GoPro merges with Starman Optical in $285 million deal
GoPro has agreed to merge with privately held optical-photonics firm Starman Optical for a total of $285 million, or $1.14 per share, according to the company's announcement on September 3, 2026. Existing GoPro shareholders will retain approximately 10% ownership in the combined entity after closing. The deal is expected to eliminate roughly $92 million in outstanding debt and result in a substantially debt-free balance sheet for GoPro. The merger aims to expand GoPro's business beyond its core action camera segment by incorporating Starman’s U.S.-manufactured optical transceivers into its product lineup, opening new markets such as AI data centers, defense, government, robotics, and aerospace. The combined company plans to continue investing in consumer hardware while expanding into these emerging sectors. Starman Holding CEO Charles Tebele emphasized the importance of bringing critical imaging technology manufacturing back to the U.S., aligning with GoPro’s vision under founder Nicholas Woodman to become a leading American optical solutions provider.
Tickers: $GPRO
Topics: AI infrastructure GoPro national security optics Starman Optical