Anthropic opens talks with New York City comptroller after call for IPO delay

What happened between Anthropic and the comptroller?

Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei has opened talks with New York City Comptroller Mark Levine. Levine had urged the AI company to delay its potential IPO, a company's debut sale of shares to the public.

Why it matters: In an Oct. 14 letter, Levine asked Anthropic to wait until it strengthens AI safety safeguards. He later said in a television interview that a line of communication with Amodei is now open. He gave no details of what was discussed.

Why does Levine want a delay?

Levine pointed to warnings in Anthropic's draft IPO filing about potentially catastrophic AI risks. He also said the company's proposed governance structure could limit how far shareholders can hold its leaders to account.

He flagged the harm a safety or cybersecurity incident could do to the stock after a listing. "It does appear they are under pressure from multiple sides right now," Levine said.

Levine has also been in informal contact with OpenAI. He has held conversations with the London Stock Exchange and other institutional investors about safety concerns.

Can a pension fund stop an IPO?

Levine has no power to block a company from going public. He oversees New York City's public pension funds. He said the city is working with other "like-minded public pension investors."

He said he is unsure whether Anthropic will delay. Some city pension money sits in index funds, he said, and those funds could add Anthropic's shares after it lists.

When could Anthropic go public?

Anthropic has not formally announced an IPO date. Reports previously said the company planned to list in mid-November. Those reports added that discussions continue and the timing could still change.

The talks with Levine could affect that schedule, though neither side has said how or by how much.