Venture capitalists break decades-old taboo by backing AI competitors - Los Angeles Times

Venture capital firms are breaking with decades of tradition by investing in rival AI developers, most notably OpenAI and Anthropic, driven by the belief that these companies represent “generational” opportunities. Firms like Sequoia Capital and Altimeter Capital are backing both companies, despite historically avoiding such conflicts of interest. This trend is fueled by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and the resulting “feeding frenzy” for tech investors. While some investors are attempting to mitigate risks through internal firewalls or separate investment teams, concerns remain about potential information leakage and compromised investments.

Several major players, including Amazon, Nvidia, Microsoft, Blackstone, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX, are also considering or have already invested in both OpenAI and Anthropic. This shift is prompting debate within the industry, with some firms like Khosla Ventures and Thrive Capital choosing to focus on a single AI leader, while others, like Altimeter, dismiss concerns about double-dipping.

The changing landscape extends beyond OpenAI and Anthropic, with investors backing multiple startups in specific AI applications like coding and legal tech. While some founders express nervousness about overlapping investments, the potential for substantial returns is proving a powerful incentive for venture capitalists to reassess long-held norms.

(Source：Los Angeles Times)