Anthropic IPO to Face Data Center Backlash Risk

Anthropic is preparing for an initial public offering that could seek a valuation of approximately $2 trillion, a figure that would make it one of the largest stock listings ever. The artificial intelligence company, which confidentially filed for its IPO in June 2026, is now confronting growing public opposition to the construction of AI data centers, a backlash that sources say will be explicitly listed as a material risk in its forthcoming prospectus.

The potential offering would surpass the record $85.7 billion raised by SpaceX's listing in July. Anthropic's financial performance supports investor optimism, with the company reporting annualized revenue that exceeded $65 billion and quarterly revenue of $11.6 billion for the second quarter of 2026. This represents a sharp increase from its $9 billion annualized figure at the end of 2025.

However, a significant headwind is emerging from local communities and public sentiment. A Gallup poll released in May found that 70% of Americans opposed having AI data centers built near them, with nearly half expressing strong opposition. This resistance focuses on the substantial electricity, land, and water requirements of the facilities.