· space · 4 min read
When Will SpaceX Go Public?
As SpaceX continues to make groundbreaking advancements in the space industry, investors are eagerly anticipating the company's potential IPO. Learn about the factors influencing SpaceX's decision to go public and the estimated timeline for this highly anticipated event.
The Anticipation Surrounding SpaceX’s Potential IPO
SpaceX, the pioneering space exploration company founded by visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk, has captured the imagination of investors and space enthusiasts alike. With its remarkable achievements, including the development of reusable rocket technology, successful crewed missions to the International Space Station, and the ambitious Starlink satellite internet constellation, many are wondering when SpaceX will go public.
Factors Influencing SpaceX’s IPO Decision
Several factors play a role in determining when SpaceX might choose to initiate an initial public offering (IPO):
Financial Stability: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has stated that the company does not currently need to raise capital to finance its investment programs. This financial stability allows SpaceX to remain private until it deems an IPO necessary or beneficial.
Market Conditions: The timing of an IPO often depends on favorable market conditions. SpaceX may wait for a period of strong investor demand and overall market stability before proceeding with a public offering.
Company Milestones: SpaceX might choose to go public after achieving certain milestones, such as the successful completion of key projects like the Starship spacecraft or the expansion of the Starlink satellite constellation.
Regulatory Considerations: The company must ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and disclosure obligations before pursuing an IPO.
Potential IPO Timeline
While SpaceX has not officially announced plans for an IPO, there have been indications of a possible timeline:
In January 2024, money manager Vijay Marolia suggested that SpaceX could potentially kick off an IPO process as soon as 2025 or 2026, depending on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.
Billionaire investor Ron Baron, a major backer of Elon Musk’s companies, told CNBC in November 2023 that he expects SpaceX to IPO its Starlink satellite internet service “in 2027 or so.”
Musk himself has mentioned that taking Starlink public is unlikely until 2025 or later, as he wants the business to achieve smooth and predictable revenue growth and cash flow before proceeding with an IPO.
It’s important to note that these timelines are speculative and subject to change based on various factors and the company’s internal decision-making process.
The Possibility of a Starlink Spinoff
While SpaceX as a whole may not go public in the near future, there has been speculation about a potential spinoff and IPO of its Starlink satellite internet business. Here’s what we know:
In November 2023, Bloomberg reported that SpaceX was working on separating Starlink and preparing for a potential IPO by late 2024 at the earliest. However, Musk quickly denied this report.
Musk has expressed his desire for Starlink to achieve stable revenue growth and cash flow before considering a public offering.
If a Starlink spinoff and IPO were to occur, it would likely happen after SpaceX itself goes public, according to Regal Point Capital’s Vijay Marolia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can individual investors buy SpaceX stock? Currently, SpaceX is not publicly traded, so individual investors cannot buy shares through traditional brokerage accounts. The company remains privately held.
Will SpaceX ever go public? While SpaceX has not announced official plans for an IPO, there have been indications that the company may go public in the future, potentially between 2025 and 2027.
What is SpaceX’s current valuation? As of early 2024, SpaceX is valued at over $180 billion, making it one of the world’s most valuable private companies.
How much of SpaceX does Elon Musk own? Estimates suggest that Elon Musk holds between 40% and 50% of SpaceX’s shares, with employees and venture capital investors owning the remainder.
Is Starlink expected to IPO before SpaceX? There has been speculation about a potential Starlink spinoff and IPO, but Elon Musk has denied reports of an imminent public offering for the satellite internet business. If a Starlink IPO were to happen, it would likely occur after SpaceX itself goes public.
Countdown to SpaceX’s Public Debut
The anticipation surrounding a potential SpaceX IPO continues to grow as the company achieves new milestones and solidifies its position as a leader in the space industry. While the exact timing of an IPO remains uncertain, investors and industry experts have speculated that it could occur between 2025 and 2027.
Factors such as financial stability, market conditions, company milestones, and regulatory considerations will play a role in determining when SpaceX chooses to go public. Additionally, the possibility of a Starlink spinoff and separate IPO has garnered attention, although the timeline for such an event remains unclear.
For now, individual investors will have to wait patiently for the opportunity to own a piece of this groundbreaking company. As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and innovation, the excitement surrounding its potential IPO will only continue to grow.
