The Duel of the Giants in the Prediction Market: Polymarket's valuation skyrockets tenfold to $15 billion, while Kalshi's latest valuation exceeds $10 billion!

The competition in the prediction market sector is becoming increasingly intense. Polymarket is in early negotiations with investors, seeking to raise funds with a valuation of $12 to $15 billion, more than ten times its valuation four months ago. Meanwhile, its main competitor Kalshi has also received financing offers exceeding $10 billion, doubling its valuation in just a few weeks. The soaring valuations of these two giants highlight the enormous market interest generated by the integration of the gambling industry with financial markets, driving the prediction market to set a new high in volume of over $2 billion in the week ending October 19, surpassing the peak during last year's U.S. presidential election.

Valuation Surge: The Capital Pursuit Battle of Two Giants in the Prediction Market

Polymarket and Kalshi have achieved rocket-like valuation growth in just a few months, marking the field as another explosive track that attracts huge capital after artificial intelligence.

· Polymarket valuation grew tenfold. Sources reveal that Polymarket is in early discussions with investors to raise funds at a valuation between $12 billion and $15 billion, which is more than ten times its $1 billion valuation four months ago (led by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund).

· The parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, Intercontinental Exchange Inc., stated earlier this month that it will invest up to $2 billion in Polymarket at a valuation of approximately $8 billion (excluding funds already raised), a deal that has made CEO Shayne Coplan the youngest self-made billionaire.

· Kalshi's valuation closely follows that of its main competitor Polymarket, which has also received over $10 billion in funding offers. This has caused Kalshi's valuation to more than double in just a few weeks from the previously announced $5 billion funding valuation (co-led by Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital).

· Historical Valuation Review: Kalshi was valued at $2 billion in a round of financing led by the crypto investment firm Paradigm in June.

· VC Seizing Opportunities This competition indicates that in a highly competitive market, venture capital firms are increasingly inclined to make bold, preemptive investment offers before formal financing procedures begin.

Volume Hits Record: The Fusion of Sports and Finance Reaches New Heights

The prediction market's trading activity has reached unprecedented levels, with the active participation of traditional industry giants being the main driver.

· New peak in volume Polymarket and its competitor Kalshi have recently witnessed a surge in volume, with over $2 billion in volume reached in the week ending October 19. This figure surpasses the peak reached during last year's U.S. presidential election.

· Traditional industries are getting involved. Wall Street firms and bookmakers have noticed this trend and are eager to strike deals with these prediction market leaders, anticipating that these emerging companies may disrupt their industries.

· Sports League Partnership The National Hockey League (NHL) announced a multi-year agreement with Kalshi and Polymarket, becoming the first major U.S. sports league to collaborate with a prediction market.

· Polymarket CEO Coplan stated on Wednesday that Polymarket will act as a clearinghouse when DraftKings Inc. enters the prediction market.

Duel of the Titans: Similarities and Differences Between Kalshi and Polymarket, and Competitive Focus

Despite the rapid growth in the valuations of both, there are still differences in the model and legal foundation between Kalshi and Polymarket, and competition is becoming increasingly fierce.

· Kalshi's legal breakthrough The court victory that Kalshi won last October allowed it to list contracts related to the presidential election and open up sports betting nationwide using its financial license, which boosted the volume.

Polymarket's capital has attracted significant investment and strategic cooperation from Founders Fund and Intercontinental Exchange Inc., demonstrating a clear capital advantage.

· Shared Growth The shared growth of the two companies is seen as a sign of the industry's maturation. An informed source stated that additional capital could help Kalshi strengthen its position in the fierce competition with rivals.

Conclusion

Polymarket is expected to be valued at over $15 billion, leading the prediction market alongside Kalshi, which has a recent valuation exceeding $10 billion, making it the next wave in the fintech sector. Although this field still faces regulatory uncertainties (especially the legal challenges from state gaming regulators and unresolved issues like insider trading), the active involvement of Wall Street and gaming industry giants and record trading volumes indicate that the market has high expectations for the potential of prediction markets to disrupt traditional industries. This duel is not only about capital but also about who can first tackle regulatory hurdles to achieve large-scale mainstream adoption.

Disclaimer: This article is for news information only and does not constitute any investment advice. The crypto market fluctuates wildly, and investors should make decisions cautiously.