Anthropic delays IPO launch

$2tr float pushed to October marketing as prospectus slips to late September

NEW YORK:

Anthropic is expected to begin marketing its initial public offering (IPO) in mid-October at the earliest and complete the listing days before the US midterm elections in November, people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The artificial intelligence company had been expected to make its IPO prospectus public as early as next week, two of the people said, a crucial step that would kick off the final stages of the offering. Now that is not expected until late September, the people added, cautioning that the plans, including the timing, are subject to change.

The shift pushes back what some investors have said could be a $2 trillion listing, one of the largest IPOs ever attempted and a major test of public-market appetite for the rapidly growing artificial intelligence industry.

Companies frequently adjust their IPO schedules as they work through market conditions, regulatory reviews and other preparations, so such changes are not unusual.

As part of the IPO process, Anthropic is looking to finalise a $15 billion revolving credit facility, after which analysts, including those at banks involved in the financing, are expected to meet with the company, one of the people said.