How to Invest in SpaceX in 2025: A Complete Guide
SpaceX, Elon Musk's pioneering aerospace company, has become one of the most valuable private companies globally, with a staggering $400 billion valuation as of mid-2025. While its ambitious goals—like colonizing Mars—capture headlines, many investors wonder how they can get a piece of this space-age pie. This guide explores everything you need to know about investing in SpaceX, from its current private status to alternative investment strategies and what to consider if it ever goes public.
Is SpaceX Publicly Traded?
No, SpaceX isn't listed on any stock exchange—you won't find it trading on the NYSE or Nasdaq like Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA). Elon Musk has kept the company firmly private since its 2002 founding, retaining over 40% ownership while employees and venture capitalists hold the remaining shares. This setup lets Musk prioritize long-term goals (yes, including Mars colonization) without quarterly earnings pressure from public shareholders.
Here’s why SpaceX stays off the public markets:
- Control: Musk avoids shareholder interference on high-risk projects like Starship or Starlink’s expansion.
- Funding: With $16B in projected 2025 revenue and $3B cash reserves (per WSJ), SpaceX doesn’t need IPO cash.
- Valuation: At ~$400B in private markets, it’s already worth more than Boeing and Lockheed Martin combined.
Fun fact: SpaceX’s last funding round in 2023 valued it at $137B—now it trades at 25x sales in secondary markets. For context, legacy aerospace firms like Raytheon trade below 3x revenue.
Employees sell shares via private deals (like the mid-2025 $400B valuation tender offer), but retail investors are locked out unless they’re accredited (think $1M+ net worth or $200K annual income). Even then, platforms like Hiive or Rainmaker Securities require six-figure minimums.
Bottom line: Unless you’re writing seven-figure checks, you’re stuck waiting for a Starlink spin-off IPO (which Musk insists won’t happen until revenue stabilizes). Meanwhile, the space race continues—just without public shareholders along for the ride.
Will SpaceX IPO in 2025?
As of August 2025, Elon Musk's SpaceX remains firmly private with no IPO plans in sight—despite its staggering $400 billion valuation and booming revenue. Here's why retail investors are still waiting for their chance to buy in:
The No-IPO Stance
Musk has repeatedly shut down IPO rumors, emphasizing SpaceX doesn’t need public markets. With $16 billion in projected 2025 revenue (up from $11.8B in 2024) and Starlink’s revenue doubling to $2.7B last year, the company funds its Mars ambitions internally. Even employee liquidity needs are met through private share sales—like the mid-2025 deal valuing SpaceX at $400B, a 16% jump in just six months.
Starlink Spin-Off? Don’t Hold Your Breath
While analysts speculated about a Starlink IPO, Musk insists the satellite internet division needs "smooth, predictable cash flow" first. Recent deals (like equipping United Airlines flights with WiFi) show growth, but profitability remains unclear—Bloomberg reports suggest hidden costs may offset Starlink’s revenue gains.
How SpaceX Compares to Public Rivals
| SpaceX (private) | $400B | 25x sales |
| Boeing (BA) | $120B | 1.8x sales |
| Lockheed Martin (LMT) | $110B | 2.1x sales |
At 25x sales, SpaceX’s valuation dwarfs aerospace giants—but its 67% valuation surge since December 2024 shows no signs of slowing. For context, Alphabet’s 6.99% SpaceX stake is now worth ~$28B, making it one of Google’s parent company’s most lucrative bets.
Workarounds for Eager Investors
- ARK Venture Fund (ARKV.X): Holds 13.25% SpaceX exposure alongside other Musk ventures like Neuralink.
- Space ETFs: ARKX (10.3% Rocket Lab) or UFO (6.1% Rocket Lab) offer sector exposure.
- Secondary Markets: Platforms like Hiive let accredited investors buy shares—if they meet the $1M net worth or $200K income thresholds.
Bottom line? Unless Musk changes his mind about Mars colonization requiring shareholder approval, SpaceX will stay private. For now, investors hungry for space exposure are stuck with proxies—or praying for a Starlink surprise.
How to Buy SpaceX Stock Now
SpaceX remains one of the most sought-after private investments, but with no IPO in sight (as of mid-2025), retail investors need creative ways to get exposure. Here’s how to navigate the challenge:
1. Secondary Markets (For Accredited Investors Only)
Platforms like Hiive and Rainmaker Securities facilitate private share sales. Recent transactions valued SpaceX at $400 billion—a 16% jump in just six months. To participate, you’ll need:
- $1M+ net worth (excluding primary residence) or
- $200K+ annual income ($300K jointly)
Deals are negotiated directly between buyers and sellers (often employees or early investors). Expect limited liquidity and high minimums.
2. ARK Venture Fund – The Retail Gateway
Cathie Wood’s ARKV.X holds 13.25% in SpaceX, its largest position. While the 2.9% management fee stings, it’s the only mainstream fund with significant SpaceX exposure. Other holdings include:
| Neuralink | Neurotech | 8.7% |
| OpenAI | AI | 7.2% |
Tip: Available via SoFi for non-accredited investors.
3. Public Companies With Skin in the Game
Two corporate giants hold SpaceX stakes:
- Alphabet (GOOGL): 6.99% stake (~$24.5B at current valuation) from 2015/2021 investments
- Bank of America (BAC): $250M 2018 investment now worth ~$2.9B
These positions represent
