SpaceX's Starlink IPO Targeted for 2027, Says Billionaire Investor Ron Baron
ICARO Media Group
Billionaire investor Ron Baron shared his prediction in an interview with CNBC on Friday, stating that he expects SpaceX to take its Starlink satellite internet service public through an initial public offering (IPO) around 2027. Baron, a major backer of Elon Musk's companies, estimated that SpaceX, along with Starlink, would be valued at an impressive $250 billion to $300 billion by the time of its IPO.
Baron Capital, the investment firm founded by Ron Baron, currently holds substantial stakes in Tesla and SpaceX, making it one of the largest owners of SpaceX stock. Baron revealed earlier this month that the firm's ownership of SpaceX stock is valued at approximately $1.7 billion.
This move towards an IPO for Starlink aligns with previous discussions within SpaceX's leadership, including Musk, who stated the intention to spin off the satellite internet service once it reaches a "smooth sailing situation." However, the exact timing for the IPO remains uncertain. Musk had previously indicated to employees that the IPO was unlikely before 2025, or possibly later.
Recent developments have shown promising signs for Starlink's financial performance. Musk announced earlier this month that the service had achieved breakeven cash flow, although specific details about the milestone were not disclosed. SpaceX has successfully launched over 5,000 Starlink satellites to date, and the service now boasts more than two million subscribers.
The rapid growth of Starlink has significantly contributed to the soaring valuation of SpaceX, which currently stands at around $150 billion. Becoming a publicly traded company would further solidify Starlink's role as a pivotal economic driver in achieving SpaceX's ambitious goals within the space industry.
When questioned about Musk's motivation for taking parts or all of the space company public, Baron acknowledged that many long-term investors may be seeking exits. However, Baron himself expressed his desire to remain an investor in SpaceX for the long haul.
SpaceX has yet to respond to CNBC's request for comments regarding Baron's remarks about the potential IPO of Starlink. Investors and industry observers eagerly await further updates on the progress and timeline of this highly anticipated event.
In conclusion, with billionaire investor Ron Baron projecting SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service to go public through an IPO in 2027, the valuation of the company is expected to skyrocket to an impressive $250 billion to $300 billion. This move towards an IPO aligns with previous discussions within SpaceX's leadership. As Starlink continues to expand its subscriber base and achieves breakeven cash flow, its role as a driving force behind SpaceX's astronomical valuation becomes increasingly evident. The timing of the IPO, however, remains uncertain, with previous indications suggesting it may not occur until 2025 or later.