Klarna reported a net loss of $99 million in the first quarter of 2025, nearly doubling its loss from the previous year, primarily due to one-off costs. Despite a 13% increase in revenues to $701 million and a growing user base, the company has paused its U.S. IPO plans amidst market instability influenced by recent tariff policies. CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski noted a significant reduction in headcount, attributed in part to AI investments.

Cerebras Systems has withdrawn its plans for an IPO just days after raising over $1 billion in funding, citing no specific reason for the decision. The company, which aims to compete with Nvidia in the AI chip market, continues to express interest in going public in the future despite the current U.S. government shutdown and its reliance on a single customer, G42.

Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski announced a 40% reduction in the company's workforce, attributed to investments in artificial intelligence and natural attrition. The fintech firm has embraced AI tools, significantly enhancing productivity, but also plans to hire more human customer service agents to maintain service quality. Despite a hiring freeze, Klarna continues to advertise open positions and is preparing for its long-awaited IPO.

Venture capital is experiencing a cautious resurgence, driven by a renewed focus on experienced founders and the growing influence of AI. While discovery meetings are increasing and IPO activity is on the rise, investors remain wary, prioritizing strong fundamentals and operational experience to mitigate risks. The landscape is characterized by a blend of optimism and caution as the market seeks stability after previous upheavals.