Imagine a future where artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword but a $70 billion powerhouse. That’s the bold prediction for Anthropic by 2028, according to a recent report by The Information. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the company is also projected to rake in a staggering $17 billion in cash flow that same year. These jaw-dropping numbers are fueled by the rapid adoption of Anthropic’s business-focused AI products, as revealed by insiders familiar with the company’s financials.
And this is the part most people miss: just last month, Reuters reported that Anthropic is on track to nearly triple its annual revenue run rate by 2026. The company is already eyeing a $9 billion ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) goal by the end of 2025, with ambitions to hit between $20 billion and $26 billion the following year. To put that in perspective, Anthropic’s revenue from API sales alone is expected to reach $3.8 billion this year—double what OpenAI anticipates from the same stream.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while Anthropic’s growth seems unstoppable, its success hinges on its aggressive B2B strategy. Partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, along with plans to roll out its AI assistant Claude to corporate giants like Deloitte and Cognizant, are at the heart of this strategy. Is this the right move, or is Anthropic spreading itself too thin? Let’s discuss in the comments.
In the past two months, Anthropic has also launched smaller, cost-effective models like Claude Sonnet 4.5 and Claude Haiku 4.5, designed to appeal to businesses scaling AI solutions. These moves, coupled with expansions like Claude for Financial Services and Enterprise Search, show Anthropic’s commitment to making AI accessible across industries. But with great growth comes great funding needs—Anthropic recently raised $13 billion in an oversubscribed round, valuing the company at $170 billion. If they raise again, insiders predict a valuation between $300 billion and $400 billion.
Now, let’s talk cash flow. While $17 billion sounds impressive, it’s not the same as profit. Cash flow simply means more money is coming in than going out—a crucial metric for sustainability. Anthropic’s liabilities, including a $2.5 billion credit facility and a $1.5 billion legal settlement from a copyright lawsuit, remind us that growth isn’t without its challenges.
Speaking of challenges, Anthropic’s gross profit margin is expected to soar from a negative 94% last year to 50% this year and a whopping 77% in 2028. Meanwhile, its main rival, OpenAI, valued at $500 billion, is taking a different approach. OpenAI is pursuing a dual strategy—targeting businesses while also catering to its 800 million weekly consumer users. However, while Anthropic projects positive cash flow by 2028, OpenAI anticipates massive losses, with cash burn reaching $115 billion by 2029 as it invests heavily in infrastructure. Which strategy will pay off in the long run? Is Anthropic’s focus on B2B the smarter play, or is OpenAI’s consumer-centric approach the future?
Rebecca Bellan, a senior reporter at TechCrunch who covers AI trends, policy, and business, brings these insights to light. Her work, featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast, offers a deep dive into the forces shaping the AI landscape. You can reach Rebecca at rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.com or via encrypted message at rebeccabellan.491 on Signal.
As the AI race heats up, one thing is clear: Anthropic’s projections aren’t just numbers—they’re a glimpse into a future where AI transforms industries. But the question remains: can they sustain this momentum? What do you think? Share your thoughts below!
