SpaceX is gearing up for what could potentially be the biggest stock market debut in history, and they are shaking things up with their approach. In a meeting with bankers on Monday night, the company revealed plans to reserve a significant portion of shares specifically for regular retail investors—ordinary people rather than just large hedge funds.
According to a report by Reuters, SpaceX’s CFO Bret Johnsen emphasized that retail investors will play a crucial role in this launch, more so than in any other IPO we have seen. This move is a deliberate gesture of gratitude towards the fans and investors who have supported Elon Musk and the rocket company over the years.
The sheer scale of this deal is staggering. SpaceX is reportedly aiming to raise $75 billion, which would value the company at around $1.75 trillion. This marks a substantial increase from the $1.25 trillion valuation the company achieved in February following its merger with Musk’s AI startup, xAI. Prior to the merger, a tender offer in late 2025 pegged the company’s value at approximately $800 billion.
In a departure from the norm, where most IPOs cater primarily to institutional investors, SpaceX is rewriting the rulebook. Reuters previously reported that Musk intends to set aside up to 30% of shares for smaller investors, a significant deviation from the standard practice of allocating only 5% to 10%.
Excitingly, this opportunity is not limited to American investors. The offering is expected to be open to retail investors in Canada, the UK, EU, Australia, Japan, and Korea.
The upcoming roadshow, scheduled to commence the week of June 8, will see executives pitching the company to potential investors. On June 11, SpaceX plans to host a large event for 1,500 retail investors. For those eager for more detailed information, the official IPO prospectus is anticipated to be made public in late May.
This bold move by SpaceX to prioritize retail investors reflects a shift towards inclusivity and democratization in the world of IPOs. As the company prepares for its highly-anticipated debut, all eyes are on Elon Musk and his team as they pave the way for a new era of investment opportunities in the space industry.