GoPro merges with Starman Optical in $285M deal to expand into AI infrastructure

Cris Tolomia Thu, September 3, 2026 at 4:47 AM PDT 2 min read

GPRO +37.40%

GoPro has agreed to merge with Starman Optical, a privately held optical-photonics company, in a transaction valued at $285 million, or $1.14 per share, the company announced Monday. Existing GoPro shareholders will retain approximately 10% of the combined company's outstanding shares.

At closing, the transaction will also extinguish roughly $92 million in outstanding debt, resulting in what the company described as a substantially debt-free balance sheet. GoPro will remain publicly listed on the Nasdaq after the transaction closes.

Strategic Shift Beyond Action Cameras

The merger is intended to reposition GoPro beyond its core action camera business. According to the company, Starman's U.S.-manufactured optical transceivers are expected to be added to GoPro's product portfolio, extending the company's reach into AI data center infrastructure. The combined entity also plans to pursue opportunities in defense, government, robotics, and aerospace markets.

GoPro indicated it intends to continue investing in its consumer hardware lineup, as well as its subscription and cloud services, even as it moves into these new business areas.

Executive Statements

"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," said Charles Tebele, CEO of Starman Holding, in a statement. "Together, we intend to bring production of these critical components back to the United States."

GoPro founder and CEO Nicholas Woodman said in a statement that the merger would position the company as "a leading American imaging and optical solutions company, addressing important areas of national security related to cameras, optics and AI infrastructure."

Background on Starman Optical

Starman Optical is a subsidiary of Starman Holding, a diversified holding company. According to TechCrunch, Starman Optical was incorporated in Delaware on August 31, while Starman New Photonics — the division handling optical transceiver manufacturing — was seemingly established in 2025 and has a manufacturing facility under construction in New Jersey. Starman Holding also owns consumer tech brands including Incase, Incipio, and Griffin.

Deal Timeline and Advisors

The deal has been approved by both companies' boards of directors and is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and stockholder approval. Houlihan Lokey is acting as financial advisor to GoPro, and Fenwick & West is serving as legal counsel, the company said.