Anthropic, a prominent artificial intelligence firm with substantial backing from tech giants like Google and Amazon, is reportedly advancing its preparations for a momentous initial public offering. Sources indicate the company is targeting an impressive valuation that could exceed $300 billion, setting the stage for what could be one of the largest tech IPOs in history. This strategic move positions Anthropic in a heated race with competitors like OpenAI to enter the public markets.
The company has reportedly enlisted the services of Wilson Sonsini, a renowned Silicon Valley law firm, to commence the preliminary stages of its IPO readiness. This engagement coincides with ongoing negotiations for a new funding round, which, if successful, could solidify its valuation at over $300 billion. This development underscores Anthropic's accelerating ambition for a public listing, with an anticipated debut potentially as early as 2026.
Wilson Sonsini's involvement is particularly noteworthy given its impressive track record of guiding major tech companies through their public offerings, including Google, LinkedIn (subsequently acquired by Microsoft), and Lyft. Their expertise suggests a serious and well-planned approach to Anthropic's market entry. Recent financial commitments from key investors like Microsoft and Nvidia, totaling $15 billion, are expected to further boost Anthropic's valuation, possibly reaching as high as $350 billion. This follows a significant surge in September where the company's valuation more than doubled to $183 billion after a $13 billion funding round.
Despite these extensive preparations, an Anthropic representative clarified that while the company operates with the stringent discipline of a publicly traded entity, a definitive commitment to an IPO has not yet been made. This measured statement aligns with standard practices for high-growth companies at this scale, indicating thorough internal structuring without prematurely confirming external timelines. Nevertheless, the company's robust revenue projections provide a strong foundation for future public endeavors. In October, Anthropic revealed expectations to achieve a $9 billion annual revenue run rate by the close of 2025, with projections for 2026 soaring to over $20 billion, potentially reaching $26 billion in an optimistic scenario. Currently, its annual revenue run rate is nearing $7 billion, a notable increase from $5 billion in August, highlighting its rapid financial growth and market penetration.
In a parallel development, OpenAI is also reportedly making discreet preparations for a potential IPO, though specific timelines remain undisclosed. The competitive landscape within the AI sector continues to intensify, with both companies demonstrating significant financial and strategic maneuvers to secure their positions. Anthropic's strategic engagement with a top legal firm and its ambitious valuation targets underscore its serious intent to become a major player in the public market, transforming the AI industry's investment landscape.