Artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic is aiming to make history with an initial public offering (IPO) in 2026 that could eclipse the record-setting debut already achieved by Elon Musk’s space exploration firm, SpaceX. Prediction market analyses indicate Anthropic is targeting a valuation north of $2 trillion for its anticipated public listing later this year.
SpaceX successfully completed its IPO in June 2026, setting a new benchmark for public market debuts. The company priced its shares at $135, achieving an initial valuation of approximately $1.77 trillion to $1.78 trillion, which was considered the largest IPO on record at the time. Its market capitalization briefly surpassed $2 trillion on its first trading day. However, Anthropic’s rapid growth and ambitious valuation target now pose a significant challenge to that record.
Anthropic has emerged as a leading player in generative AI technology, known for its AI chatbot, Claude. The company secured a valuation of $965 billion in May during its Series H funding round, and its annualized revenue for 2026 is projected to reach $65 billion. This explosive growth in the artificial intelligence sector is a primary driver behind the high expectations for Anthropic’s upcoming IPO.
Currently, prediction markets show SpaceX slightly ahead with about 55% odds of retaining the title for the largest 2026 IPO, while Anthropic trails closely at 44-45%. Analysts note that a critical factor is the timing, as Anthropic’s IPO must occur by December 31, 2026, for it to be considered for this year’s largest offering; otherwise, SpaceX would automatically secure the title. Should Anthropic achieve its $2 trillion-plus target, it would signify a robust shift in the technology market’s focus, further solidifying artificial intelligence as a dominant investment theme and potentially boosting investor confidence in the broader AI industry.
Do-yun Kim
Industry & Companies
