Databricks Amasses $7 Billion Debt Ahead of Potential $134 Billion IPO in 2026

Databricks is loading up on dry powder. The data analytics juggernaut just secured $1.8 billion in fresh debt, bringing its total debt load to over $7 billion. While the numbers are massive, they reflect a high-stakes strategy to dominate the enterprise AI market before a highly anticipated public debut.

According to CNBC, the company declined to comment on the financing details, which were first reported by Bloomberg. This financial maneuver comes just months after Databricks was valued at a staggering $134 billion during its December 2025 funding round, cementing its status as one of the world's most valuable private tech companies.

Inside the Databricks $134B Valuation and Growth Engine

The business fundamentals behind the valuation are robust. Databricks reported an annualized revenue of $4.8 billion, growing at a lightning-fast 55% year-over-year. Unlike many cash-burning startups, the company also noted positive free cash flow over the past year, a critical metric for investors eyeing an IPO.

The Road to a 2026 IPO

CEO Ali Ghodsi hasn't ruled out an initial public offering as early as this year, but 2026 remains the primary window. Databricks is part of an elite group of 'decacorns'—including OpenAI and Stripe—expected to revitalize the IPO market. By choosing debt over equity, the company avoids diluting current shareholders while maintaining the capital needed for aggressive AI research and acquisitions.