Artificial Intelligence3 min read187d ago

Anthropic Targets $60 Billion IPO as Perplexity and AI Startups Secure New Capital

The artificial intelligence sector is seeing a massive influx of capital across private and public markets. Anthropic is reportedly preparing for an October 2026 initial public offering with a valuation target exceeding $60 billion. Simultaneously, Perplexity AI reached an $18 billion valuation following a $100 million funding round. This growth is supported by strong fundamentals, as Perplexity reports a $450 million annual revenue run rate and significant monthly growth.

Investment firms and established corporations are also expanding their footprints. Eclipse closed a $1.3 billion fund specifically for physical AI and robotics. Accenture acquired Keepler Data Tech to bolster its AI consulting services in Europe. Meanwhile, AWS continues to invest billions in both Anthropic and OpenAI, maintaining a strategy of supporting multiple competing partners to secure its cloud infrastructure dominance.

Smaller specialized firms are also securing capital. NeuBird AI raised $19.3 million for autonomous IT operations agents. SUMA Acquisition Corporation priced a $150 million IPO to target tech firms benefiting from AI diffusion. These movements indicate a maturing market where investors are prioritizing both foundational models and practical, industry-specific applications.

Key Takeaways

  • Anthropic is in early discussions for an October 2026 IPO with a target valuation exceeding $60 billion.facebook.com
  • Perplexity AI reached an $18 billion valuation and reported a $450 million annual revenue run rate.techcrunch.com
  • Venture firm Eclipse closed a $1.3 billion fund dedicated to physical AI and robotics startups.techcrunch.com
  • Accenture acquired Spanish firm Keepler Data Tech to expand its global AI consultancy practice.instagram.com
  • AWS CEO Matt Garman confirmed the company is comfortable investing billions in competing partners like Anthropic and OpenAI.instagram.com