Sakana AI prepares for a possible IPO

Featured photograph: Koji Chikazawa / Sakana AI.

Sakana AI is preparing for a possible stock-market listing, Reuters reported on 9 November, citing people familiar with the matter. The Tokyo AI company told the news agency that no formal decision had been made regarding an IPO.

Reuters reported that a listing could take place in autumn 2027 or later that year if preparations proceed smoothly. Goldman Sachs and other advisers are involved, according to the report, and a simultaneous listing in Japan and the US has not been ruled out.

Finwire’s account of Nikkei Asia’s reporting puts the possible valuation above ¥680 billion and identifies Japan or Nasdaq as potential venues. Those figures and locations remain reported possibilities, with no offering terms confirmed by Sakana.

Sakana’s official careers page independently lists IPO preparation among the responsibilities of a corporate development associate, alongside capital strategy, acquisitions and partnerships. The undated vacancy gives no listing timetable or valuation.

Sakana has already raised substantial private capital. Its Series B announcement, originally published in November 2025 and updated on 9 April 2026, records ¥32 billion raised and a post-money valuation of approximately ¥432 billion. Investors include MUFG, Khosla Ventures, Google, Mitsubishi Electric and Citi.

The company says that funding supports research, AI deployment for Japanese businesses and expansion into manufacturing and defence. Its technical approach includes adapting existing models for Japan and combining the capabilities of several models, alongside research into new architectures.

A public offering would follow that private financing, but the reported ¥680 billion figure is a potential company valuation, rather than the amount Sakana would raise. The reports do not establish an offer price, share count or confirmed flotation date.