Report: Klarna Board in Conflict Over Golden Shares Ahead of IPO

Swedish buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider Klarna is reportedly experiencing a boardroom conflict as it prepares for its initial public offering (IPO).

The company’s board is considering removing board member Mikael Walther, who is an eight-year member of the board and a confidante of founding partner Victor Jacobsson, the Financial Times (FT) reported Tuesday (Aug. 27), citing unnamed sources.

The conflict centers on whether Klarna should issue golden shares before its IPO, one of the sources said, according to the report.

A decision could be reached at a board meeting scheduled for Wednesday (Aug. 28), per the report.

Reached by PYMNTS, Klarna declined to comment on the report.

The conflict over this potential ouster comes about six months after an attempt to remove Michael Moritz, an ally of Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski, from his role as chair of the board resulted in Sequoia Capital’s board representative, Matthew Miller, being replaced by another Sequoia partner, Andrew Reed, according to the report.

That conflict in February resulted from some shareholders having greater influence on Klarna’s decision-making because of their historic voting rights, the report said.

It was reported Aug. 14 that Klarna was ready to tap Goldman Sachs to help it go public next year and that the company is said to be seeking a valuation of around $20 billion when it goes public.

Spokespeople for both Klarna and Goldman Sachs declined to comment when reached by PYMNTS at the time of that report.

Tuesday’s report of board conflict comes on the same day that Klarna released half-year earnings. The company said Tuesday that its revenues increased 27%, while adjusted profits increased to $66 million, compared to an adjusted loss of $45 million in the same period in 2023.

“Klarna’s massive global network continues to expand rapidly, with millions of new consumers joining and 68,000 new merchant partners,” Siemiatkowski said in a press release. “As our merchant partners grow, so do we, evidenced by 38% year-over-year growth in U.S. revenues. By focusing on sustainable, profitable growth and leveraging AI to lower costs, we achieved adjusted operating income of [$66 million] as we build the commerce network of the next generation.”


March Madness 2025 and Beyond: When AI Meets the Big Dance

March Madness 2025 and Beyond: When AI Meets the Big Dance

As the calendar flips to March, college basketball fans are gearing up for another exhilarating NCAA tournament.

In the future, artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology could change March Madness as we know it. Let’s break down how the digital revolution could transform the Big Dance.

AI Bracketology: The New Sixth Man

AI is already being used to predict brackets. Gone are the days of agonizing over your picks based on team mascots or your alma mater’s colors. In 2025, AI-powered bracketology is the name of the game. Fans can use algorithms that crunch data points, from player statistics to historical upset probabilities, all at the click of a button.

But beware, bracket enthusiasts. While these AI tools promise to boost your chances of winning the office pool, they can’t account for the quintessential March Madness chaos. You know, the instance where AI can predict everything except the inevitable Cinderella story that ruins everyone’s bracket by the second round.

The Rise of the Robo-Commentators

In a move that would be sure to ruffle some feathers, AI-generated commentary could be used for games. Digital play-by-play announcers would never need a bathroom break and potentially be able to recall obscure statistics from the 1957 tournament in an instant.

Virtual Reality Courtside Seats

Can’t make it to the Final Four? Ten years from now, games might happen in a digital stadium, Forbes reported. With virtual reality (VR) technology, fans could experience the thrill of courtside seats from the comfort of their living rooms.

“AI-generated athletes, inspired by the procedural generation techniques of video game developers … could perform in virtual arenas, exhibiting strategies and plays conceived by advanced predictive algorithms,” Forbes reported.

Just be careful not to get too caught up in the moment with streaming. Wouldn’t want to have reports of fans attempting to rush the virtual court after buzzer-beaters have led to an uptick in living room injuries — especially when that flat screen falls over.

AI Coaches: The Ultimate Clipboard Holder

While human coaches still call the shots, AI assistants could one day be indispensable members of the coaching staff. In the next five years, these digital strategists could analyze opponent tendencies and more.

“Building on existing technologies … AI will provide coaches and players with intricate, multi-dimensional data patterns that dramatically enhance both offensive and defensive strategies,” Forbes reported. “These advanced algorithms will analyze vast datasets from numerous games to uncover hidden trends, strategic insights, and predictive cues about opponents’ potential moves.”

The Referee’s New Best Friend: Computer Vision

Say goodbye to controversial calls. Advanced computer vision systems could assist referees in making split-second decisions, from determining if a player’s toe was on the line for a three-pointer to detecting the slightest touch on a blocked shot.

The Hawk-Eye system is already used in tennis and cricket to help determine fouls, Viso.AI reported.

“This system uses a network of cameras to track the ball and then compares the trajectory of the ball to a virtual model of the playing surface,” the report said. “This system is accurate within a few millimeters, which is much more accurate than the human eye.”

The Future of Fandom

As we dive into March Madness 2025, it’s clear that technology will change the way we experience the tournament. From AI-powered brackets to virtual reality arenas, the digital revolution is coming for basketball. But at its core, the magic of March Madness remains the thrill of competition, the joy of unexpected victories, and the heartbreak of last-second defeats.

So, whether you’re relying on an AI to pick your bracket this year, or screaming at a holographic referee in the future, remember to enjoy the ride. In the unpredictable world of college basketball, sometimes the best strategy is to embrace the madness — digital or otherwise.

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