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Does CoreWeave's disappointing IPO signal an AI bubble?

Mar 31, 2025 - qz.com
CoreWeave, a New Jersey-based AI and cloud computing company, made its market debut with a disappointing IPO, raising $1.5 billion instead of the targeted $2.7 billion. The shares were priced at $40, below the expected range, and dropped almost 10% on the second day of trading. Despite being backed by Nvidia, the IPO's lackluster performance suggests waning enthusiasm for AI investments. CoreWeave relies heavily on Nvidia's GPUs and accumulates debt to expand its capacity, betting on future AI demand growth. The IPO was seen as a gauge of the AI market amidst fears of an AI bubble.

Experts are divided on the implications of CoreWeave's IPO. NYU professor Aswath Damodaran views it as a sign that AI hype is subsiding, noting that the AI product and service business hasn't yet proven to be significantly profitable. Conversely, D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria argues that the IPO's outcome doesn't necessarily reflect the strength of the AI market, suggesting that CoreWeave's business model is risky and heavily reliant on Nvidia. Luria likens CoreWeave to a sub-prime tranche in a potential AI bubble, emphasizing that AI's importance transcends any single company.

Key takeaways:

  • CoreWeave's IPO was disappointing, raising only $1.5 billion instead of the targeted $2.7 billion, with shares priced below expectations.
  • The company's reliance on Nvidia's GPUs and debt-based business model makes it a risky investment, dependent on future AI demand growth.
  • Market skepticism about AI investments is growing, with concerns that too much money has been spent without substantial evidence of market demand.
  • Experts are divided on whether CoreWeave's IPO reflects the overall strength of the AI market, with some viewing it as a specific case rather than an industry-wide indicator.
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