Core Insights - Investor confidence has been tested over the past year due to policy changes and a government shutdown, but sentiment is shifting positively as of 2026, driven by enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) [1] IPO Predictions - Kraken has an 83% chance of going public before 2027, having already filed confidentially for a U.S. IPO, contributing to a trend among digital asset companies preparing for the U.S. equity markets ahead of the 2026 midterms [3] - Cerebras Systems, an AI chipmaker, has a 77% probability of announcing an IPO before next year, with plans to re-file after previously withdrawing its IPO paperwork [4] - Databricks, an AI software company, has a 70% chance of going public before 2027, having raised over $4 billion at a valuation of $134 billion [5] - Discord also has a 70% probability of announcing an IPO before 2027, with a last valuation around $15 billion [5] - Fintech firm Plaid has a 49% chance of going public, while defense tech company Anduril and apparel brand Skims both have a 46% likelihood [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article argues that a long-term trend of economic decline will be prevalent in society, leading individuals to seek alternative investment strategies, particularly in high-risk areas like cryptocurrency and prediction markets, as traditional wealth accumulation pathways have become blocked [1][3][5]. Group 1: Economic Disparities - The traditional wealth accumulation mechanisms have failed, with the Baby Boomer generation holding 50% of national wealth while Millennials only possess about 10% [3][5]. - The cost of living has increased significantly, with housing costs doubling while wages have only grown by 8%, leading to a 33% increase in debt burdens for younger generations [5][11]. - The current economic structure has created a sense of entrapment for many, as they struggle to find realistic paths to achieve financial stability and success [3][4]. Group 2: Changing Work Dynamics - The implicit contract of job security and loyalty in exchange for stable returns has broken down, making long-term employment a disadvantage rather than an advantage [4][5]. - The rise of artificial intelligence threatens white-collar jobs, leading to increased anxiety among workers about job security and the future of their careers [11][12]. - Social media exacerbates feelings of inadequacy, as individuals constantly compare themselves to others who appear to be more successful, further driving the desire for quick financial gains [13][14]. Group 3: Rise of High-Risk Investments - Younger generations are increasingly turning to high-risk investments like cryptocurrency and prediction markets as traditional career paths seem less viable [18][19]. - The gambling-like nature of these investments provides a sense of agency and control that is lacking in conventional job markets, making them appealing despite the inherent risks [19][24]. - The prediction market and sports betting industries are experiencing explosive growth, with significant increases in transaction volumes and participation rates among younger demographics [21][26]. Group 4: Investment Opportunities - Companies that facilitate high-risk investments, such as Polymarket and Coinbase, are positioned to benefit from the growing demand for these services, regardless of individual success rates [25][26]. - The entrepreneurial landscape is expanding, with many opportunities aimed at helping individuals escape traditional employment structures, further driving interest in high-risk ventures [25][27]. - The underlying economic conditions that drive young people towards speculative behavior are unlikely to change, suggesting a sustained demand for platforms that cater to these needs [27][28].

Coinbase has become the latest financial platform to enter the prediction market game.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.The cryptocurrency exchange announced Wednesday (Dec. 17) that it would begin to ...

Polymarket founder Shayne Coplan briefly became the world’s youngest self-made billionaire in October at age 27. However, he is by no means an overnight success. “What people call an ‘overnight success’ takes a decade,” Coplan said on Dec. 2 on X. Coplan shared an October 2013 email he sent to the Securities and Exchange Commission at the age of 14, detailing his intentions to create an electronic communication network-based stock exchange. Don't Miss: Fast Company Calls It a ‘Groundbreaking Step for th ...

Prediction market platform Kalshi has announced that it has become CNN's official partner, integrating its prediction market data into CNN's programming and providing real-time probability data on future cultural and political events to CNN's newsroom, data team, and production team. https://t.co/2kTJP7nNFz ...

Kalshi becomes CNN's official partner, integrating prediction market data into programming https://t.co/7LYHBlplf9 ...

RT Jonaso (@Jonasoeth)If someone asks which project will lead the Prediction Market sector in the future, the most common answer is probably → KalshiKalshi’s growth has been nothing but impressive → Hitting $1B in weekly trading volume is now normal for them.The project is already valued around $15B, higher than Polymarket and far above newer players like @trylimitless or Opinion.Kalshi also dominates the Sports category, where nearly 80% of all trading volume happens on their platform.At this pace, Kalshi ...

Kalshi, a regulated prediction market platform, has closed a $1 billion funding round that values the company at $11 billion, according to TechCrunch. The round was led by returning investors Sequoia Capital and CapitalG, with participation from Andreessen Horowitz, Paradigm, Anthos Capital, and Neo. The new valuation brings Kalshi closer to the $12 billion to $15 billion valuation target reportedly sought by its crypto-native rival Polymarket. The milestone also comes just a month after Kalshi announced ...

Coinbase has teased a “new era” for the crypto exchange, with “exciting product announcements” coming on December 17. A company representative pointed Decrypt towards the tease in response to questions about leaks that appear to show the platform testing prediction market and stock trading features. Jane Manchun Wong, a self-defined “hacker turned builder and consultant,” posted screenshots on Wednesday that appeared to show a Coinbase prediction market. It appears that Coinbase’s prediction market platform ...

Core Insights - Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction market platform, gained significant traction in 2024 due to the U.S. presidential elections, with users actively betting on the outcome of Trump's candidacy [2][8] - The platform's total value locked (TVL) peaked at over $500 million on November 6, 2024, before dropping below $100 million, but has since rebounded to approximately $230 million by November 5, 2025, indicating over 100% growth since the summer of 2025 [3][8] - The anticipated Polymarket airdrop is in development, with the token ticker confirmed as POLY, although no official launch date or criteria have been established yet [5][8] Platform Developments - Polymarket is currently unavailable to U.S. users, despite the platform's focus on U.S. political markets, with preparations for a U.S. launch underway, including a waitlist for interested users [6][7][8] - The eligibility for the upcoming Polymarket airdrop is expected to be based on user activity and engagement on the platform, with no KYC requirements, only a crypto wallet needed for registration [7][8] Market Context - The prediction market sector, represented by Polymarket, is still emerging but is developing rapidly, drawing comparisons to the early days of meme coins [4][8] - Analysts have raised concerns regarding low liquidity and the potential for insider influence, as large bets can significantly distort market odds [8]