San Francisco-based AI startup Anthropic backed by Google and Amazon, is reportedly preparing for a potential initial public offering (IPO) that could take place as early as 2026. The move comes amid growing investor interest in artificial intelligence technologies.
Anthropic the company behind the AI chatbot Claude, has engaged the law firm Wilson Sonsini to assist in preparations for a possible IPO, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. While the company is exploring listing options, an official spokesperson emphasized that no final decision has been made regarding timing or whether the IPO will proceed.
The startup, founded in 2021 by former OpenAI staff and led by CEO Dario Amodei, has experienced rapid growth. It is projecting to more than double, and potentially nearly triple, its annualized revenue run rate to approximately $26 billion in 2026. The company currently serves over 300,000 business and enterprise customers globally.
Meanwhile, Anthropic is also negotiating a private funding round that could value the company at more than $300 billion, highlighting the market’s strong appetite for AI ventures. This comes after Microsoft and Nvidia announced a combined investment of up to $15 billion to support Anthropic’s $30 billion commitment to utilize Microsoft’s cloud services.
Reportedly, discussions with major investment banks about a potential IPO are in early, informal stages. As such, the company has not yet finalized underwriters or other listing details. Analysts note that an IPO could provide Anthropic with more efficient access to capital and greater leverage for strategic acquisitions.
Rival AI firm OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, has also signaled plans for a potential IPO, which could become one of the largest in history, though the company has clarified that a listing is not in its immediate plans.
The AI market is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and companies like Anthropic are strategically positioning themselves to capture investment momentum while expanding enterprise adoption,” said Anjali Mehta, a technology investment analyst based in San Francisco.
Further updates on Anthropic IPO preparations are awaited as the company navigates early-stage discussions and market opportunities.