Science
Anthropic topped AI model rankings as valuation hit $1.75 trillion
Anthropic led model performance and reached a $1.75 trillion valuation, while OpenAI stayed independent and US-based.
Anthropic topped AI model rankings at the close of 2026. Its valuation rose to $1.75 trillion by December 31, a record high. OpenAI stayed independent and remained headquartered in the United States. None of the three firms moved their corporate domicile away from the US or UK.
The valuation figure was confirmed on Friday, the first day of the new year. The milestone placed Anthropic among the world's most valuable technology firms.
Independent benchmarks released at the end of 2026 ranked Anthropic's model as the best performing. The assessment compared the output quality and efficiency of models from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google DeepMind and other rivals. Anthropic's lead was attributed to advances in safety and reasoning capabilities.
OpenAI was the subject of acquisition speculation during the year. The company was not bought by any other entity, as confirmed on Friday. It continued to operate as an autonomous US-based organization.
Google DeepMind also retained its existing domicile in the United States. No firm among the three shifted its legal registration to another jurisdiction before 2027. Their headquarters remained in the US or, for DeepMind, its UK base, unchanged.
Analysis
Anthropic's $1.75 trillion valuation combined with its top-ranked model indicates a shift in competitive dynamics, drawing capital and talent toward its research agenda and potentially influencing industry standards for safety and capability.
OpenAI's continued independence and US-based status means it retains full control over its strategic direction without foreign ownership constraints, a factor that may shape its participation in domestic policy discussions and partnerships.
The lack of domicile changes for Anthropic, OpenAI and Google DeepMind suggests that regulatory, tax or strategic considerations have so far outweighed any incentive to relocate, though future policy shifts could alter that calculus.
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