Crypto exchange Kraken is in talks to raise about $500 million in fresh capital at a valuation close to $15 billion, The Information reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The company has begun sounding out investors as it looks to strengthen its finances while cryptocurrency markets rebound. The report said the fundraising could lay the groundwork for a possible initial public offering, although the timing of any listing has not been determined. A public debut would position Kraken alongside publicly traded rival Coinbase and expand the roster of large, regulated digital-asset venues accessible to equity investors. Kraken has not commented publicly on the fundraising effort.