Menlo Ventures and Anthropic team up to drop $100M on AI startups.

Menlo Ventures and Anthropic are playing matchmaker for AI startups with their new $100M Anthology Fund. It's like Tinder, but for AI companies and VC money.

What's going on here?

Menlo Ventures and Anthropic launched a $100M fund called Anthology to invest in AI startups.

What does this mean?

They're looking to invest in everything from seed to expansion stage, starting at $100k. Anthology is open to international startups but the program has a soft spot for US-based companies.

They're focusing on five key areas:

• AI infrastructure (think tools that make AI easier to use)

• Cutting-edge AI apps in healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, and more

• Consumer AI that makes tech more user-friendly

• Trust and safety tools for responsible AI

• AI for social good (education, job creation, accessibility)

Startups get more than just cash: $25k in Anthropic credits, access to their latest AI models, and a chance to rub elbows with AI bigwigs. Quarterly deep dives and biannual demo days with Menlo and Anthropic leaders (hello, networking!)

You don't HAVE to use Anthropic's Claude model, but they're basically saying "Why wouldn't you?"

Why should I care?

If you're an AI startup, this is your golden ticket. It's not just about the money (though $100M is nothing to sneeze at). You're getting insider access to some of the best minds in AI, plus a chance to use cutting-edge tech before everyone else. And for the rest of us? This fund could be birthing the next big thing in AI that changes how we live and work. Keep your eyes peeled for whatever comes out of this AI incubator.