Ready to Launch: SpaceX and Elon Musk's US$75bn IPO Plans

Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX is preparing for what could be the most significant event in financial history with an IPO that aims to rewrite the rules of how companies go public.

For years, SpaceX has operated as a private titan, fuelled by government contracts and private funding rounds. But new reports suggest the company is moving quickly toward a June 2026 market debut. 

As well as looking to raise US$75bn, Musk is targeting a total company valuation of US$1.75tn. 

To put that into perspective, if SpaceX hits that number it would be more valuable than Meta or even Musk’s own Tesla.

A new playbook for investors

Usually, when a massive company goes public, Wall Street follows a very strict script. Big banks manage the process, employees and early investors are usually locked out of selling their shares for about six months to prevent the stock price from crashing.

Musk is doing things differently, however. SpaceX is reportedly considering a “staggered lock-up” or even allowing some existing shareholders to sell their positions on day one – a bold move that signals high confidence in the stock’s demand.

Furthermore, the timing isn’t just about the money. The IPO is being aimed for June to coincide with his birthday and a specific astronomical alignment of Jupiter and Venus.

The 30% retail slice

In most IPOs, institutional investors like hedge funds and pension funds get first choice on the shares, leaving individual investors to buy whatever is left at a higher price once trading starts.

SpaceX is reportedly planning to flip this model by reserving up to 30% of its IPO shares specifically for retail investors. This is roughly three times the amount usually offered to the public. 

By leveraging his massive fanbase, Musk hopes to create a loyal group of shareholders who are more likely to hold the stock for the long term rather than selling for a quick profit.

Bank of America has reportedly been handpicked to lead this effort, focusing specifically on getting these shares into the hands of everyday people.

Rewriting the rules of the exchange

SpaceX is so huge that the major stock exchanges are actually changing their rules to accommodate it. 

Both the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange have proposed “fast-track” routes that would allow a company of this scale to join major stock indices like the Nasdaq 100 in as little as 15 days after going public. Usually, this process takes a year.

Nasdaq is even considering dropping its rule that requires a company to offer at least 10% of its shares to the public. This is crucial because SpaceX only plans to float about 5% of its equity. 

What’s next?

While the deal isn’t finalised, momentum is building. Investor briefings are expected to begin in April to test the waters and validate the trillion-dollar price tag.

For tech, this represents a big bet on the future of space exploration, satellite internet via Starlin, and Musk’s vision of making life multi-planetary. 

Other AI giants like OpenAI and Anthropic are watching closely, with their own IPOs rumored for 2026. 

If SpaceX succeeds, it will mark the beginning of a whole new era for tech on the public markets.