Anthropic IPO: How US midterm results could threaten its $1.5 trillion valuation

Anthropic’s planned stock market entry faces a new challenge. The company reportedly wants to raise up to $100 billion through an initial public offering (IPO) that could value it at around $1.5 trillion. However, growing political opposition to artificial intelligence infrastructure could complicate its expansion plans.

The November 3 US midterm elections sent a strong message from communities where developers want to build data centres. According to Ballotpedia, voters favoured restrictions on data centre development in 40 of 41 local ballot contests. The measures included full and partial bans, construction pauses and new approval requirements.