GoPro will be acquired by Starman Optical for $285 million in a merger expected to close by the end of 2026. GoPro shareholders will receive $1.14 per share and will retain about 10% ownership in the combined company [1, 2, 3].

The deal includes payment of GoPro's $92 million outstanding debt. GoPro will remain publicly traded on Nasdaq after the merger [1, 2, 3, 4].

Starman Optical, incorporated in Delaware on August 31, 2026, is a newly formed company specializing in optical-photonics technology for AI data centers. It focuses on developing and manufacturing optical transceivers domestically in the US [1, 3, 4]. The merger aims to position GoPro to expand into AI infrastructure, defense, commercial, robotics, and aerospace markets while supporting its existing consumer products, subscriptions, and cloud services [1, 2, 3, 4].

Charles Tebele, CEO of Starman Holdings, said, "Advanced optics and imaging are essential to AI, national security, and the broader economy, yet much of the critical hardware supporting these technologies continues to be manufactured overseas." He added, "The combination of GoPro’s world-class optical expertise and intellectual property with Starman’s advanced transceiver capabilities and U.S. manufacturing platform creates a unique opportunity." [1]

GoPro CEO Nicholas Woodman said, "We expect this merger to enable GoPro to grow across consumer, commercial and defense markets as a leading American imaging and optical solutions company, addressing important areas of national security related to cameras, optics and AI infrastructure." [2]

The merger plans include integrating Starman's optical transceivers into GoPro’s product line and onshoring part of production to the US [1, 3, 4].

GoPro's revenue and stock price have declined considerably since its 2014 IPO peak, when the company had a valuation around $4 billion and quarterly revenue of $633.9 million. Following the merger announcement on September 1, 2026, GoPro shares surged between 29.5% and over 50%, with some reports noting the stock price hit $1.33 — above the $1.14 acquisition offer price [1, 2, 3, 4]. YouTuber Markiplier, disclosed in July 2026 to own an 8.5% stake, is GoPro's largest individual shareholder [1, 2, 3].

The merger deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, completing debt repayment and solidifying GoPro’s new strategic direction in optics and AI-related markets [1, 3, 4].