Rokt IPO: Bruce Buchanan's Tech Company Rules Out 2026 Float as AI Uncertainty Rattles Markets
Australian Financial Review
SKIPPED
Details
- Date Published
- 28 Jan 2026
- Priority Score
- 1
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 27 Jan 2026, 09:45 pm
Description
One of Australia’s most valuable venture capital-backed technology companies has told investors it will not pursue an expected public listing in the next 12 months.
Summary
Rokt, a prominent Australian tech company, has announced it will delay its planned IPO, citing market volatility due to uncertainties surrounding AI technologies. This decision reflects broader concerns within the tech industry about navigating the unpredictable impacts of AI advancements on markets. While the article highlights economic rather than safety concerns, it is indicative of the significant global impact AI technologies are having on business strategies and investment decisions. The delay is part of a cautious approach as companies balance potential AI-driven opportunities against market stability. Although this announcement does not directly address AI safety, it underscores the financial market's reaction to technological disruption.
Body
TechnologyIPOPrint articleTess BennettTechnology reporterUpdated Jan 28, 2026 – 8.44am, first published at 8.30amRokt, one of Australia’s most valuable venture capital-backed companies, has pulled plans for an expected sharemarket float in the next 12 months, telling its backers that it wants to sidestep volatility in a market that is trying to get to grips with AI in technology products.Chief executive Bruce Buchanan, a former Jetstar boss, told investors and employees on Wednesday morning the advertising technology company would continue to prepare for a future listing but would not pull the trigger this year.Loading...Tess Bennett is a technology reporter with The Australian Financial Review, based in the Brisbane newsroom. She was previously the work & careers reporter. Message Tess on Signal: @tessbennett.02. Connect with Tess on Twitter. Email Tess at tess.bennett@afr.comSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreIPOVenture capitalStart-upsAIUSAJetstarASX LimitedSharesAustralianSuperHostplusCanvaMorgan StanleyPaul BassatAtlassianSoftwareFetching latest articles