IPO stocks to watch in 2026
These companies haven't gone public yet, but they're among the most hyped offerings in years.
1. OpenAI
OpenAI is one of the most anticipated IPOs in Wall Street history as the generative AI leader was valued at $852 billion pre-money in its most recent funding round in March 2026 after raising $110 billion from Softbank, Amazon, and Nvidia.
While it's been easy for the company to raise money in the private markets, the ChatGPT creator could go public as soon as this year.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the company is preparing for a public offering in the fourth quarter of 2026, aiming to beat rival Anthropic to market. The company recently restructured its business as a for-profit enterprise and defined the stakes that investors like Microsoft hold in the company.
2. Anthropic
Not to be outdone, Anthropic, the other leading AI company and maker of the Claude chatbot, is also reportedly planning its own IPO.
The start-up was valued at $380 billion in its last funding round, and, as of Feb. 2026, after raising $30 billion in its Series G round.
In December, Financial Times reported that Anthropic had hired the law firm Wilson Sonsini to prepare for an IPO that could happen as early as 2026.
Anthropic has gotten a lot of attention for its Claude Code tool, which has driven a sell-off in software stocks, as some investors believe it could replace a lot of traditional coding and software programs.
3. SpaceX
SpaceX, Elon Musk's aerospace company, is also on the list of high-profile companies that could go public this year. In fact, the company filed confidentially to go public on April 1.
According to media reports, the company is seeking valuation of as much as $2 trillion, and could raise $75 billion, which would make it the biggest IPO in history, and one of the most valuable companies in the world.
The Wall Street Journal said Musk's lieutenants have reached out to index managers to secure earlier inclusion for the company, which would add to demand for its stock.
SpaceX also recently merged with xAI, Musk's AI company, presumably in part to beef up its prospects ahead of an IPO.