Starlink is Elon Musk’s ambitious project to provide global satellite internet access. As one of the most exciting companies in Musk’s empire, Starlink has captured the imagination of many investors eager to get a piece of this futuristic venture. Unfortunately, Starlink is not yet publicly traded. However, there are some ways investors can gain exposure or invest indirectly in Starlink. This article will explore the limited investment opportunities currently available for Starlink and how investors may be able to invest in Starlink in the future as the company continues to grow.
Invest in SpaceX through Secondary Markets
As the private parent company of Starlink, investing in SpaceX can provide exposure to Starlink’s performance. While SpaceX is not publicly traded, some private secondary market platforms like EquityZen, SharesPost, and Forge Global allow accredited investors to buy shares in private technology companies like SpaceX. However, these shares tend to trade at high valuations and have limited liquidity. Still, it presents one of the only current options for gaining direct economic exposure to Starlink.
Invest in Publicly Traded Partners
Starlink partners with publicly traded companies on projects, contracts, and components. Investors can invest in these public companies to make indirect plays on Starlink. For example, Starlink plans to deploy terminals built by ST Engineering in Singapore and Mynaric in Germany. Investors could purchase stock in ST Engineering (SGX: S63) or Mynaric (XETRA: M0Y) in hopes of benefiting from their involvement with Starlink contracts and growth.
Wait for a Starlink IPO
Many experts speculate Starlink will eventually hold an initial public offering (IPO) to raise expansion capital from public market investors. However, the Starlink IPO likely remains years away. Still, interested investors can add Starlink to their watchlists and be ready to buy shares if and when Starlink goes public in the future after establishing more commercial operations.
Explore a Starlink SPAC Merger
SPACs (special purpose acquisition companies) present popular speculative plays for private companies looking to go public. It’s possible Starlink could skip the traditional IPO process entirely by merging with a SPAC in what is called a “de-SPAC” transaction. Investors bullish on Starlink could consider investing in space-focused SPACs like Holicity (NASDAQ:HOL) based on the possibility of a future Starlink merger deal being announced.
Research Starlink Competitors
While Starlink operates in the unique satellite internet niche, researching and investing in some of Starlink’s competitors in satellite communications and broadband can also provide related exposure. Leading public competitors investors could research include Viasat (NASDAQ:VSAT), EchoStar (NASDAQ:SATS), Iridium (NASDAQ:IRDM), and DISH Network (NASDAQ:DISH). If Starlink succeeds commercially, investors in the satellite/broadband sector generally could benefit.
In summary, Starlink investment opportunities remain very limited given the company is still private. But interested investors do have some options like investing in SpaceX on secondary markets, partnered public companies, Starlink’s future IPO, satellite/broadband stocks, or SPAC rumors. As Starlink grows and expands service commercially, more investment opportunities should emerge over time.