On September 1 local time, action camera company GoPro announced that private optics firm Starman Optical will acquire approximately 90% of its equity for $285 million in cash, with the transaction expected to close by year-end. Following the deal, existing GoPro shareholders will retain around 10% of the shares, and the company’s outstanding debts will be fully repaid. The merged new company will focus on national security sectors related to cameras, optics, and AI infrastructure. Officials stated they will continue supporting GoPro’s existing camera products and cloud subscription services but did not disclose development plans for new camera products. Once a leader in the action camera market, GoPro’s market value exceeded $11 billion upon its 2014 IPO but gradually declined. Its Karma drone project failed, product updates slowed, and competitors like DJI leveraged image stabilization technology while Insta360 captured market share with panoramic cameras and software ecosystems, causing GoPro’s market share to drop below 6% by Q1 2026. From 2023 to 2025, GoPro accumulated net losses of approximately $569 million, and rising memory costs in 2026 exacerbated operational crises, putting it at risk of delisting. To address these challenges, GoPro implemented layoffs and pursued strategic transactions. Starman Optical, part of the diversified Starman Holding Group, began expanding into the photonics industry in 2024. Through this acquisition, Starman Optical aims to leverage GoPro’s patented technology, public listing status, and U.S.-based manufacturing advantages to gain technical barriers and access public financing channels, aligning with U.S. policy priorities. Notably, before the acquisition announcement, YouTube creator Markiplier purchased an 8.5% stake in GoPro, driving a sharp stock price increase. Looking ahead, GoPro may pivot to new sectors such as data centers and military optics.