option
Home
News
Anthropic Co-Founder: We Won't Sell Claude AI to OpenAI

Anthropic Co-Founder: We Won't Sell Claude AI to OpenAI

January 31, 2026
244

Anthropic Co-Founder: We Won

Anthropic co-founder and Chief Science Officer Jared Kaplan stated that his company terminated Windsurf's direct access to its Claude AI models primarily due to rumors and reports suggesting its main competitor, OpenAI, is acquiring the AI coding assistant.

"Our focus is on supporting customers who plan to build a sustainable, long-term partnership with us," Kaplan explained during an onstage interview with TechCrunch at TC Sessions: AI 2025 on Thursday.

"It would be unusual for us to be selling Claude to OpenAI," Kaplan added.

This statement follows a Bloomberg report from a few weeks ago indicating OpenAI is acquiring Windsurf for $3 billion. Earlier this week, Windsurf announced that Anthropic had cut its direct access to Claude 3.5 Sonnet and Claude 3.7 Sonnet, two of the most popular AI models for coding. This forced the startup to quickly find alternative third-party computing providers. Windsurf expressed disappointment with Anthropic's decision, warning it could lead to short-term instability for users accessing Claude through its platform.

Windsurf declined to comment on Kaplan's remarks, and an OpenAI spokesperson did not immediately respond to TechCrunch's request. Neither company has confirmed the acquisition rumors.

According to Kaplan, part of the reason for cutting Windsurf's access is that Anthropic is currently facing significant computing constraints. The company prefers to allocate its computing resources to what Kaplan described as "lasting partnerships."

However, Kaplan noted that Anthropic aims to significantly increase model availability for users and developers in the coming months. He mentioned the company has begun unlocking capacity on a new, large-scale computing cluster from its partner Amazon, which is continuously expanding.

Techcrunch event

Save Now Through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI

Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI, and get 50% off a second pass. Join a full day of expert insights, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking with leaders from OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more. These discounted rates end when the event begins on June 5.

Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI

Secure your exhibit space at TC Sessions: AI and showcase your product to over 1,200 decision-makers without a major investment. This offer is available through May 9 or while tables last.

Berkeley, CA | June 5 REGISTER NOW

As Anthropic distances itself from Windsurf, Kaplan said the company is collaborating with other customers developing AI coding tools, such as Cursor—a company Anthropic expects to have a long-term relationship with. Kaplan dismissed the notion that Anthropic is competing with firms like Cursor, which is also building its own AI models.

Meanwhile, Kaplan stated that Anthropic is increasingly prioritizing the development of its own agentic coding products, like Claude Code, over traditional AI chatbot interfaces. While companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta compete to dominate the AI chatbot space, Kaplan believes the static nature of chatbots is limiting. He argues that AI agents will ultimately provide far greater utility for users in the long run.

Related article
VCs and founders profited from Windsurf Google deal, new report reveals VCs and founders profited from Windsurf Google deal, new report reveals Weeks after the news broke about Google's $2.4 billion deal to license Windsurf's technology while also hiring its CEO and key staff, the fallout continues to unsettle founders and startup employees across Silicon Valley.According to two sources fami
Developers distracted 1,200 times daily, MCP targets productivity fix Developers distracted 1,200 times daily, MCP targets productivity fix Software developers spend far more time not coding than they do writing actual code. Industry studies suggest direct programming may account for only around 16% of a developer's workday, with the vast majority of time eaten up by supporting tasks and
Cognition Acquires Windsurf Team and Tech; Reconnects with Anthropic Cognition Acquires Windsurf Team and Tech; Reconnects with Anthropic Autonomous AI coding company Cognition has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Windsurf, an AI developer tools startup recognized for its agent-based integrated development environment (IDE). Both firms announced the news via their X accou
Related Special Topic Recommendations
Design & Art Top AI Illustration Tools: Create Editorial Scenes and Cover Art Faster
Top AI Illustration Tools: Create Editorial Scenes and Cover Art Faster

2026 Latest Top-rated AI Illustration Tools: Our curated list features the best powerfully designed tools for creating stunning editorial scenes and eye-catching cover art quickly. Each option has gone through rigorous real-world tests, offering a free vs paid comparison to help you find the perfect match for your workflow. Try these must-try solutions today to unlock your AI edge and boost your creative productivity. Explore now at XIX.AI.

10 tools
xix.ai
Education and Learning Top AI Tutors for Exam Prep: Practice Math, Science, and English
Top AI Tutors for Exam Prep: Practice Math, Science, and English

2026 Latest Top-Rated Best AI Tutors for Exam Prep are here on XIX.AI! Our curated list features powerful game-changing tools that offer free vs paid comparison, real-world tests, and weekly updated rankings. They help boost your writing efficiency, simplify complex topic learning, and unlock your academic potential. Explore now to Discover your perfect exam prep tool and Start creating today to Unlock your AI edge!

10 tools
xix.ai
Finance AI Budget Planning Tools for Personal Money Management
AI Budget Planning Tools for Personal Money Management

2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Budget Planning Tools for Personal Money Management are here on XIX.AI! This curated collection features powerful, game-changing solutions that help you conduct real-world tests, understand spending habits, and create personalized plans to boost productivity. Enjoy a free vs paid comparison along with detailed rankings. Must-try tools designed to simplify money management and unlock your AI edge. Explore now!

11 tools
xix.ai
Health & Wellness AI Sleep Tracking Assistants: Improve Recovery with Better Bedtime Habits
AI Sleep Tracking Assistants: Improve Recovery with Better Bedtime Habits

2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Sleep Tracking Assistants curated for ultimate recovery. This fully updated weekly guide features powerful tools that deliver real-world tests, free vs paid comparison, and detailed rankings to help you find the must-try solution that boosts sleep quality and supports better bedtime habits. Explore now at XIX.AI to Unlock your AI edge.

10 tools
xix.ai
Data Analysis AI SQL Copilots for Product and Revenue Analytics
AI SQL Copilots for Product and Revenue Analytics

2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI SQL Copilots for Product and Revenue Analytics! XIX.AI has curated a powerful, game-changing collection of must-try tools that undergo real-world tests through weekly updated rankings. These tools help users boost productivity significantly by accelerating data analysis, streamlining complex queries, and generating accurate insights to drive smarter business decisions. Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for unlocking your AI edge!

14 tools
xix.ai
Education and Learning Best AI Homework Helpers That Teach: Learn Concepts, Not Just Answers
Best AI Homework Helpers That Teach: Learn Concepts, Not Just Answers

2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Homework Helpers That Teach Core Concepts Not Just Answers Powerful Tools for Students Must-Try Curated List Weekly Updated Free vs Paid Comparison Real-World Tests Accurate Rankings to Help You Unlock Your Full Learning Potential Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for smarter studying.

10 tools
xix.ai
Comments (0)
0/500
OR