Despite anticipated IPOs from SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI, public market investors have already missed significant AI growth, according to Peter Singlehurst, head of private companies at Baillie Gifford.
The high-valuation companies poised to go public in coming months represent later-stage investments after substantial value creation has already occurred in private markets.
Singlehurst's comments highlight a persistent gap between private and public market participation in transformative technology sectors. Early-stage AI companies have generated outsized returns for private investors and venture capital firms before reaching public markets.
The upcoming IPOs from OpenAI, Anthropic, and SpaceX signal growing investor appetite for exposure to AI and space technology. However, these companies will enter public markets at valuations reflecting years of private funding rounds and operational milestones.
This dynamic reflects broader market trends where institutional and individual public investors increasingly access growth opportunities after private markets have already captured early gains. The timing of public debuts often aligns with maturation rather than inception of major technology waves.
Livestream shopping platform Whatnot has acquired AI startup Shaped to enhance its recommendation engine. The deal strengthens Whatnot's personalization capabilities as it expands into new product categories.
Amsterdam-based Monumental secured a $32 million Series B round led by Khosla Ventures. The company develops autonomous robotics and AI software for the construction industry.
Indian AI coding startup Emergent reached a $1.5 billion valuation in its latest funding round, raising $130 million in Series C and joining the unicorn club after a five-fold valuation jump in six months.
Rime, an AI platform processing over 100 million calls monthly, secured $24 million in Series A funding to expand its customer service solutions for enterprises.