Anthropic Issues Stern Warning Over Unauthorized Secondary Share Sales

As the artificial intelligence sector reaches a fever pitch, Anthropic is taking drastic measures to control who owns a piece of its future. The AI powerhouse, currently rumored to be eyeing a staggering $900 billion valuation, has issued a stark warning to investors: many secondary market platforms offering access to its shares are doing so without authorization.

In a recent update to its support page, Anthropic explicitly stated that it does not recognize transactions facilitated by several high-profile private investment firms. The company named Open Doors Partners, Unicorns Exchange, Pachamama Capital, Lionheart Ventures, Hiive, Forge Global, Sydecar, and Upmarket as firms that are not authorized to trade its stock.

A “Void” Warning for Investors

Anthropic’s stance is uncompromising. The company declared that any sale or transfer of stock through these firms is “void” and will not be recorded on its official books. This move targets the growing trend of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and forward contracts that allow retail and institutional investors to bypass traditional venture rounds.

The demand for Anthropic equity is unprecedented. Unicorns Exchange reported receiving over 50 inquiries from institutional players in just three months, representing a theoretical demand exceeding $1 trillion. Despite this hunger, the platform has ceased marketing Anthropic opportunities after failing to secure the company’s approval for share transfers.

Industry Pushback and Compliance

The named firms have reacted with a mix of defense and compliance. Forge Global claimed its inclusion on the list was an error, asserting it never facilitates trades without explicit company approval. Meanwhile, Hiive and Sydecar emphasized their rigorous diligence processes, though they acknowledged the legitimate risks of investment scams in the white-hot AI market.

Strict Governance and Transfer Restrictions

Anthropic’s legal framework is designed to prevent unauthorized ownership. Both common and preferred stocks are subject to board-approved transfer restrictions. The company is particularly wary of SPVs, stating they are strictly prohibited from acquiring stock.

While platforms like OKX offer derivative products like pre-IPO perpetual futures to track AI company values, Anthropic is making it clear: if you want actual equity, you must play by their rules. Any transaction made without board consent will simply not be recognized.