Artificial intelligence startup Anthropic is looking for a buyer to purchase a stake in the company currently owned by the defunct crypto exchange FTX but has ruled out selling to investors from Saudi Arabia, according to a report from CNBC, which cites anonymous sources.

"As bankers line up a group of potential new Anthropic backers, the company has ruled out taking money from the Saudis, according to people familiar with the matter. Anthropic executives cited national security, one of the sources told CNBC," the report said.

Three years ago, FTX bought shares in Anthropic for $500 million. Now, the 8% stake in the high-profile AI startup is valued at more than $1 billion. FTX is selling the Anthropic shares as part of its bankruptcy proceedings, and funds from the sale will be used to …