KKR-backed SmartHR has postponed plans for an initial public offering until at least next year after investors pushed back against its target valuation, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The Japanese human resources software company had sought a valuation of about $1 billion, with support from Daiwa Securities, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, the report said.
SmartHR, which was valued at 170 billion yen in a 2021 funding round, had previously targeted a 2026 listing. However, investor concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the software-as-a-service sector could still affect the timing and valuation of the IPO, according to the report.
SmartHR didn't immediately respond to MT Newswire's request for comment.
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