Upcoming IPOs in 2026 are companies that have publicly announced plans or filings in 2025 for an initial public offering in 2026. These are businesses that have raised private capital, achieved scale or profitability, and are now stepping toward public markets, offering potential early-stage investment opportunities for public investors.

This surge of upcoming IPOs in 2026 is fueled by renewed investor appetite, structural growth across sectors like AI and fintech, and improving macroeconomic conditions.

Below are some of the top upcoming IPOs in 2026 that have drawn attention from analysts and investors alike.

Anthropic (AI & Machine Learning)

Anthropic, the startup behind the AI-powered chatbot “Claude,” has taken steps toward a potential IPO by hiring legal advisors, with 2026 mentioned as a potential timeline. As a leading AI firm backed by major players and generating substantial enterprise traction, its public debut could be one of the biggest tech IPOs of 2026, especially given investor enthusiasm about AI infrastructure. However, the company has stated publicly that no final decision has been made on whether or when to go public.

Kraken (Cryptocurrency Exchange & Fintech)

Kraken, a major global crypto exchange, is preparing for a U.S. IPO targeting Q1 2026 after raising $800 million at a $20 billion valuation in November 2025, reflecting strong investor confidence in crypto infrastructure. As crypto markets evolve and digital assets gain broader acceptance, this IPO could mark a milestone for crypto adoption within public markets.

Cohesity (Data Infrastructure & Cloud Security)

Once a confidential filer, Cohesity has publicly signaled that 2026 is a target year for going public, riding on its growth in data backup, cloud security, and data management tools. With annual recurring revenue rising significantly and increased demand for cybersecurity and cloud resilience, Cohesity could become one of the leading IPOs in enterprise tech.

Holtec International (Clean/Nuclear Energy Infrastructure)

Holtec, an active company in nuclear decommissioning, fuel storage, and small modular reactor (SMR) development, announced plans in 2025 to go public in early 2026. With growing interest in clean energy and nuclear alternatives to support grid stability and decarbonization, Holtec might be one of the few energy infrastructure IPOs in 2026 offering exposure to SMR initiatives.

Companies Frequently Mentioned as Possible 2026 IPO Candidates

While not all firms have confirmed 2026 listing dates, several are considered strong candidates in the pipeline, including a range of companies in global fintech, digital banking, AI infrastructure, and other sectors adapting to tech-driven disruption.

The following companies have been discussed by analysts and media as potential 2026 IPO candidates, though timing remains speculative and subject to market conditions:

• Databricks (Enterprise Software / AI) - Targeting early 2026 with a potential $100B+ valuation, though leadership has not committed on timing 
• Stripe (Financial Technology) - After multiple delays, reports suggest 2026 as a possibility, though no official filing exists 
• Plaid (Financial Technology) - While the CEO stated they have no immediate plans to go public in early 2024, analysts view 2026 or later as increasingly likely 
• Skims (Retail / Fashion) - Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand, valued at $4B+ in private markets 
• Impossible Foods (Food Technology) - Plant-based protein leader exploring public markets 
• Panera Bread (Food Service) - Restaurant chain considering return to public markets

Several trends are aligning to make 2026 a promising year for new public offerings:

1. Strong Fundamentals and Capital Runway: Companies like Cohesity and Anthropic have raised substantial private capital and achieved scale, giving them the financial runway to withstand the scrutiny and costs of going public during a period of structural shifts in their industries.
2. Renewed Investor Appetite for Innovation: With AI, cloud computing, clean energy, crypto, and data security seeing renewed demand, many firms are timing their public entry to capitalize on sector momentum.
3. Macroeconomic Recovery: As interest rates stabilize and global economies aim for recovery, more institutional and retail investors may be willing to commit to long-term growth stocks and IPOs.

Because of these factors, many upcoming IPOs in 2026 offer a diverse mix of investment opportunities, from high-growth tech and AI to infrastructure and energy.

It is important to note that, no matter how optimistic analysts may be, potential headwinds exist, including tariff-related market volatility in late 2025 that caused some companies to delay their public debuts. Investors should monitor macroeconomic conditions closely as they evolve through early 2026.

Upcoming IPOs in 2026 come with exciting potential, but also increased risk. Here’s what to evaluate carefully before investing.

Understand the Company’s Fundamentals

Check revenue growth, profitability, market demand, and the sustainability of the business model. Startups may have high valuations but uncertain paths to profit.

Know the Industry and Regulation Risks

Sectors like crypto, nuclear energy, and AI can be sensitive to regulatory changes, policy shifts, and public sentiment, potentially creating more risk for investors.

Be Prepared for Volatility

IPO stocks often experience large swings due to market conditions, investor sentiment, and macroeconomic events.

Focus on Long-Term Goals, Not Short-Term Hype

Investing in IPOs should align with your long-term financial plan. Don’t chase short-lived gains based on excitement around a particular company or industry.

Diversify

Don’t put all your resources into one IPO or sector. Balance with diversified holdings to mitigate risk.

Q: What exactly qualifies as an upcoming IPO in 2026?
A: An upcoming IPO in 2026 refers to a company that has publicly filed or announced its intention to go public in 2026. These could also be companies analysts and underwriters expect to list in 2026 based on market signals and preparatory filings.

Q: Are all companies mentioned here guaranteed to go public in 2026?
A: No. IPO timings are highly dependent on market conditions. Even companies with SEC filings can delay or withdraw. Of the companies listed, only Anthropic, Kraken, Cohesity, and Holtec have made public statements or filings indicating 2026 as a target year. Others are analyst predictions based on company readiness and market positioning.

Q: Are IPOs in 2026 riskier than established public stocks?
A: Yes. IPOs generally carry higher volatility and uncertainty. While potential rewards can be significant, there is also a greater risk of early share price swings, market corrections, or company underperformance.

Q: How should I approach investing in a 2026 IPO as part of my portfolio?
A: Treat it like a satellite investment. Allocate only a portion of your portfolio, balance with diversified assets, and think long-term. Make sure any IPO investment fits within your overall risk tolerance and financial goals.

Q: Where can I find updated lists and S-1 filings for companies planning IPOs in 2026?
A: Sources include the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) EDGAR database, IPO tracking platforms (such as IPOX), financial news outlets, and public statements from the companies themselves.

Upcoming IPOs in 2026 offer diverse opportunities across AI, fintech, energy, cloud security, and crypto. Several companies with strong fundamentals are preparing to enter public markets, potentially giving early-stage public investors access before broad institutional adoption. 

Success in IPO investing requires discernment, research, and strategy. Approach each opportunity as you would any long-term investment: understand the business model, assess the competitive landscape, manage risk appropriately, and avoid chasing hype. 

As always, if you want help analyzing IPOs, aligning them with your financial plan, or evaluating how they might fit into your portfolio, feel free to reach out.

This analysis is based on publicly available information, including SEC filings, company statements, and financial media reports, as of December 2025. Readers should verify IPO statuses independently as circumstances change rapidly.