Hastings, who co-founded Netflix in 1997 and served as its CEO until 2023, was appointed to Anthropic’s board by its Long Term Benefit Trust. Hastings, 64, has a history of holding other prominent board positions within the tech sector.
Anthropic noted that Hastings brings “extensive experience” and an “understanding of how to ensure technology serves broader societal goals” to the company. Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings is set to join the board of directors of artificial intelligence (AI) startup Anthropic, a company backed by Google , Amazon , and Microsoft. This trust is an independent body comprising five financially disinterested members, as stated in a press release shared by the company. His past affiliations include serving on the boards of Microsoft , Bloomberg and Facebook (now Meta).
Hastings recently pledged $50 million to his alma mater, Bowdoin College in Maine, to launch a dedicated AI research initiative. Because i believe in their approach to AI development and to help humanity progress, i’m joining Anthropic’s board.
In a statement, Hastings said: “Anthropic is very optimistic about the AI benefits for humanity, but is also very aware of the economic, social, and safety challenges. This program will develop ethical guidelines for AI and study its effects on education, the workplace, and personal relationships. In the press release, Anthropic noted that Bowdoin’s research agenda aligns closely with the company’s priorities.
Earlier this year, Anthropic was valued at $61.5 billion, and it now claims to be working to keep pace in the AI arms race with rivals such as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, all while emphasising the importance of AI safety .
In a statement, Anthropic President Daniela Amodei said: “His focus on the human impact of technology — whether at Netflix or through his global health and education initiatives — makes him an ideal addition to our board as we continue building AI that helps rather than harms.