GoKawiilStarman Holding acquires GoPro for $285 million, pivots toward defense and aerospace
GoPro has been bought by Starman Holding, a diversified holding company with ties to phone case brands like Incipio and Incase, in a $285 million cash deal characterized as a merger. GoPro CEO Nick Woodman is now positioning the company as an imaging and optics business serving national security, AI infrastructure, and aerospace markets rather than just consumer action cameras. The deal follows closely on the heels of YouTuber Markiplier becoming GoPro's largest shareholder without disclosing it in a sponsored review.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This marks a dramatic pivot for a brand long associated with extreme sports footage into defense and government contracting, reflecting how struggling consumer hardware companies are seeking survival through government and industrial applications. Starman's history includes controversial COVID-era contracts and campaign donations, raising questions about the new ownership's priorities and government ties. The shift also signals GoPro's continued decline in the consumer camera market it once dominated.
- GoPro sold to Starman Holding for $285 million, reframing itself as a defense and optics company.
- Starman Holding controls various brands including Incipio, Incase, Griffin, and Survivor phone cases.
- The acquisition follows an undisclosed stake by YouTuber Markiplier, raising transparency concerns.
GoPro HERO13 Black — Whatever GoPro's corporate future holds, the HERO13 Black is the flagship action camera the brand built its name on — rugged, waterproof, and ready to mount on a helmet, handlebar, or surfboard. It's the classic pick for capturing stabilized POV footage of anything you'd rather not point a phone at.
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: theverge.com — Sean Hollister, 2026-09-01
Published there as: “GoPro has been acquired and is getting into ‘defense, government, robotics and aerospace’”
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