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Crypto IPO Market Eyes Busier 2026 After $3.4B Raised in 2025

By

Shweta Chakrawarty

Shweta Chakrawarty

Crypto firms raised $3.4B via initial public offerings. The 2026 pipeline features Kraken, Consensys, and BitGo as markets favor compliance.

Crypto IPO Market Eyes Busier 2026 After $3.4B Raised in 2025

Quick Take

Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed.

  • Kraken filed confidentially for a 2026 IPO at a $20B valuation.

  • Consensys targets a mid-2026 listing with JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs.

  • BitGo eyes Q1 2026 to become the first public crypto custodian.

  • Animoca Brands plans a Nasdaq debut via a strategic reverse merger.

Crypto companies raised about $3.4 billion through initial public offerings this year. This sets the stage for a potentially busier listing calendar in 2026. Data cited by DL News shows that digital asset firms returned to public markets this year after a long slowdown. It was caused by regulatory pressure and weak investor sentiment. The renewed activity reflects a shift in what public investors want. Instead of high-risk trading platforms, markets are now favoring firms focused on compliance, custody and core infrastructure. As a result, the 2026 pipeline looks more selective but also more mature.

2025 IPOs Mark a Cautious Return to Public Markets

Several crypto firms successfully listed in 2025. It is helping reopen the IPO window. Stablecoin issuer Circle and trading platform Bullish. Both raised more than $1 billion each. Other notable listings included Gemini and blockchain lender Figure. These offerings showed that public investors are willing to back crypto businesses again. But only with stronger disclosures and clearer revenue models. 

Analysts say this environment favors companies that bridge traditional finance and on chain markets. Still, overall volumes remain far below the peak years of the last cycle. That makes 2026 a key test for whether crypto IPOs can fully regain market trust.

Major Crypto Firms Prepare for 2026 Listings

Several high-profile companies are now lining up for potential IPOs next year. In particular, Kraken is seen as the most advanced candidate. This is because the U.S.-based exchange filed confidential paperwork in late 2025. It is reportedly targeting a valuation near $20 billion. Infrastructure firm Consensys, which operates MetaMask and Infura. It is also preparing for a mid-2026 listing. The company was last valued at around $7 billion. It has shifted focus toward enterprise and wallet-based revenue. Consequently, custody provider BitGo may become the first major crypto custodian to go public. Strategic investors currently value BitGo at $1.75 billion, which attracts those seeking regulated exposure without trading risk.

Asia and Hardware Firms Add Global Flavor

Outside the U.S., Animoca Brands is expected to pursue a Nasdaq listing in 2026. It is potentially at a $6 billion valuation. The Hong Kong based firm has reshaped its strategy around digital property rights and gaming infrastructure. Meanwhile, hardware wallet maker Ledger is preparing a major funding round ahead of a possible listing. Demand for self custody tools has grown. As users remain cautious about centralized platforms.

In Asia, Bithumb plans to list in South Korea. Analysts view the move as a signal of renewed confidence in retail-driven crypto markets across the region. In turn, these plans suggest 2026 could mark a more disciplined phase for crypto IPOs focused less on hype. Additionally, more on infrastructure, compliance and long-term viability.

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