Gaming firm Roblox said to delay IPO as instalment loan company Affirm also weighs market timing

Roblox Corp. told employees it would delay its initial public offering until next year as another IPO candidate Affirm Holdings Inc. weighs a similar move, according to people familiar with the matter.

Affirm, a provider of instalment loans to online shoppers, had been trying to go public this month but its plans could now slip until next year because it is still working on clearance from the US Securities and Exchange Commission, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter isn’t public.

There’s still a window for the San Francisco-based company to launch the share sale this year, two of the people said. No final decision has been made and the timing could change, they added.

For Roblox, the online video game platform is seeking improvements to the process as it relates to employees, shareholders and future investors, according to a company-wide memo by Chief Executive Officer David Baszucki that was seen by Bloomberg.

“As such, we’ve decided to take this opportunity to work with our advisers to see how we can make such improvements,” he said, without being more specific on the changes he is seeking. “That work will continue over the holidays and, as a result, we expect our listing will take place early next year.”

Both companies have declined to comment.