GoKawiilGoPro to merge with optical-photonics firm Starman Optical in $285M AI data center push
GoPro announced a merger with optical-photonics company Starman Optical, a deal valued at $285 million that will pay off GoPro's roughly $92 million in outstanding debt. Existing GoPro shareholders will retain about 10 percent ownership of the combined, still publicly traded company, which expects the deal to close by the end of 2026 pending shareholder and regulatory approval. Beyond its camera and subscription business, GoPro plans to expand into optical transceivers for AI infrastructure, along with defense, government, robotics and aerospace markets.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
GoPro joins a growing list of legacy consumer brands, following Allbirds, pivoting toward AI infrastructure as investors chase exposure to the data center boom, even when the connection to their core business is thin. The move comes as GoPro's stock has struggled for years since its 2014 IPO peak, suggesting the company is searching for new growth narratives to reverse its fortunes. It also follows news that YouTuber Markiplier recently became GoPro's largest individual shareholder, adding another unusual twist to the company's changing investor base.
- GoPro will merge with Starman Optical in a deal worth $285 million, expected to close by end of 2026.
- The combined company will target AI data center optical transceivers plus defense, robotics and aerospace markets.
- GoPro shareholders will keep about 10% ownership, and the company's $92 million debt will be repaid.
GoPro HERO13 Black — Whatever GoPro does in AI data centers, its action camera line is still the star—and the HERO13 Black is the flagship. It's built for mounting on helmets, handlebars and surfboards, with GoPro's rugged waterproof design and cloud/subscription ecosystem the article mentions the company will keep running.
See GoPro HERO13 Black 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: engadget.com — Kris Holt, 2026-09-01
Published there as: “GoPro says it's moving into AI data centers as part of a $285 million merger”
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