Decart founders decline Anthropic’s demand to move to US

Decart’s founders turned down Anthropic’s demand that they relocate to San Francisco, effectively ending a proposed $6 billion acquisition.

Background of the Deal

Anthropic, a leading U.S. AI firm, had been in talks to acquire Decart, an Israeli startup known for its generative‑AI tools for e‑commerce. The deal, first reported in early 2024, was valued at roughly $6 billion and would have marked one of the largest foreign acquisitions in Israel’s tech sector.

During negotiations, Anthropic’s leadership insisted that Decart’s executive team move its headquarters to San Francisco to better integrate with Anthropic’s operations and to align with U.S. regulatory expectations.

Founders’ Response

Decart’s co‑founders, citing the importance of maintaining their Israeli R&D hub and preserving the company’s cultural identity, declined the relocation request. They argued that the move would disrupt ongoing projects and dilute the talent pipeline that had been cultivated in Tel Aviv.

The founders also expressed concerns about the logistical and personal challenges of a cross‑continental shift for their staff, many of whom have deep ties to the local ecosystem.

Implications for the Deal

Anthropic’s insistence on a U.S. base was a non‑negotiable term, and the founders’ refusal led to the collapse of the acquisition talks. Analysts note that the breakdown underscores the growing tension between Israeli tech firms and foreign investors over control of intellectual property and operational sovereignty.

• Potential loss of a $6 billion cash infusion for Decart
• Reassessment of Anthropic’s acquisition strategy in Israel
• Increased scrutiny of future cross‑border deals involving AI startups

Decart will continue to operate independently, seeking alternative funding while maintaining its focus on expanding AI solutions for global retailers.

Globes coverage of Decart founders’ decision