SpaceX is gearing up to sell insider shares, which could push its valuation to as high as $800 billion, surpassing OpenAI’s previous record of $500 billion. This move is part of the company’s latest tender offer, as shared by sources familiar with the situation.
The discussions took place at SpaceX’s headquarters in Texas, with insiders considering share prices above $400 each. If this goes ahead, it will reestablish SpaceX as the most valuable private company globally. Just a few months ago, the company was valued at $400 billion during a share sale that saw prices at $212 each.
While SpaceX has not publicly confirmed these details, the interest has already influenced the stock market. For example, shares of EchoStar, a satellite company, surged by 18% following news of SpaceX’s valuation. In recent agreements, SpaceX has committed to spending $2.6 billion for spectrum licenses from EchoStar, adding to a previous deal worth about $17 billion.
SpaceX leads the way in the space industry, primarily with its Falcon 9 rocket, which transports both satellites and astronauts. Additionally, its Starlink project, which operates over 9,000 satellites, is ahead of competitors like Amazon’s satellite internet service.
Interestingly, SpaceX joins a rare group of companies that can secure high valuations without rushing to go public. An IPO at $800 billion would rank SpaceX among the top 20 public companies, just below Tesla, another Musk-led venture. If SpaceX sells just 5% of its shares, it could raise $40 billion, marking the largest IPO in history, surpassing Saudi Aramco’s $29 billion listing.
Going public may bring volatility. While some space and defense companies have thrived, others, like Firefly Aerospace, have struggled post-IPO. SpaceX executives have long considered spinning off Starlink into its own company. However, Elon Musk has raised doubts about this idea in the past.
Currently, SpaceX is developing its Starship rocket, touted as the most powerful ever. This vehicle will not only support Starlink but also aim for ambitious missions to the Moon and Mars.
Data from recent surveys suggest public interest in space ventures is on the rise. A 2022 Pew Research study found that 72% of Americans see space exploration as essential for the future. This enthusiasm could bode well for SpaceX’s future IPO.
Overall, while SpaceX stands at the brink of a significant financial leap, the path ahead is complex and filled with variables. For now, the world watches and waits.
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Elon Musk,SpaceX
