Anthropic acquires computer-use AI startup Vercept after Meta poached one of its founders | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Julie Bort

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Anthropic has acquired Vercept, a Seattle-based AI startup known for developing advanced computer-use agents capable of performing complex tasks within applications. This move comes after Meta lured one of Vercept's co-founders, Matt Deitke, with a significant offer to join its Superintelligence Lab. Vercept’s Vy platform, designed to operate remote devices like Apple MacBooks, positioned it as a leader in reimagining personal computing for the AI era. The acquisition marks Anthropic’s latest step in scaling its AI capabilities, following its December purchase of Bun, an AI coding agent engine. Vercept had raised $50 million in total funding, including a $16 million seed round led by A12, a prominent AI-focused incubator with ties to the Allen Institute for AI. The startup’s impressive investor roster included tech luminaries like Google’s Eric Schmidt and Jeff Dean. However, not all of Vercept’s co-founders are joining Anthropic. Oren Etzioni, a well-known figure in Seattle’s tech community and a co-founder of Vercept, expressed disappointment over the acquisition, accusing lead investor Seth Bannon of failing to support the startup adequately. The dispute highlights the high stakes involved in building AI-driven startups and the challenges of securing the right talent and resources. The acquisition underscores the competitive nature of the AI startup ecosystem, where companies like Anthropic are actively poaching top talent to strengthen their AI capabilities. While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, Vercept’s founders who joined Anthropic appear optimistic about the opportunity to contribute to its growing AI portfolio. The acquisition also marks a significant shift in focus for Anthropic, as it integrates Vercept’s advanced tools into its own AI ecosystem. For readers interested in tech and AI innovation, this acquisition highlights the growing importance of agentic AI tools that can perform complex tasks autonomously. Vercept’s technology, particularly Vy, demonstrated how AI could transform traditional computing by enabling remote device operations with human-like precision. Anthropic’s decision to acquire Vercept signals its commitment to advancing Claude Code and other AI-driven solutions, positioning it as a key player in the future of AI-powered tools. The deal also raises questions about the challenges faced by smaller AI startups in securing long-term success against larger competitors. While Vercept achieved significant milestones, including a $50 million funding round and a strong investor network, its relatively short lifespan suggests the high risks involved in the AI startup space. As Anthropic continues to expand its AI capabilities through strategic acquisitions, it will be

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/25/2026