WSJ Tech News Briefing: "TNB Tech Minute: Anthropic Raising $10 Billion In New Funding Round"
Date: January 7, 2026
Host: Julie Chang (The Wall Street Journal)
Runtime of core content: 00:16–01:55
Episode Overview
This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing delivers a rapid-fire update on three major tech stories:
- Anthropic's ambitious new funding round, which may nearly double its recent valuation.
- Legal settlements related to AI chatbot Character AI and Google.
- Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly’s advanced negotiations to acquire Ventex Biosciences.
The episode reflects the growing influence—and scrutiny—of AI startups, legal implications of chatbot usage, and the integration of biotech breakthroughs into major pharmaceutical portfolios.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Anthropic’s $10 Billion Fundraising (00:16–00:44)
- Anthropic, a leading AI startup, is reported to be in the process of raising $10 billion in a new funding round.
- This would nearly double its valuation from just four months prior, highlighting rapid growth and surging investor interest in advanced AI.
- Key Investors: The upcoming round is led by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund and Kotu Management.
- Current Valuation: $350 billion prior to this round.
- The deal is expected to close in the coming weeks; final terms may still change.
"We exclusively report that Anthropic is raising $10 billion in a new funding round that would nearly double its valuation from four months ago."
— Julie Chang, 00:20
2. Character AI and Google Lawsuit Settlements (00:44–01:16)
- Character AI (an AI role-playing chatbot) and Google have agreed to settle lawsuits brought by families of teenagers allegedly harmed after interacting with Character AI’s chatbot.
- Lawsuits were filed in Florida, Colorado, Texas, and New York, alleging negligence and harm by the tech companies.
- Settlement Status: Terms are being finalized; neither the companies nor the families' lawyers provided public comment as of recording.
"Character AI and Google have agreed to settle several lawsuits with families of teenagers who killed or harmed themselves after interacting with the startup's chatbot."
— Julie Chang, 00:47
- App Details: Character AI is described as a "role playing app that lets users create and chat with AI characters."
- Google became involved by licensing Character AI’s technology in 2024.
3. Eli Lilly in Talks to Acquire Ventex Biosciences (01:16–01:43)
- Eli Lilly is in advanced discussions to purchase Ventex Biosciences for about $1 billion.
- Timeline: Deal could be announced as soon as the day of the report.
- Ventex’s Specialty: Developing experimental oral pills targeting inflammatory diseases.
- Strategic Fit: Acquiring Ventex would expand Eli Lilly’s range of treatments for autoimmune conditions and obesity-related disorders.
"If Ventex's experimental pills pan out, they would add to Lilly's portfolio of treatments for autoimmune conditions as well as for obesity and related disorders."
— Julie Chang, 01:35
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Anthropic’s meteoric rise:
"The AI startup's valuation is at $350 billion before the new investment. The round is expected to close in the coming weeks and the total amount of the deal could change."
— Julie Chang, 00:26 -
On the legal settlements:
"The tech companies and lawyers for the families either didn't immediately respond to requests for comment or declined to comment."
— Julie Chang, 01:10 -
On Eli Lilly’s acquisition ambitions:
"Ventix specializes in developing pills that can treat inflammatory diseases."
— Julie Chang, 01:22
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Anthropic Fundraising Announcement: 00:16–00:44
- Character AI/Google Lawsuits: 00:44–01:16
- Eli Lilly & Ventex Deal: 01:16–01:43
Tone and Style
Julie Chang maintains the brisk, factual, and authoritative tone typical of the Wall Street Journal’s news briefings, focusing on high-impact developments and their broader industry implications. The episode is concise and direct, catering to listeners who want essential tech updates with minimal frills.
Summary Table
| Segment | Topic | Highlights | Timestamps | |-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------------|------------| | Anthropic Fundraising | AI startup raising $10B | Nearly doubles valuation | 00:16–00:44 | | Character AI Lawsuits | Settlements after harm from chatbot | Legal/ethical AI concerns | 00:44–01:16 | | Eli Lilly Acquisition | Biotech acquisition of Ventex Biosciences| Expansion in autoimmune/obesity | 01:16–01:43 |
In Summary
This TNB Tech Minute spotlights Anthropic’s remarkable financial momentum, ongoing ethical debates around AI chatbots, and a major pharma move into next-generation biotech treatments—underscoring the intersecting worlds of artificial intelligence, law, and health technology as 2026 unfolds.