GoPro has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with US optical-photonics company Starman Optical in a deal valued at US$285 million (~RM1.15 billion). Under the agreement, GoPro shareholders will receive US$1.14 (~RM4.61) per share in cash while collectively retaining approximately 10% ownership of the combined company.
The transaction is expected to give GoPro a major financial reset, with its approximately US$92 million (RM371.7 million) in outstanding debt to be repaid in full when the deal closes. The merger is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
GoPro Expands Into AI Infrastructure
Under the proposed merger, GoPro will add Starman’s US-made optical transceivers to its product portfolio, giving it an entry point into the growing market for optical hardware used in AI infrastructure and data centres. The combined company also plans to apply GoPro’s optics and imaging technologies across government, defence, robotics and aerospace applications.
GoPro brings more than 2,500 US patents covering imaging and optical technologies to the combination, while Starman contributes its optical-transceiver business and US manufacturing capabilities. The companies intend to invest in domestic production of critical optical components as part of the broader expansion.
Despite the shift towards commercial and industrial markets, GoPro says it will continue supporting its existing consumer products, subscriptions and cloud platform. The company will also remain publicly listed on Nasdaq following the transaction.
Who Is Starman Optical?
Starman Optical is a privately held company under Starman Holding, a US-based holding company with interests spanning technology, consumer brands and optical photonics. Its Starman New Photonics business develops optical transceivers and related technologies aimed at AI infrastructure, hyperscale data centres and high-performance computing.
Its products include high-speed optical transceivers designed to move data between GPUs, servers and networking equipment in data centres. Starman New Photonics has been developing 800G products while also working towards 1.6T solutions, with a focus on expanding optical hardware manufacturing in the US.
A Major Shift For GoPro
The merger follows a strategic review announced by GoPro in May, when the company said it was considering options including a potential sale or merger after receiving unsolicited interest from outside parties. At the time, GoPro had also begun working with consulting firm Oliver Wyman to explore opportunities in the defence and aerospace sectors.
The review came as GoPro faced increasing pressure in its traditional action camera business, with competition from companies such as DJI and Insta360 alongside the growing capabilities of smartphones. The company had also reported declining revenue and widening losses, prompting it to explore ways to maximise the value of its technology and intellectual property.
Additionally, the proposed merger comes just days after YouTuber and filmmaker Mark Fischbach, also known as Markiplier, emerged as GoPro’s largest individual shareholder after acquiring an 8.5% stake. Fischbach said he believes GoPro is undervalued and has been particularly positive about the company’s Mission 1 Pro camera, which he used during the production of his film Iron Lung.
(Source: GoPro press release / Petapixel)
