Core Insights - Klarna's IPO marked a significant event in the recovering IPO market, with shares jumping 30% on debut, indicating renewed investor interest [1][4] - The initial public offering was priced above expectations, leading to a valuation exceeding $15 billion, with shares trading at $52 shortly after the debut [2][3] - Despite the strong debut, Klarna's current valuation is significantly lower than its peak of $45.6 billion in 2021, raising concerns about sustainability in the current market environment [5][6] Company Overview - Klarna, founded in 2005, is primarily known for its buy now, pay later services and is transitioning towards becoming a full-fledged bank, recently launching a U.S. debit card in partnership with Visa [6] - The company has secured exclusive buy now, pay later provider status at Walmart in the U.S. and is expanding its services to platforms like eBay and payment processors such as Nexi, Worldpay, and J.P. Morgan Payments [7] Market Context - The IPO comes after a prolonged period of weak market activity, with Klarna's debut contributing to a recent trend of successful new listings in the U.S. [4] - Early investors, including Sequoia Capital, have seen significant gains from the IPO, although firms that invested during the 2021 funding rounds are currently facing paper losses [4][6] - The overall market sentiment is cautious, as rising valuations in the tech sector, particularly among AI companies, may not be sustainable, which could impact future IPOs [5]