Anthropic and Hg launch a European firm to help companies use AI

Anthropic, the maker of the Claude AI assistant, has struck a deal with Hg, a UK buyout group, to launch a new European consultancy. The company's job is to advise businesses on how to put AI to use. The news was reported by the Financial Times on October 23, 2026.

What we know

Two backers stand behind the new firm. Anthropic builds Claude, an AI assistant that can write, summarize and answer questions. Hg is a private equity firm, which means it buys and builds businesses. The new company is focused on advice rather than selling a single product.

Who it affects

The most obvious audience is business owners who know AI is everywhere but are unsure where it fits in their own work. A consultancy backed by an AI maker suggests that companies want guidance, not just software. The focus on Europe points to customers there, though the material does not say who the first clients will be.

What is not known yet

Several basics were not available in the material we reviewed. The new firm's name, its leadership, its size and the amount of money involved have not been confirmed here. It is also unclear what services it will offer, what they will cost, or when it will start work.

What to do

• Write down the tasks in your business that eat the most time before talking to any adviser.
• Compare more than one source of AI advice before you commit money.
• Ask any adviser which AI tools they would recommend and whether they have ties to the makers.