Netflix Founder Reed Hastings Joins Board of AI Giant Anthropic

Reed Hastings, Netflix’s co-founder and ex-CEO, has been appointed to the board of directors at Anthropic, the innovative company behind the widely-used Claude series of large language models.

Hastings was chosen by the Long Term Benefit Trust, a body that has the authority to select certain members of Anthropic’s board.

Buddy Shah, head of the Long Term Benefit Trust for Anthropic, stated that they selected Reed due to his exceptional leadership background, extensive philanthropic endeavors, and dedication to tackling AI-related societal issues. These qualifications make him exceptionally suited to lead Anthropic during this crucial phase in artificial intelligence evolution.

Undoubtedly, Hastings has made a significant mark in the world of entertainment. He was the one who established Netflix, transforming it from a DVD rental service to a dominant force in streaming entertainment, now recognized as a major player in Hollywood. In 2023, he relinquished his role as co-CEO, and more recently, he stepped down as the company’s chairman this year.

Apart from being intensely focused on the possibilities and threats posed by artificial intelligence, he has recently donated $50 million to Bowdoin College to launch the Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity. This initiative aims to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in a world significantly influenced by artificial intelligence.

Hastings expressed that Anthropic holds a positive outlook on the advantages AI can bring to mankind, yet remains cognizant of the economic, societal, and safety issues. He’s deciding to join Anthropic’s board because he endorses their methodology for AI advancement and wants to contribute to humanity’s progress.

Daniela Amodei, president of Anthropic, pointed out that Reed realizes technology firms carry obligations beyond merely creating products. His emphasis on the human effects of technology, evident in his work at Netflix and global health and education projects, makes him a suitable choice for our board as we proceed with developing AI that benefits rather than causes harm.

Anthropic, a leading player in the artificial intelligence sector, boasts its Claude model as a popular choice within the industry. Last year, it secured over $6 billion in funding from Amazon.

After leaving Netflix, Hastings has also spent some time at the ski resort Powder Mountain, where he currently holds the position of CEO as well.

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2025-05-28 19:24