EverHint on 2026 IPO Watchlist: The Big “Maybe” Names Markets Are Pricing In
2026 IPO Watchlist: the names markets want to see
IPO calendars are never calendars—especially this far out. But a few private giants keep resurfacing in credible reporting and investor conversations. Some show real “prep” signals. Others are more wishful: great businesses, unclear timing, and a long list of reasons to wait.
Here’s a clean 2026 watchlist, ranked by how believable the path to market looks, not by hype.
Higher-confidence “could actually happen” candidates
SpaceX
Multiple reports indicate SpaceX has explored an IPO path around 2026 and discussed eye-watering valuation scenarios. The core takeaway: the conversation exists, but timing remains flexible and dependent on market conditions and internal preference.
Databricks
Databricks has one of the clearest public breadcrumbs: Reuters reported its $134B valuation and that leadership wouldn’t rule out a 2026 IPO. That’s not a commitment—but it’s real signal.
Anthropic
Reuters reported Anthropic has been preparing for a potential IPO as early as 2026. Whether that becomes “filed and priced” is another story, but “IPO prep” puts it in the serious bucket.
Medium-confidence “possible, but timing is squishy”
Stripe
Stripe’s $91.5B tender-offer valuation is well documented. The pushback is also well documented: leadership has repeatedly suggested no rush. 2026 is plausible if conditions line up, but it’s not something to pencil in.
Canva
Canva’s employee share sale valuation around $42B was reported by Reuters, and IPO chatter persists. A 2026 path is feasible, but still very much “optional.”
Revolut
Revolut has had large private valuation discussions (including widely reported ~$75B). IPO timing remains less concrete; treat 2026 as a “maybe,” not a target date.
Lower-confidence “wishful 2026” names
ByteDance
Valuation talk is real in private markets (including reporting around ~$480B), but the IPO path is tangled with geopolitics and TikTok-related regulatory outcomes. “2026” here is largely a hope trade.
OpenAI
Reuters reported OpenAI has considered IPO timing as early as 2H 2026, but also reported the CFO saying they’re not working on an IPO currently. That’s the definition of “wishful-but-not-impossible.”
Carlo’s take - EverHint
The market’s appetite for “the next mega-IPO” is obvious—but the gating item is almost always the same:
- Do they need public capital right now?
- Are private markets still accommodating?
- Does regulatory risk make public scrutiny unattractive?
- Can they tolerate quarterly reporting pressure?
If the answers don’t line up, the “2026 IPO” becomes “someday.”
Disclosure & risk note
This is market commentary for education and research. It is not investment advice.
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