Google’s Backstops Underpin $35 Billion Chip Deal for Anthropic

Google was one of Anthropic PBC’s earliest investors, repeatedly buying equity in the artificial intelligence firm. Now it’s increasingly backstopping the financing that underpins data centers for the startup, underscoring the complex business ties among the handful of largest tech companies pouring money into AI.

Anthropic, the creator of Claude, is leasing powerful computer chips at five data centers with help from the long-established tech giant. Google, whose AI entries include Gemini, agreed to backstop lease payments at each location, helping Anthropic obtain what amounts to a $35 billion loan. Anthropic’s involvement with these data centers as part of ...