GoPro to merge with Starman Optical in $285 million deal

GoPro, the action camera company known for capturing extreme sports, announced on September 1, 2026, that it will merge with Starman Optical in a deal valued at $285 million. The agreement will see the company pivot toward artificial intelligence infrastructure, defense, and aerospace markets while continuing its consumer camera business. Under the terms of the merger, GoPro shareholders will receive a cash payment of $1.14 per share and retain approximately 10% ownership of the combined company. Starman Optical, a privately held company that manufactures optical transceivers for AI data centers, will hold the remaining 90% stake. The transaction also includes the repayment of GoPro's approximately $92 million in outstanding debt, leaving the merged entity with a substantially debt-free balance sheet. The company will remain publicly listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The deal comes after a period of significant financial pressure for GoPro. In the second quarter of 2026, the company reported revenue of $104.9 million, a 31% decline from the previous year, along with a net loss of approximately $51 million.