GoKawiilGoPro to Merge With Starman Optical in $285M Deal, Remain Public
GoPro has agreed to be acquired by Starman Optical for $285 million, with shareholders receiving $1.14 per share and retaining roughly 10% of the combined company. The deal, expected to close by year-end, will eliminate GoPro's $92 million in debt and keep the company publicly traded. It follows earlier signals that GoPro was exploring a shift toward defense technology, and comes just after YouTuber Markiplier disclosed an 8.5% stake in the company.
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The acquisition signals a major strategic pivot for GoPro, moving beyond consumer cameras toward defense and commercial optics markets, an area tied to national security and AI hardware manufacturing. Starman Optical's limited track record and vague plans leave uncertainty about how GoPro's brand and products will evolve, but the debt relief and recapitalization could stabilize a company that has struggled financially for years.
- GoPro will be acquired for $285 million by Starman Optical, erasing $92 million in debt.
- Shareholders get $1.14 per share and about 10% ownership of the merged company.
- The deal aligns with GoPro's earlier interest in defense tech and follows Markiplier's disclosed 8.5% stake.
GoPro HERO13 Black action camera — With GoPro's future in the headlines, the HERO13 Black is the flagship that made the brand famous for rugged, waterproof, stabilized POV video. It's the go-to pick for biking, surfing, snow days and travel clips, and GoPro says it will keep fully supporting its consumer lineup.
See GoPro HERO13 Black action camera on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: techcrunch.com — Sean O'Kane, 2026-09-01
Published there as: “GoPro to be acquired for $285M, will remain a public company”
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