AI selloff puts Anthropic's IPO timing in doubt, investors say

what happened

Potential investors in Anthropic's highly anticipated IPO are doubting whether the AI startup can run its planned roadshow next week and list in November. Reuters reported this, citing four people familiar with investor discussions. They said the recently discussed $1.5 trillion valuation looks like the high end of expectations, and that investors want a more attractive price, possibly with a bigger discount.

The caution follows the sharpest tech stock selloff in a year, a two-day AI market slide after the US midterm elections, and wider geopolitical uncertainty. Anthropic declined to comment on the doubts. A delay could deepen worries about the health of the AI ecosystem and weigh on a broader stock market heavily weighted toward large technology firms.

Some analysts think Anthropic, like SpaceX before it, could benefit from strong retail demand. Rick Meckler, partner at Cherry Lane Investments, said these companies will still go public and investors will remain interested, though some valuation pullback is likely after a long private-market run.

why it matters

The deal matters beyond one company. Anthropic's listing could be a gauge of risk appetite in tech, so a delay would add pressure on AI-linked shares, while a successful offering could restore confidence. Investors are also waiting for Anthropic's October revenue figure, which was left blank in its updated S-1 filing.

market impact

AI and tech stocks: a delayed IPO could add pressure through lower valuation expectations

• ▼AI-related and large US tech stocks pressure down — a delay risks squeezing their valuations

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