Due to the expectation that the lithium-ion battery market will soar in the coming years, investors on the prowl for growth opportunities are turning their attention to Sila Nanotechnologies. According to Allied Market Research, the global lithium-ion battery market was valued at $46.2 billion in 2022, and the firm projects the industry will grow to $189.4 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate of 15.2% from 2023 to 2032.
IPO
Is Sila Nanotechnologies publicly traded?
As of late-2025, Sila Nanotechnologies stock was not available on public markets. So, investors looking to pick up shares are currently out of luck.
In addition to the equity insiders hold in the company, a variety of organizations have stakes in it. Investment management firm T. Rowe Price (TROW +0.63%) has equity in Sila Nanotechnologies, as do venture firms like Sutter Hill Ventures and 8VC and auto manufacturer Mercedes-Benz.
When will Sila Nanotechnologies IPO?
People on the prowl for investments with the potential for serious growth will often consider IPO stocks since they represent unique investment opportunities. Investors who have an eye on Sila Nanotechnologies may be especially motivated to buy the stock during its IPO.
Sila Nanotechnologies management, however, has not clarified whether the company plans to hold an IPO in the near future. Many exciting companies are planning for IPOs this year, but Sila Nanotechnologies is not on the IPO calendar.
Is Sila Nanotechnologies profitable?
Unlike publicly traded companies, which are obligated to submit regulatory filings, Sila Nanotechnologies is not required to provide insight into its financials. Thus, it's impossible to know for certain whether the company is generating a profit.
Although details regarding the company's financial health are scant, Sila Nanotechnologies has likely begun to generate revenue since it provided its battery technology for the wearable fitness device Whoop 4.0 in 2021. The company will make greater strides toward achieving profitability -- if it hasn't done so already -- when it begins to supply Mercedes-Benz with the Titan Silicon anode in 2025.dd
Alternatives to Sila Nanotechnologies
Although many people looking to buy Sila Nanotechnologies stock are currently out of luck, accredited investors may be able to pick up shares even before the stock holds an IPO. Platforms like Forge Global (FRGE +0.56%) allow accredited investors to invest in privately held companies, such as Sila Nanotechnologies.
If you aren't an accredited investor but still want exposure to battery companies like Sila Nanotechnologies, you still have options since there are many similar publicly traded companies to consider.
1. Mercedes-Benz
As one of the world's largest EV companies, Mercedes-Benz provides indirect exposure to Sila Nanotechnologies since the luxury auto manufacturer invested in the start-up in 2019. After scaling up operations at its Moses Lake, Washington, production facility, Sila Nanotechnologies will provide Mercedes-Benz with Titan Silicon anode produced at the facility.
Mercedes-Benz plans on using the nanocomposite silicon anode in batteries for its electric G-class. According to Sila Nanotechnologies, the company's Titan Silicon provides 20% greater energy density than the leading graphite battery cells currently used in EVs, resulting in greater range. Mercedes-Benz will be the first automaker to use the nanocomposite silicon anode from the Moses Lake facility in its EVs.
2. Enovix
Just as Sila Nanotechnologies is working to provide a better alternative to traditional battery chemistry, Enovix (ENVX -1.61%) is attempting to offer an enhanced option to traditional lithium-ion batteries by using silicon anodes.
Founded in 2007, Enovix is only a few years older than Sila Nanotechnologies, making it a good option for quenching the thirst of growth investors who are interested in Sila Nanotechnologies -- especially since the company just transitioned to the revenue-generating phase of its development in 2022.
Enovix recognizes the potential for its battery architecture to be used in EV batteries. However, it plans on supplying smartphone manufacturers in the immediate future.
In May 2024, Enovix announced a development agreement for its smartphone battery cells with one of the world's five largest smartphone original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) based on unit volume. Enovix expects to deliver the first samples of the EX-1M smartphone battery cells to the customer in the second quarter of 2024.
3. QuantumScape
One would be remiss to discuss disruptive battery stocks and leave QuantumScape (QS -2.19%) out of the conversation. The company is the poster child for investors seeking to disrupt the conventional lithium-ion battery market.
In developing solid-state batteries, QuantumScape has made significant progress toward achieving commercial-scale production despite the formidable production challenges that have stymied the progress of similar companies.
The bottom line
From EVs to wearable fitness devices to smartphones, lithium-ion batteries continue to be increasingly present in our lives. Demand for these power sources shows little sign of tapering off anytime soon, so it's no surprise that growth investors have Sila Nanotechnologies on their radars.
The company remains privately held, however, and there's no indication that management plans to take it public anytime soon. There are other options out there, though.
For indirect exposure to Sila Nanotechnologies, investors can pick up shares of Mercedes-Benz. For another innovative battery materials company, they can opt for Enovix. And, of course, QuantumScape is a worthy consideration for investors seeking a disruptive battery stock. Alternatively, investors looking to mitigate the risk of individual stocks may find an ETF a better way to charge up their portfolios.
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