SpaceX valuation at $800 billion, preparing for IPO in 2026

Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, has launched a $2.56 billion tender offer for employees and insider investors, pricing shares at $421 per share. This puts the company's valuation at nearly $800 billion, making it the world's most valuable private company. This valuation far surpasses OpenAI's $500 billion.

In a letter to employees, the company's CFO, Brett Johnson, mentioned a possible IPO in 2026. He stated that if the company performs well and market conditions are favorable, the IPO could raise significant capital. These funds would be used to fund the Starship rocket's high flight rates, AI data centers in space, a Moon base, and Mars missions.

According to reports, SpaceX may launch an IPO in mid- or late 2026, targeting a valuation of over $30 billion and a $1.5 trillion valuation. This could be the largest IPO in history, surpassing Saudi Aramco's 2019 IPO. Elon Musk has described a report on SpaceX as "accurate," citing AI data centers in space as the reason for the IPO.

Starlink's rapid growth is a key driver. The company's revenue is projected to reach $15 billion in 2025 and $22-24 billion in 2026. Starlink subscribers have exceeded 8 million, and direct-to-mobile service is opening up new possibilities.

Elon Musk owns 44% of SpaceX's shares. The long-private company is now preparing to enter the public market, although Musk has previously criticized the quarterly pressures faced by public companies. Investors are excited because SpaceX is a vital part of national security, with major contracts from NASA and the Pentagon.

This development could give new heights to the space industry, where SpaceX already dominates the launch market.