OpenAI and Anthropic are both moving towards initial public offerings, with forecasts suggesting they may go public in late 2026. OpenAI is currently collaborating with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to finalize an IPO filing, aiming for a public listing potentially in September 2026. Recently, this company has reached a staggering valuation of about $852 billion. Meanwhile, Anthropic, which was started by ex-OpenAI leaders and is known for its Claude family of AI models, is looking at launching its IPO as early as October 2026. This potential IPO is linked to a private valuation near $380 billion.
The total IPO proceeds from OpenAI, Anthropic, and SpaceX are projected to reach nearly $200 billion. If these estimates hold true, this amount would surpass the overall US IPO volume recorded from 2022 through the first quarter of 2026. Such a monumental figure would signal a significant resurgence in the market.
As we look ahead to late 2026, there are notable economic concerns looming over these IPOs. Analysts predict a stagflationary environment, marked by ongoing inflation, sluggish economic growth, and a cooling job market. This climate could impact investor sentiment and complicate pricing strategies for these new stock entries.
In a strategic shift, OpenAI plans to distribute shares to retail investors in its IPO. This choice deviates from conventional practices, which generally favor institutional investors. The timing of both OpenAI and Anthropic's public offerings, likely occurring in close proximity, sets the stage for direct competition. These two companies will vie for the same pool of investor funds, which could lead to varied outcomes regarding financial support and market reception.