Artificial intelligence startup Anthropic is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) that could occur as early as 2026. The company has engaged law firm Wilson Sonsini to assist with the preparations, according to sources cited by the Financial Times. Anthropic is also in discussions for a private funding round, with a valuation surpassing $300 billion. While Anthropic has initiated conversations with several major investment banks regarding the IPO, these talks remain in the preliminary stages, and no underwriters have been selected. A spokesperson for Anthropic emphasized that no final decisions have been made about going public, stating that operating efficiently like a publicly traded company is standard for a firm of their size and revenue.