AI Feels Like Crypto In 2017, Circle Raises $222M and Anthropic Cracks Down On SPVs

AI Feels Like Crypto In 2017, Circle Raises $222M and Anthropic Cracks Down On SPVs

From Empire by Blockworks

May 14, 2026 · 1h 16m

About this episode

The episode discusses the current AI mania, comparing it to the crypto boom of 2017, and covers Circle's fundraising and Anthropic's actions regarding SPVs.

This week, we’re back with another weekly roundup to discuss the current AI mania and how it feels similar to crypto in 2017. We then deep dive into Circle's $222M raise, expectations for the Clarity Act, Anthropic's crackdown on SPVs and more. Enjoy! -- Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM Follow Empire: https://x.com/theempirepod -- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (05:44) AI Today Feels Like Crypto In 2017 (27:12) Circle Raises $222M (46:15) The Clarity Act (59:03) Anthropic Cracks Down On SPV’s (01:10:30) Content of The Week -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, Rob and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

People in this episode

Hosts: Jason Yanowitz, Santiago Roel, Rob Hadick

Topics covered

  • AI
  • crypto
  • fundraising
  • Clarity Act
  • SPVs
  • weekly roundup

Keywords

  • AI
  • crypto
  • Circle
  • Anthropic
  • fundraising
  • Clarity Act
  • SPVs
  • weekly roundup

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Circle, Anthropic

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