best-performing language model in the world, and we assume the best developers will want to use the best model for their applications. Plus, you’ll gain exposure to Anthropic’s team and technology and learn from developers who have success with their models.
What stage does the Anthology Fund invest in?
We will make Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A investments from the Anthology Fund as lead or participating investors. Details will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. When we lead an investment round, we are highly involved in supporting the portfolio company as it scales, considering these to be seven- to 10-year commitments. Menlo Ventures hopes to support the most promising Anthology companies with future follow-on investments.
What is the application process?
You can find the Anthology Fund application here. The application process is rolling. Applicants can expect a response within two weeks. Founders who advance in the process will be invited to meet our team to share more about your company. If all goes well, this will be followed by a due diligence period and a final investment decision.
How will you evaluate potential investments?
We seek pioneers using novel applications of AI to reshape industries and improve lives.
Do you invest in companies outside of the U.S.?
Although we prefer to invest in companies based in the U.S., we know that innovation can happen anywhere in the world and will back exceptional companies internationally.
Can startups apply more than once if they’re not selected?
Yes! We encourage you to apply again if you feel like you’ve made substantial progress. However, we recommend waiting at least three months before reapplying.
