SpaceX acquires AI startup Cursor: $60 billion deal changes the game
The high-tech market was shaken by a major announcement: Elon Musk's company SpaceX has officially signed an agreement to acquire the AI service Cursor. The startup's valuation has reached an astronomical $60 billion, placing this deal among the largest in the history of venture capital and corporate acquisitions.
Deal Details
The transaction will be settled exclusively with SpaceX's own Class A shares. The exchange ratio, as specified, will be calculated based on the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) over the last seven trading days before finalization. This mechanism is typical for large deals involving private companies with limited liquidity and helps minimize volatility for both parties.
Timeline and Regulatory Hurdles
The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026. This lengthy timeline is due to the need to obtain all required regulatory approvals, primarily from U.S. antitrust authorities. Notably, back in April, SpaceX received an option to purchase Cursor for $60 billion — or to pay $10 billion under a joint work agreement. The fact that the company chose full acquisition rather than the penalty option indicates the strategic importance of the AI asset.
Expert Analysis
This is not just a purchase of a tech startup. SpaceX, traditionally associated with space and satellite internet (Starlink), is clearly betting on integrating artificial intelligence into its core products. Cursor, as a powerful AI assistant for developers, could be used to optimize rocket system code, manage satellite constellations, and even create autonomous navigation algorithms. The $60 billion valuation seems inflated by classic SaaS multiples, but considering the synergy with Musk's space projects, the price becomes justified. The market saw this as a signal: the future belongs to hybrid companies combining hardware and AI-based software.