Microsoft’s new agents, Anthropic’s $3.5 billion, and a new startup: This week’s AI launches

AI startup Anthropic raised a $3.5 billion Series E funding round this week, valuing itself at $61.5 billion. Lightspeed Venture Partners led the round, which also included Bessemer Venture Partners and General Catalyst.

The investment will be used to develop the startup’s next-generation AI systems, Anthropic said. It will also go…