Anthropic has acquired Seattle-based AI startup Vercept in a move that strengthens its push into advanced computer-use agents. The deal adds new research talent and technology to Anthropic’s growing AI ecosystem.
The acquisition comes months after Anthropic bought coding engine Bun to scale Claude Code. Now, with Vercept, Anthropic deepens its focus on AI agents capable of operating computers and completing complex digital tasks.
Anthropic Expands Its AI Agent Capabilities
Vercept built tools designed for agentic AI systems. Its main product, Vy, acted as a cloud-based computer-use agent that could operate a remote Apple MacBook. In simple terms, the software allowed AI to interact with a computer like a human user.
However, as part of the acquisition, Anthropic will shut down Vercept’s product on March 25. Instead of continuing as an independent platform, the technology and team will integrate directly into Anthropic’s AI development roadmap.
This move shows that Anthropic is not just building chat models. It is building AI systems that can take action.
Vercept emerged from A12, a Seattle AI incubator affiliated with the Allen Institute for AI. The startup had strong academic and research roots. Several founders previously worked at the Allen Institute, a long-standing hub for AI research.
As part of the deal, Vercept co-founders, Kiana Ehsani, Luca Weihs, and Ross Girshick, will join Anthropic. Their experience in computer vision and AI systems adds depth to Anthropic’s technical team.
Notably, Matt Deitke, another Vercept co-founder, will not join Anthropic. He recently moved to Meta’s Superintelligence Lab in a high-profile hiring move. Oren Etzioni, also associated with Vercept and well known in the Seattle tech scene, is not joining either.
Anthropic Absorbs a Well-Funded AI Startup
Vercept had raised a total of $50 million from investors. Its backers included major tech figures such as:
- Eric Schmidt
- Jeff Dean
- Kyle Vogt
- Arash Ferdowsi
Despite this support, Vercept chose to join Anthropic rather than continue on its own. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. However, investors have indicated they received a return.
The decision reflects a larger trend in AI. Startups with strong research teams often join bigger AI companies that have more compute power, capital, and distribution.
Anthropic Moves Deeper Into the AI Agent Race
The AI industry is shifting fast. Companies are racing to build agent-based systems that go beyond chat and actually perform tasks. These AI agents can browse the web, use software tools, and automate workflows.
By acquiring Vercept, Anthropic gains both talent and infrastructure in this space. The company already competes with major players like OpenAI and Meta. Strengthening its AI agent capabilities helps Anthropic stay competitive.
At the same time, the deal highlights how high the stakes have become. The battle to build the next dominant AI platform is intense. Talent moves quickly. Investors expect speed and scale.
For Anthropic, this acquisition is about acceleration. Instead of building every tool internally, the company is bringing in proven researchers and tested technology.
Moreover, the move supports Anthropic’s broader goal: building safe, powerful AI systems that can work across digital environments. Computer-use agents could become central to that vision.
While Vercept’s independent journey ends, its technology now becomes part of Anthropic’s long-term AI roadmap.
Anthropic continues to grow through targeted acquisitions. First Bun, now Vercept. Each move adds technical strength in key AI areas.
The AI race is not slowing down. With this acquisition, Anthropic signals that it plans to compete aggressively in the next phase of AI development, where agents do more than talk. They act.
