Tech IPOs Hit Pause Amid Market Volatility, Klarna and StubHub Delay Listings

Reese Morgan

Reese Morgan

April 04, 2025 · 3 min read
Tech IPOs Hit Pause Amid Market Volatility, Klarna and StubHub Delay Listings

In a sudden turn of events, the highly anticipated initial public offerings (IPOs) of fintech company Klarna and ticket marketplace StubHub have been put on hold, citing market volatility as the primary reason. This decision comes just a month after both companies filed public documents for their IPOs, aiming to raise at least $1 billion each.

The news, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, suggests that the companies are exercising caution in the face of a tumultuous market environment. The recent announcement of sweeping tariffs by President Trump has sent public stock markets into a freefall, making it an inopportune time for companies to go public. Both Klarna and StubHub were set to launch their roadshows next week, engaging with potential investors to discuss their IPOs, but have now decided to postpone these plans.

Klarna, a Swedish fintech company, has been a major player in the online payment space, offering services such as "buy now, pay later" options to consumers. The company's IPO was highly anticipated, with many expecting it to be one of the largest fintech listings of the year. Similarly, StubHub, a leading online ticket marketplace, has been a dominant force in the event ticketing industry. The company's IPO was seen as a significant opportunity for investors to tap into the growing online ticketing market.

The delay in these IPOs is a significant setback for the tech industry, which has been experiencing a resurgence in IPO activity in recent months. The pause in listings is likely to have a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem, with many startups and venture capital firms closely watching the developments. The IPO market has been particularly sensitive to market fluctuations, and the current uncertainty is likely to make companies more cautious about going public.

When reached for comment, both Klarna and StubHub declined to provide further information on their decision to postpone their IPOs. However, industry experts suggest that the move is a prudent one, given the current market conditions. "It's better to wait for a more stable market environment than to risk going public during a period of high volatility," said a venture capital investor, who wished to remain anonymous.

The delay in these IPOs also raises questions about the broader implications for the tech industry. With many startups relying on IPOs as a means of raising capital and achieving liquidity, a prolonged pause in listings could have far-reaching consequences. It remains to be seen how the industry will respond to this development, but one thing is clear – the IPO window, which had tentatively reopened in recent months, is now firmly shut.

As the market continues to navigate these uncertain times, all eyes will be on Klarna and StubHub, waiting to see when they will decide to re-enter the IPO fray. For now, the delay in their listings serves as a stark reminder of the risks and uncertainties that come with going public in a volatile market environment.

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