Can You Invest in Starlink Pre-IPO? Everything You Need to Know

By Matthew DiLallo – Updated Dec 10, 2025 at 9:41 AM EST | Fact-checked by Parker Hicks

Key Points

Starlink, part of SpaceX, is not yet publicly traded and no IPO is scheduled as of late 2025.
Elon Musk has dismissed plans for a Starlink IPO, citing sufficient private funding and profitability.
Investors interested in the satellite sector could consider alternatives like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or ETFs.
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Starlink is the world's largest satellite operator. It's currently part of SpaceX, the rocket company founded by Elon Musk, and provides satellite internet services to customers worldwide. There have been reports that SpaceX will spin off Starlink and complete an initial public offering (IPO) within the next year.

Satellites orbiting space over the Earth. — Image source: Getty Images.

However, Musk has called those reports false, reiterating his desire for the business to continue maturing before it goes public. With Starlink's revenue skyrocketing, investors are increasingly eager to get their hands on shares of Musk's highly valued satellite internet company. As of 2025, there has been no movement or announcements on an IPO for Starlink.

IPO

IPO (Initial Public Offering) is the first sale of stock by a private company to the public, making it a publicly traded entity.

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While nonaccredited investors must wait for Starlink's IPO to buy shares, they still have options, including investing in a publicly traded space stock. Here are three Starlink alternatives to consider:

Boeing

Boeing (BA +2.79%) is a leading global aerospace company. It develops, manufactures, and services commercial aircraft, defense products, and space systems.

Boeing produces many space products, including satellites, building them for government and commercial operators. Its satellites enable companies to deliver digital communications, mobile communications, broadband internet connectivity, streaming entertainment, and direct-to-home entertainment worldwide.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin (LMT +0.85%) is a leading aerospace and defense contractor. The company operates four business segments: aeronautics, missile and fire control, rotary and mission systems, and space. Its space division produces space transportation systems, defense systems, and satellites, including those for early-warning weather and climate observation and GPS.

Iridium Communications

Iridium Communications (IRDM +2.90%) is a global satellite communications company. It provides voice and data service anywhere in the world through its 66 low-earth-orbit satellites. Iridium's satellites serve the maritime, aviation, government, land-based handset, and Internet of Things (IoT) markets.

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Shareholder

An individual or entity that owns a portion of a company's stock, entitling them to a share of its profits and assets.

How to buy stocks similar to Starlink

Investors who want to buy one of these Starlink alternatives can purchase shares in any brokerage account. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to invest in stocks like Starlink.

Open your brokerage account: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.

ETFs with exposure to Starlink

Because Starlink remains a privately held company, you can't passively invest in its stock through an exchange-traded fund (ETF).

Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)

An exchange-traded fund, or ETF, allows investors to buy many stocks or bonds at once.

However, people interested in investing in the space sector could consider going the ETF route instead of trying to pick a space stock alternative to Starlink. Three space-related ETFs to consider are:

ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX +4.43%): Actively managed by the well-known Cathie Wood, the fund concentrates on holding companies engaged in space exploration and innovation. This ETF holds 34 holdings as of late 2025. Iridium Communications was a part of its top ten holdings, at 3.99% of the fund's assets in late 2025. The fund had a 0.75% ETF expense ratio.
Procure Space ETF (UFO +6.31%): This fund holds stocks of companies in space-related industries. In late 2025, it owned 48 stocks, including Iridium Communications, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing. The fund had a 0.94% expense ratio. This is on the higher end of expense ratios.
SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT +4.88%): This ETF concentrates on holding companies that make products or provide space travel and exploration services. In late 2025, the fund held 35 stocks, with multiple aerospace companies in the top ten. The fund had a 0.45% expense ratio.

The bottom line on Starlink

Starlink is a leader in providing satellite internet services. The company is rapidly growing its revenue and has reached a cash flow break-even level. It has much more growth ahead. Starlink's growth potential has many investors already eagerly anticipating its IPO, which could come in the next few years.

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About the Author

Matt DiLallo has been a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst specializing in covering dividend-paying companies, particularly in the energy and REIT sectors, since 2012. He also covers pre-IPO companies, ETFs, and other investing topics. He holds an MBA from Liberty University.

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Matt DiLallo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Boeing. The Motley Fool recommends Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.