Which Companies will IPO this Year as OpenAi, Anthropic Race to Go Public?
OpenAI and Anthropic continue to battle as their ChatGPT vs. Claude product debate rages on. Will both of them make an IPO by the end of the year? And what other hot companies will join them? Peter Alexis breaks down the Kalshi odds for Companies to IPO in 2026.
Peter Alexis - February 18, 2026, 4:45 PM EST
5 Minute ReadCompanies to IPO Odds: OpenAI, Anthropic, SpaceX and Others Race to Market Before End of 2026
The 2026 IPO pipeline is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in years. After a quieter stretch in the public markets as startups stayed private longer through 2023–25, 2026 is now poised to deliver a wave of blockbuster market debuts, particularly from the tech and AI sectors. The demand for public capital to fuel massive growth, expensive infrastructure buildouts, and global expansion is driving a number of high-profile companies toward the stock exchange. The markets are already pricing in probability of IPO announcements, and several familiar names are drawing outsized interest from investors and traders alike.
What’s unique this year is the potential for a record-breaking crop of listings. Gone are the days when only early-stage unicorns go public; 2026 promises offerings from companies with valuations in the tens or even hundreds of billions. From beloved consumer platforms to AI juggernauts and space technology leaders, the race to become publicly traded has become a story of capital, technology leadership, and Wall Street’s appetite for big innovation.
Think you know which companies will IPO this year? Bet on the offerings with Kalshi Here
Companies to IPO Odds: Who will Go Public by End of 2026?
Jersey Mike’s: 83% Chance
At 83%, Jersey Mike’s tops the IPO probability board. The fast-growing sandwich chain has been on Wall Street’s radar as a strong candidate for an offering thanks to consistent sales growth, expanding footprint, and predictable franchise economics.
While not a tech play, its profitability and brand strength make it appealing to investors looking for stability in tumultuous markets. A strong consumer brand with mission-critical margin expansion, Jersey Mike’s is widely expected to announce an IPO this year.
Discord: 80% Chance
Discord sits just behind at 80%, reflecting solid market belief that a filing is imminent. Reports suggest the gaming-centric communications platform has confidentially submitted IPO paperwork and is in advanced talks with major banks.
With tens of millions of daily users and expanding monetization, Discord looks positioned to finally take the leap after years of speculation. Going public would solidify its transition from a niche community tool into mainstream tech infrastructure.
SpaceX: 77% Chance
SpaceX is one of the most fascinating names on the IPO radar, priced at 77% to announce an offering in 2026. Rumors and filings have ramped up, and Wall Street watchers believe a SpaceX IPO, particularly a listing tied to its Starlink broadband business, could be historically large.
With valuations suggested well into the hundreds of billions, a SpaceX IPO would not only be transformative for the company but potentially one of the biggest offerings in market history.
Anthropic: 68% Chance
Among AI companies, Anthropic is one of the most likely to go public this year, with the market assigning it a 68% chance. The maker of Claude has raised massive funding and positioned itself as a strong alternative to other generative AI leaders.
Investors view public liquidity as a logical next step if Anthropic wants to expand R&D and compete on a global scale, making it a major name in the 2026 frontline of tech listings.
Open AI: 51% Chance
OpenAI, the most talked-about potential tech IPO, is priced at about 51% on Kalshi, essentially a coin-flip. The company behind ChatGPT and the dominant AI narrative globally needs massive capital for compute infrastructure and future product investment.
Whether OpenAI ultimately files in 2026 will depend on regulatory development and internal timing but the market clearly sees a realistic path this year. The fact its probability still sits just above even odds underscores both the excitement and uncertainty around an OpenAI debut as they race against Anthropic.
Skims: 37% Chance
Skims, the fashion and lifestyle brand co-founded by Kim Kardashian, sits further down the market board at 37%. While not as technically compelling as SpaceX or AI names, Skims brings strong consumer demand, brand cachet, and direct-to-consumer growth to the table.
Its odds suggest skepticism about timing, perhaps waiting on market conditions or strategic resets, but it remains a viable candidate if retail investor appetite stays strong.
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