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In its blockbuster IPO on Friday (Jun 12), SpaceX sold roughly 555.6 million new Class A common shares at $135 apiece at a valuation of roughly $1.75 trillion, turning founder Elon Musk into a trillionaire. The IPO floated 4.3 per cent of SpaceX's equity. Musk's nearly 42 per cent stake and voting control were essentially untouched by the listing, as the IPO consisted mostly of newly issued shares rather than insiders cashing out. IPO sales came mainly from these newly issued shares, plus a roughly $3.75 billion friends-and-family tranche.<h2>How SpaceX IPO was lapped up by institutional and retail investors</h2>Out of the 4.3 per cent of the company that was offered in the IPO, SpaceX initially targeted roughly 30 per cent retail participation. However, demand reshaped the allocation, and up to 80 per cent of the offered shares eventually went to institutional investors. So, out of the $75 billion offered, a little over 20 per cent went to retail investors, worth an estimated $16-17 billion, while up to 80 per cent went to institutional investors, estimated about $59 billion, according to reports.The offering was oversubscribed by 3.5 to 4 times the $75 billion sought. Retail orders reportedly exceeded $100 billion, making it the biggest IPO debut for retail investors in recent memory.The institutional investors included pension funds, mutual funds, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, asset managers and strategic investors. Retail investors used platforms such as Robinhood, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, SoFi and E-Trade.Priced at $135, the stock opened at $150, up 11 per cent, briefly rose more than 30 per cent, and closed its first day at $160.95, up about 19.2 per cent.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/musk-vows-to-reach-mars-as-spacex-makes-wall-street-debut-1781284346523/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/musk-vows-to-reach-mars-as-spacex-makes-wall-street-debut-1781284346523/embed</a><h2>What percentage does Musk own now in SpaceX?</h2>Musk's SpaceX stake, worth around $1 trillion, remained up to five times more valuable than all the shares sold to the public in the IPO combined. Even after becoming a public company, he likely retained near-effective control because of his large equity stake and super-voting shares.According to SpaceX's S-1 filing, submitted publicly on May 20 after a confidential April 1 draft, Musk will control 82.4 per cent of the voting power after the IPO, as confirmed in the S-1/A amendment filed on June 3. Some post-IPO reports put that voting power at 85 per cent. Either way, it means Musk has unassailable majority vote.It is important to note that the listed SpaceX entity is no longer just the rocket company. After absorbing xAI and X in February 2026, the filing consolidated all three businesses. Therefore, the 42 per cent Musk ownership figure refers to the combined entity.His voting control is significantly higher because of the dual-class share structure, with Class B shares carrying super-voting rights, typically 10 votes per share compared with one vote for Class A shares.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/failed-3-times-before-success-what-can-founders-learn-from-spacex-s-first-three-failures-1781345514081">Failed 3 times before success: What can founders learn from SpaceX's first three failures?</a><h2>If Elon Musk still owns 42 per cent of SpaceX, who owns the rest?</h2>It is important to note that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires companies to disclose only beneficial owners holding 5 per cent or more of a share class.Every investor below that threshold, in this case most funds and all employees, is aggregated rather than itemised. The only other holders named in the filing with more than 5 per cent ownership are as follows:Antonio Gracias, a board member since 2010, is the largest individual shareholder after Musk. He holds more than 503 million Class A shares, representing about a 7.3 per cent stake according to the S-1 filing.Class B super-voting holders are strikingly few. Apart from Musk, they include SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell and Ira Ehrenpreis of DBL Partners. Ehrenpreis holds 564,650 Class B shares and 809,050 Class A shares. This structure keeps voting control firmly concentrated regardless of equity dilution.Everyone else, including institutional and employee shareholders pre-IPO, are not individually broken out in the SEC filing.<h2>Either way, all SpaceX shareholders are richer now</h2>Major pre-IPO institutional investors of SpaceX include Andreessen Horowitz, DFJ Growth, Founders Fund of Peter Theil, Sequoia Capital, Valor Equity Partners, Thrive Capital, Alphabet, Baillie Gifford, D1 Capital Partners, Fidelity, Baron Capital, T. Rowe Price and 137 Ventures.However, there is no uniformity in reporting regarding the percentage stakes these firms hold.Alphabet, Google's parent company, is estimated to hold around 6-7.5 per cent, based on a $900 million investment made during the 2015 Series F round.Founders Fund has been invested in SpaceX since 2008 and is estimated to hold about 1.5 per cent. However, some reports suggest that Fidelity, Founders Fund, Sequoia, Alphabet and Valor each hold stakes of 2 per cent or less.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-just-made-history-1-8-trillion-ipo-is-the-biggest-listing-ever-1781284160310">SpaceX just made history! $1.8 trillion IPO is the biggest listing ever</a>SpaceX employees collectively hold an undisclosed share of the company. Notably, Donald Trump Jr., son of the US president, is among the shareholders through venture firm 1789 Capital.All non-Musk shareholders combined may now own more than $1 trillion worth of SpaceX stock.While there are discrepancies in the reporting, one thing is clear: the IPO created or expanded wealth for thousands of employees and investors simultaneously.

SpaceX's IPO floated about 4.5 per cent of the company, but Musk retained roughly 42 per cent ownership and 82.4 per cent voting control. Who owns the rest, including major pre-IPO investors and employees?

In its blockbuster IPO on Friday (Jun 12), SpaceX sold roughly 555.6 million new Class A common shares at $135 apiece at a valuation of roughly $1.75 trillion, turning founder Elon Musk into a trillionaire. The IPO floated 4.3 per cent of SpaceX's equity. Musk's nearly 42 per cent stake and voting control were essentially untouched by the listing, as the IPO consisted mostly of newly issued shares rather than insiders cashing out. IPO sales came mainly from these newly issued shares, plus a roughly $3.75 billion friends-and-family tranche. How SpaceX IPO was lapped up by institutional and retail investors Out of the 4.3 per cent of the company that was offered in the IPO, SpaceX initially targeted roughly 30 per cent retail participation. However, demand reshaped the allocation, and up to 80 per cent of the offered shares eventually went to institutional investors. So, out of the $75 billion offered, a little over 20 per cent went to retail investors, worth an estimated $16-17 billion, while up to 80 per cent went to institutional investors, estimated about $59 billion, according to reports. The offering was oversubscribed by 3.5 to 4 times the $75 billion sought. Retail orders reportedly exceeded $100 billion, making it the biggest IPO debut for retail investors in recent memory. The institutional investors included pension funds, mutual funds, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, asset managers and strategic investors. Retail investors used platforms such as Robinhood, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, SoFi and E-Trade. Priced at $135, the stock opened at $150, up 11 per cent, briefly rose more than 30 per cent, and closed its first day at $160.95, up about 19.2 per cent. https://www.wionews.com/videos/musk-vows-to-reach-mars-as-spacex-makes-wall-street-debut-1781284346523/embed What percentage does Musk own now in SpaceX? Musk's SpaceX stake, worth around $1 trillion, remained up to five times more valuable than all the shares sold to the public in the IPO combined. Even after becoming a public company, he likely retained near-effective control because of his large equity stake and super-voting shares. According to SpaceX's S-1 filing, submitted publicly on May 20 after a confidential April 1 draft, Musk will control 82.4 per cent of the voting power after the IPO, as confirmed in the S-1/A amendment filed on June 3. Some post-IPO reports put that voting power at 85 per cent. Either way, it means Musk has unassailable majority vote. It is important to note that the listed SpaceX entity is no longer just the rocket company. After absorbing xAI and X in February 2026, the filing consolidated all three businesses. Therefore, the 42 per cent Musk ownership figure refers to the combined entity. His voting control is significantly higher because of the dual-class share structure, with Class B shares carrying super-voting rights, typically 10 votes per share compared with one vote for Class A shares. Also read: Failed 3 times before success: What can founders learn from SpaceX's first three failures? If Elon Musk still owns 42 per cent of SpaceX, who owns the rest? It is important to note that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires companies to disclose only beneficial owners holding 5 per cent or more of a share class. Every investor below that threshold, in this case most funds and all employees, is aggregated rather than itemised. The only other holders named in the filing with more than 5 per cent ownership are as follows: Antonio Gracias, a board member since 2010, is the largest individual shareholder after Musk. He holds more than 503 million Class A shares, representing about a 7.3 per cent stake according to the S-1 filing. Class B super-voting holders are strikingly few. Apart from Musk, they include SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell and Ira Ehrenpreis of DBL Partners. Ehrenpreis holds 564,650 Class B shares and 809,050 Class A shares. This structure keeps voting control firmly concentrated regardless of equity dilution. Everyone else, including institutional and employee shareholders pre-IPO, are not individually broken out in the SEC filing. Either way, all SpaceX shareholders are richer now Major pre-IPO institutional investors of SpaceX include Andreessen Horowitz, DFJ Growth, Founders Fund of Peter Theil, Sequoia Capital, Valor Equity Partners, Thrive Capital, Alphabet, Baillie Gifford, D1 Capital Partners, Fidelity, Baron Capital, T. Rowe Price and 137 Ventures. However, there is no uniformity in reporting regarding the percentage stakes these firms hold. Alphabet, Google's parent company, is estimated to hold around 6-7.5 per cent, based on a $900 million investment made during the 2015 Series F round. Founders Fund has been invested in SpaceX since 2008 and is estimated to hold about 1.5 per cent. However, some reports suggest that Fidelity, Founders Fund, Sequoia, Alphabet and Valor each hold stakes of 2 per cent or less. Also read: SpaceX just made history! $1.8 trillion IPO is the biggest listing ever SpaceX employees collectively hold an undisclosed share of the company. Notably, Donald Trump Jr., son of the US president, is among the shareholders through venture firm 1789 Capital. All non-Musk shareholders combined may now own more than $1 trillion worth of SpaceX stock. While there are discrepancies in the reporting, one thing is clear: the IPO created or expanded wealth for thousands of employees and investors simultaneously.

SpaceX's IPO floated 4.3 per cent of the company, but Musk retained roughly 42 per cent ownership and 82.4 per cent voting control. Who owns the rest, including major pre-IPO investors and employees?

SpaceX after IPO: Musk became a trillionaire, but who all own what percentage of the company? Why we may never know

Elon Musk's rise to a trillionaire worth around $1.05 trillion following SpaceX's blockbuster IPO on Friday (Jun 12) is more than a personal fortune milestone. It shows how wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. In a world of wars, famine, climate crisis, and natural disasters, all of which cause the high cost of living, the rich are getting richer much faster than average incomes are rising. Musk's wealth exceeds the combined economic output (GDP) or wealth of vast populations and even entire nations.<h2>Warnings on inequality becoming true: Musk's wealth and per-capita incomes</h2>As per figures from IMF and World Bank, the world's nominal GDP per capita is nearly $15,223.Based on purchasing power parity (PPP), adjusted for cost of living, it is around $27,003. This is not spread evenly for obvious reasons: advanced economies have a much higher per capita nominal GDP of $66,000, while emerging and developing economies are at $7,560. The average American economic output per person is about $94,430 per year. In India, it is around $3,051, and in Nigeria, about $1,378. Poorest nation South Sudan's GDP per capita is roughly $369 a year.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the collective wealth of the world's billionaires grew by $2.5 trillion in one year, nearly matching the total wealth of the bottom half of humanity, or around 4.1 billion people. The 12 richest billionaires hold more wealth than the poorest half, many times over.<h2>Putting the trillion-dollar wealth of a single person in context</h2>Musk's wealth reportedly grew more than $1 million per minute at some points. At $1 trillion, one person could exceed the combined net wealth of billions. Spread across all 8.2 billion people on Earth, it would come to roughly $128 each. Measured against South Sudan, Musk's net worth equalled about 174 times that nation's entire annual GDP of around $6 billion. This would equal nearly three billion person-years of average South Sudanese economic output held by one man.&nbsp;Against India's per-capita figure, Musk's wealth corresponds to the yearly output of around 340 million people.The World Inequality Report 2026 data reinforces this wealth gap. The top 1 per cent capture a massive share of global income and nearly 37 per cent of wealth. The top 10 per cent hold 75 per cent of global wealth, while the bottom half holds just 2 per cent of wealth and 8 per cent of income.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/belfast-violence-musk-under-fire-for-stoking-anti-immigrant-riots-1781203316952/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/belfast-violence-musk-under-fire-for-stoking-anti-immigrant-riots-1781203316952/embed</a><h2>Billionaire wealth is at a historic high: A per capita comparison&nbsp;</h2>Oxfam and similar organisations have repeatedly warned about this extreme wealth concentration. Even as nearly half the world's population still lives in poverty, billionaire wealth has risen 81 per cent since 2020. According to Oxfam's analysis, billionaire wealth reached a record $18.3 trillion in 2025, up 16 per cent that year. That was three times the prior five-year average, and up 81 per cent since 2020.&nbsp;According to IMF, world GDP in 2026 is about $124 trillion. Musk's fortune alone therefore amounts to roughly 0.8 per cent of all annual economic output produced on Earth.&nbsp;How does it work out in per-capita income terms? The IMF estimates global GDP per capita at roughly $15,000 in 2026. At that level, Musk's $1.05 trillion fortune equals the annual economic output of around 70 million average world citizens.&nbsp;Even compared with high-income economies, the numbers are staggering. As mentioned earlier, the average American produces less than $100,000 of economic output per year, meaning Musk's fortune is equivalent to the annual output of more than 10 million Americans.In many African and South Asian nations, annual per-capita GDP remains below $5,000. Musk's wealth represents the equivalent of hundreds of millions of person-years of economic output when compared to them.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trillionaire-elon-musk-s-net-worth-is-now-25-per-cent-of-india-s-gdp-more-than-around-160-countries-gdp-after-spacex-ipo-1781330232743">Trillionaire Elon Musk's net worth after SpaceX IPO equals 25 per cent of India's GDP and more than 160 countries' output</a><h2>Winner takes most: Poverty has reduced across the world, but…</h2>Data from institutions such as the World Bank show that global extreme poverty has fallen substantially in the past decades. It is, therefore, incorrect to say that the poor are universally becoming poorer. But the gap between the richest individuals and the ordinary people continues to be enormous and growing.&nbsp;The World Bank now estimates about 831 million people live in extreme poverty under its updated $3.00-a-day poverty line, as of June 2025. South Sudan's GDP per capita has fallen more than 50 per cent since independence in 2011. Oxfam said that while Nigerians endured their worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, African billionaire wealth jumped 36.5 per cent in 2025, more than twice the global average.&nbsp; Musk becoming a trillionaire does not alone cause the global wealth gap in isolation, but it reemphasises the winner-takes-most dynamics in tech and capital markets, where innovation and scaling create enormous notional wealth for founders and investors.&nbsp;Oxfam argued that this reflects policy choices favouring capital over labour and weak taxation of extreme wealth. Billionaires are roughly 4,000 times more likely to hold political office than ordinary citizens, so extreme wealth converts into outsized power over the rules themselves.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/5-key-decisions-by-elon-musk-that-helped-save-spacex-from-collapse-in-2008-1781342326094">5 key decisions by Elon Musk that helped save SpaceX from collapse in 2008</a><h2>12 richest individuals now hold more wealth than the poor half of humanity</h2>In this context, it is interesting to recall Oxfam's January 2026 Davos report, Resisting the Rule of the Rich. The report said that billionaire wealth hit a record $18.3 trillion, rising more than 16 per cent in 2025. This is three times faster than the average of the previous five years, with the number of billionaires passing 3,000 for the first time. The concentration is shocking: 12 richest billionaires now hold more wealth than the poorest half of humanity or over four billion people. The richest 1 per cent own about 43.8 per cent of wealth while the bottom half holds just 0.52 per cent. This means a top-1 per cent person owns on average 8,251 times more than someone in the bottom 50 per cent. The wealth billionaires gained in a single year could hand every person on Earth $250 and still leave the billionaires more than $500 billion richer, it noted.

Elon Musk's $1.05 trillion fortune brings back debate on widening wealth concentration on a dozen or so individuals in a world of over 8 billion people. Billionaire wealth is rising far faster than national incomes, despite declines in global extreme poverty

Elon Musk's rise to a trillionaire worth around $1.05 trillion following SpaceX's blockbuster IPO on Friday (Jun 12) is more than a personal fortune milestone. It shows how wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals. In a world of wars, famine, climate crisis, and natural disasters, all of which cause the high cost of living, the rich are getting richer much faster than average incomes are rising. Musk's wealth exceeds the combined economic output (GDP) or wealth of vast populations and even entire nations. Warnings on inequality becoming true: Musk's wealth and per-capita incomes As per figures from IMF and World Bank, the world's nominal GDP per capita is nearly $15,223. Based on purchasing power parity (PPP), adjusted for cost of living, it is around $27,003. This is not spread evenly for obvious reasons: advanced economies have a much higher per capita nominal GDP of $66,000, while emerging and developing economies are at $7,560. The average American economic output per person is about $94,430 per year. In India, it is around $3,051, and in Nigeria, about $1,378. Poorest nation South Sudan's GDP per capita is roughly $369 a year. Meanwhile, the collective wealth of the world's billionaires grew by $2.5 trillion in one year, nearly matching the total wealth of the bottom half of humanity, or around 4.1 billion people. The 12 richest billionaires hold more wealth than the poorest half, many times over. Putting the trillion-dollar wealth of a single person in context Musk's wealth reportedly grew more than $1 million per minute at some points. At $1 trillion, one person could exceed the combined net wealth of billions. Spread across all 8.2 billion people on Earth, it would come to roughly $128 each. Measured against South Sudan, Musk's net worth equalled about 174 times that nation's entire annual GDP of around $6 billion. This would equal nearly three billion person-years of average South Sudanese economic output held by one man. Against India's per-capita figure, Musk's wealth corresponds to the yearly output of around 340 million people. The World Inequality Report 2026 data reinforces this wealth gap. The top 1 per cent capture a massive share of global income and nearly 37 per cent of wealth. The top 10 per cent hold 75 per cent of global wealth, while the bottom half holds just 2 per cent of wealth and 8 per cent of income. https://www.wionews.com/videos/belfast-violence-musk-under-fire-for-stoking-anti-immigrant-riots-1781203316952/embed Billionaire wealth is at a historic high: A per capita comparison Oxfam and similar organisations have repeatedly warned about this extreme wealth concentration. Even as nearly half the world's population still lives in poverty, billionaire wealth has risen 81 per cent since 2020. According to Oxfam's analysis, billionaire wealth reached a record $18.3 trillion in 2025, up 16 per cent that year. That was three times the prior five-year average, and up 81 per cent since 2020. According to IMF, world GDP in 2026 is about $124 trillion. Musk's fortune alone therefore amounts to roughly 0.8 per cent of all annual economic output produced on Earth. How does it work out in per-capita income terms? The IMF estimates global GDP per capita at roughly $15,000 in 2026. At that level, Musk's $1.05 trillion fortune equals the annual economic output of around 70 million average world citizens. Even compared with high-income economies, the numbers are staggering. As mentioned earlier, the average American produces less than $100,000 of economic output per year, meaning Musk's fortune is equivalent to the annual output of more than 10 million Americans. In many African and South Asian nations, annual per-capita GDP remains below $5,000. Musk's wealth represents the equivalent of hundreds of millions of person-years of economic output when compared to them. Also read: Trillionaire Elon Musk's net worth after SpaceX IPO equals 25 per cent of India's GDP and more than 160 countries' output Winner takes most: Poverty has reduced across the world, but… Data from institutions such as the World Bank show that global extreme poverty has fallen substantially in the past decades. It is, therefore, incorrect to say that the poor are universally becoming poorer. But the gap between the richest individuals and the ordinary people continues to be enormous and growing. The World Bank now estimates about 831 million people live in extreme poverty under its updated $3.00-a-day poverty line, as of June 2025. South Sudan's GDP per capita has fallen more than 50 per cent since independence in 2011. Oxfam said that while Nigerians endured their worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, African billionaire wealth jumped 36.5 per cent in 2025, more than twice the global average. Musk becoming a trillionaire does not alone cause the global wealth gap in isolation, but it reemphasises the winner-takes-most dynamics in tech and capital markets, where innovation and scaling create enormous notional wealth for founders and investors. Oxfam argued that this reflects policy choices favouring capital over labour and weak taxation of extreme wealth. Billionaires are roughly 4,000 times more likely to hold political office than ordinary citizens, so extreme wealth converts into outsized power over the rules themselves. Also read: 5 key decisions by Elon Musk that helped save SpaceX from collapse in 2008 12 richest individuals now hold more wealth than the poor half of humanity In this context, it is interesting to recall Oxfam's January 2026 Davos report, Resisting the Rule of the Rich. The report said that billionaire wealth hit a record $18.3 trillion, rising more than 16 per cent in 2025. This is three times faster than the average of the previous five years, with the number of billionaires passing 3,000 for the first time. The concentration is shocking: 12 richest billionaires now hold more wealth than the poorest half of humanity or over four billion people. The richest 1 per cent own about 43.8 per cent of wealth while the bottom half holds just 0.52 per cent. This means a top-1 per cent person owns on average 8,251 times more than someone in the bottom 50 per cent. The wealth billionaires gained in a single year could hand every person on Earth $250 and still leave the billionaires more than $500 billion richer, it noted.

Elon Musk's $1.05 trillion fortune brings back debate on widening wealth concentration on a dozen or so individuals in a world of over 8 billion people. Billionaire wealth is rising far faster than national incomes, despite declines in global extreme poverty

What does Musk's trillionaire status after SpaceX IPO tell us about global wealth gaps? The Big Question

SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But before reaching orbit, the company suffered three consecutive rocket failures. Those setbacks offer lessons that many founders still discuss today. SpaceX is known for launching astronauts, operating the Starlink satellite network and building some of the world's most advanced rockets. The company's public listing in 2026 pushed its valuation into the trillion-dollar range and further strengthened the wealth of founder Elon Musk.<h2>Yet in its early years, SpaceX looked anything but unstoppable.</h2>Between 2006 and 2008, the company suffered three failed Falcon 1 launches. Money was becoming scarce, pressure was growing and many doubted whether the business would survive. The fourth launch finally succeeded and changed the company's future.For founders and entrepreneurs, those difficult years still offer valuable lessons.Failure is information, not the endThe first Falcon 1 launch failed in 2006 due to an engine-related problem.The second mission in 2007 also failed. A third launch in August 2008 came close to reaching orbit but ultimately fell short.Many businesses view failure as a sign to stop. SpaceX took a different approach.&nbsp;After each launch, engineers analysed what went wrong, made changes and prepared for another attempt. The company treated failures as a source of information rather than proof that the idea itself was flawed. For founders, the lesson is clear: understanding mistakes can be more valuable than avoiding them.Persistence matters, but learning matters moreContinuing after setbacks is important, but persistence alone is not enough.SpaceX did not simply repeat the same process four times. The company adjusted designs, improved systems and used lessons from previous launches.The eventual success of Falcon 1 was built on hundreds of small improvements.For start-ups, resilience works best when combined with continuous learning.Managing resources can determine survivalBy 2008, SpaceX was under significant financial pressure.&nbsp;Musk was investing much of his own money into both SpaceX and Tesla. Resources were limited and the company had little room for further mistakes. Rather than expanding rapidly, SpaceX remained focused on its core objective: getting a rocket into orbit. Many young companies struggle because they attempt too many things at once. SpaceX's experience highlights the importance of concentrating resources on the most important goal.<h2>Build a team that believes in the mission</h2>One of the lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's early years was the commitment of its workforce. Hundreds of employees continued working through failed launches and uncertainty about the company's future. Without that belief in the mission, the company may not have survived long enough to achieve success. For founders, building a strong team culture can be just as important as raising money or developing technology.<h2>Breakthroughs often arrive after the hardest period</h2>The fourth Falcon 1 launch succeeded on September 28, 2008. It became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach orbit and helped establish SpaceX as a serious player in the space industry. That breakthrough came after years of setbacks and just when the company was facing its greatest pressure. While every business is different, the story serves as a reminder that important progress sometimes comes after repeated disappointments.<h2>Why the SpaceX story still resonates</h2>SpaceX's first three failures are now part of business and technology history. The company that once struggled to reach orbit is today one of the world's most influential firms. Its rockets carry astronauts, launch satellites and support global communications through Starlink. For founders, the biggest lesson may be that early setbacks do not always determine the final outcome. What matters is how a company responds when things go wrong.

Before becoming a trillion-dollar company, SpaceX suffered three failed Falcon 1 launches and faced growing financial pressure. The company's response to those setbacks continues to offer practical lessons for founders on resilience, learning and long-term focus.


SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But before reaching orbit, the company suffered three consecutive rocket failures. Those setbacks offer lessons that many founders still discuss today. SpaceX is known for launching astronauts, operating the Starlink satellite network and building some of the world's most advanced rockets. The company's public listing in 2026 pushed its valuation into the trillion-dollar range and further strengthened the wealth of founder Elon Musk. Yet in its early years, SpaceX looked anything but unstoppable. Between 2006 and 2008, the company suffered three failed Falcon 1 launches. Money was becoming scarce, pressure was growing and many doubted whether the business would survive. The fourth launch finally succeeded and changed the company's future. For founders and entrepreneurs, those difficult years still offer valuable lessons. Failure is information, not the end The first Falcon 1 launch failed in 2006 due to an engine-related problem. The second mission in 2007 also failed. A third launch in August 2008 came close to reaching orbit but ultimately fell short. Many businesses view failure as a sign to stop. SpaceX took a different approach. After each launch, engineers analysed what went wrong, made changes and prepared for another attempt. The company treated failures as a source of information rather than proof that the idea itself was flawed. For founders, the lesson is clear: understanding mistakes can be more valuable than avoiding them. Persistence matters, but learning matters more Continuing after setbacks is important, but persistence alone is not enough. SpaceX did not simply repeat the same process four times. The company adjusted designs, improved systems and used lessons from previous launches. The eventual success of Falcon 1 was built on hundreds of small improvements. For start-ups, resilience works best when combined with continuous learning. Managing resources can determine survival By 2008, SpaceX was under significant financial pressure. Musk was investing much of his own money into both SpaceX and Tesla. Resources were limited and the company had little room for further mistakes. Rather than expanding rapidly, SpaceX remained focused on its core objective: getting a rocket into orbit. Many young companies struggle because they attempt too many things at once. SpaceX's experience highlights the importance of concentrating resources on the most important goal. Build a team that believes in the mission One of the lesser-known aspects of SpaceX's early years was the commitment of its workforce. Hundreds of employees continued working through failed launches and uncertainty about the company's future. Without that belief in the mission, the company may not have survived long enough to achieve success. For founders, building a strong team culture can be just as important as raising money or developing technology. Breakthroughs often arrive after the hardest period The fourth Falcon 1 launch succeeded on September 28, 2008. It became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach orbit and helped establish SpaceX as a serious player in the space industry. That breakthrough came after years of setbacks and just when the company was facing its greatest pressure. While every business is different, the story serves as a reminder that important progress sometimes comes after repeated disappointments. Why the SpaceX story still resonates SpaceX's first three failures are now part of business and technology history. The company that once struggled to reach orbit is today one of the world's most influential firms. Its rockets carry astronauts, launch satellites and support global communications through Starlink. For founders, the biggest lesson may be that early setbacks do not always determine the final outcome. What matters is how a company responds when things go wrong.

Before becoming a trillion-dollar company, SpaceX suffered three failed Falcon 1 launches and faced growing financial pressure. The company's response to those setbacks continues to offer practical lessons for founders on resilience, learning and long-term focus.

Failed 3 times before success: What can founders learn from SpaceX's first three failures?

Today, SpaceX launches astronauts, operates the Starlink satellite network and stands among the most valuable companies in the world. Its recent public listing further strengthened founder Elon Musk's position as one of the wealthiest people globally.But nearly two decades ago, the company faced a very different reality. By 2008, SpaceX had suffered three failed Falcon 1 launches. Money was running low, investors were nervous and the company's future depended on a final attempt to reach orbit. Looking back, several decisions played an important role in helping SpaceX survive that crisis.&nbsp;<h2>1. Musk invested much of his own fortune into SpaceX</h2>One of the most important decisions came long before the crisis. After the sale of PayPal, Elon Musk invested around $100 million of his own money into SpaceX. Rather than relying entirely on outside funding, he used his personal wealth to keep the company operating during its early years.&nbsp;This gave SpaceX time to continue developing rockets despite repeated setbacks.<h2>2. SpaceX continued after three failed launches</h2>Many companies would have abandoned the programme after multiple failures. The first Falcon 1 launch failed in 2006. A second attempt in 2007 also failed. The third launch in August 2008 came close but still fell short of reaching orbit. Instead of shutting down the programme, Musk and the engineering team chose to continue improving the rocket.&nbsp;That persistence ultimately proved critical.<h2>3. Focused on learning from every failure</h2>Each failed launch produced valuable technical data. Engineers carefully examined what went wrong and introduced changes before the next mission. Problems involving fuel leaks, engine performance and stage separation were addressed one by one.&nbsp;This approach allowed SpaceX to improve rapidly despite limited resources. Rather than viewing failures as the end of the project, the company treated them as part of the development process.&nbsp;<h2>4. SpaceX kept costs lower than traditional rivals</h2>Another major decision involved cost control. SpaceX manufactured many rocket components internally instead of relying heavily on outside suppliers. The company also focused on simpler designs and leaner operations. This strategy helped reduce development costs compared with many traditional aerospace programmes.&nbsp;Lower costs gave SpaceX more opportunities to keep testing and refining its technology.&nbsp;<h2>5. Musk pushed ahead with a fourth Falcon 1 launch</h2>The most significant decision came in September 2008. Despite the company's financial difficulties, SpaceX moved forward with a fourth Falcon 1 mission.The launch succeeded. Falcon 1 became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach Earth orbit. The achievement validated years of work and helped restore confidence in the company. Shortly afterwards, SpaceX secured a major NASA contract that provided crucial financial support and helped stabilise its future. The decision that changed SpaceX forever The successful fourth Falcon 1 launch marked a turning point. In the years that followed, SpaceX developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and Starlink network. The company went on to become a leading force in commercial spaceflight.&nbsp;Yet the company's survival was far from guaranteed. A combination of persistence, cost discipline, personal investment and a willingness to keep pushing forward after repeated failures helped turn a struggling start-up into one of the most influential companies in the world.

SpaceX's future looked uncertain in 2008 after three failed Falcon 1 launches and mounting financial pressure. Key decisions by Elon Musk, including continued investment, cost control and backing a fourth launch, helped the company survive and eventually thrive.

Today, SpaceX launches astronauts, operates the Starlink satellite network and stands among the most valuable companies in the world. Its recent public listing further strengthened founder Elon Musk's position as one of the wealthiest people globally. But nearly two decades ago, the company faced a very different reality. By 2008, SpaceX had suffered three failed Falcon 1 launches. Money was running low, investors were nervous and the company's future depended on a final attempt to reach orbit. Looking back, several decisions played an important role in helping SpaceX survive that crisis. 1. Musk invested much of his own fortune into SpaceX One of the most important decisions came long before the crisis. After the sale of PayPal, Elon Musk invested around $100 million of his own money into SpaceX. Rather than relying entirely on outside funding, he used his personal wealth to keep the company operating during its early years. This gave SpaceX time to continue developing rockets despite repeated setbacks. 2. SpaceX continued after three failed launches Many companies would have abandoned the programme after multiple failures. The first Falcon 1 launch failed in 2006. A second attempt in 2007 also failed. The third launch in August 2008 came close but still fell short of reaching orbit. Instead of shutting down the programme, Musk and the engineering team chose to continue improving the rocket. That persistence ultimately proved critical. 3. Focused on learning from every failure Each failed launch produced valuable technical data. Engineers carefully examined what went wrong and introduced changes before the next mission. Problems involving fuel leaks, engine performance and stage separation were addressed one by one. This approach allowed SpaceX to improve rapidly despite limited resources. Rather than viewing failures as the end of the project, the company treated them as part of the development process. 4. SpaceX kept costs lower than traditional rivals Another major decision involved cost control. SpaceX manufactured many rocket components internally instead of relying heavily on outside suppliers. The company also focused on simpler designs and leaner operations. This strategy helped reduce development costs compared with many traditional aerospace programmes. Lower costs gave SpaceX more opportunities to keep testing and refining its technology. 5. Musk pushed ahead with a fourth Falcon 1 launch The most significant decision came in September 2008. Despite the company's financial difficulties, SpaceX moved forward with a fourth Falcon 1 mission. The launch succeeded. Falcon 1 became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach Earth orbit. The achievement validated years of work and helped restore confidence in the company. Shortly afterwards, SpaceX secured a major NASA contract that provided crucial financial support and helped stabilise its future. The decision that changed SpaceX forever The successful fourth Falcon 1 launch marked a turning point. In the years that followed, SpaceX developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and Starlink network. The company went on to become a leading force in commercial spaceflight. Yet the company's survival was far from guaranteed. A combination of persistence, cost discipline, personal investment and a willingness to keep pushing forward after repeated failures helped turn a struggling start-up into one of the most influential companies in the world.

SpaceX's future looked uncertain in 2008 after three failed Falcon 1 launches and mounting financial pressure. Key decisions by Elon Musk, including continued investment, cost control and backing a fourth launch, helped the company survive and eventually thrive.

5 key decisions by Elon Musk that helped save SpaceX from collapse in 2008

After SpaceX's initial public offering on Friday (Jun 12), Elon Musk's combined SpaceX and Tesla stakes put his net worth at roughly $1.05 trillion, making him Earth's first trillionaire. It would be interesting to compare his net worth with the Gross Domestic Product of various nations. A basic comparison shows that Musk's net worth is more than the GDP of nearly 160 countries. Let's analyse the data with figures mainly taken from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).<h2>Crunching the numbers: Nominal GDP estimates of nations</h2>At the time of writing this, the GDP of top nations in IMF website at current prices , also known as nominal GDP, is given below, in the order of Rank, country&nbsp;and GDP in US$ trillion. 1. United States&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32.38 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;China&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20.85 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.45 4&nbsp;.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.4 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;United Kingdom&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.26 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;India&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.15 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;France&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.6 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.7 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.7 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.6 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.5 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1 13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1214.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.12 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;South Korea&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.9 16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.6 17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.5 18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Netherlands&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.45 19.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saudi Arabia&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.39 20.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Switzerland&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 21.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Poland&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.1 22. Taiwan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;0.9<h2>How does Elon Musk's wealth compare to richest 10 nations?</h2>For the year 2025, the top 10 GDPs were the United States at $30.6 trillion, China at $19.4 trillion, Germany at $5.01 trillion, Japan at $4.28 trillion, India at $4.13 trillion, the United Kingdom at $3.96 trillion, France at $3.36 trillion, Italy at $2.54 trillion, Russia at $2.54 trillion and Canada at $2.28 trillion. This means Musk's wealth is around 3.4 per cent of US GDP in 2025. For China, it is 5.4 per cent while for Germany it is 21 per cent. Musk's fortune would be 24.5 per cent of Japan's GDP and &nbsp;26.5 per cent of UK's, 31 per cent of France's, 41 per cent of Italy's, 41 per cent of Russia's and 42.56 per cent of Canada's.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/spacex-went-public-today-but-indians-couldn-t-buy-stock-in-ipo-here-s-why-1781284656634/amp">SpaceX went public today but Indians couldn't buy stock in IPO! Here's why</a><h2>How does Musk's fortune compare with India's economy?</h2>Musk's fortune equals about a quarter of India's $4.1 trillion economy. &nbsp;A $1 trillion fortune is about 25 per cent of India's annual economic output.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/musk-vows-to-reach-mars-as-spacex-makes-wall-street-debut-1781284346523">https://www.wionews.com/videos/musk-vows-to-reach-mars-as-spacex-makes-wall-street-debut-1781284346523</a><h2>Musk's net worth nearly equals 10 nations' GDP</h2>Every economy from rank 17 down to around rank 21 is individually worth roughly $1 trillion or more. &nbsp;Musk's $1.05 trillion networth is nearly the size of some of world's 20th-largest economies, such as Poland and Switzerland. This means one man's paper wealth roughly equals the entire annual output of several nations. The next few countries have economies lesser than Musk's net worth, including Belgium and Argentina, both at around $0.7 trillion.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/spacex-ipo-soars-and-elon-musk-becomes-world-s-first-trillionaire-1781288775478/amp">SpaceX IPO soars and Elon Musk becomes world's FIRST trillionaire</a><h2>How does Musk's wealth compare to the African continent and the world?</h2>The combined nominal GDP of all African nations would be around $6 trillion. Out of this, Sub-Saharan Africa's output is roughly $2.5 trillion, and the rest comes mainly from North African economies such as Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya. Musk's $1 trillion plus net worth would be about 25 per cent of Africa's total output. World GDP is around $124 trillion as per IMF 2026 estimates. In other words, $1 trillion is about 1 dollar out of every 124 dollars produced globally each year.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-just-made-history-1-8-trillion-ipo-is-the-biggest-listing-ever-1781284160310/amp">SpaceX just made history! $1.8 trillion IPO is the biggest listing ever</a><h2>But is it fair to compare Musk's net worth to GDPs of nations?</h2>Quick economics lesson here: Net worth is the value of assets owned by a person. GDP is the value of goods and services produced in one year by an entire economy. A person's net worth is volatile and mostly illiquid equity, not official statistics. Musk himself has noted that his wealth almost entirely consists of his stock holdings in the two companies he heads: Tesla and SpaceX, with under 0.1 per cent in cash. This is a notional value, or paper wealth. From this perspective, it is not strictly an apples-to-apples comparison.

After SpaceX's IPO, Elon Musk's net worth reached about $1.05 trillion. While still a notional number, the amount surpasses the GDP of over 160 countries. Here is how his fortune compares with India, major economies, Africa, and the world.

After SpaceX's initial public offering on Friday (Jun 12), Elon Musk's combined SpaceX and Tesla stakes put his net worth at roughly $1.05 trillion, making him Earth's first trillionaire. It would be interesting to compare his net worth with the Gross Domestic Product of various nations. A basic comparison shows that Musk's net worth is more than the GDP of nearly 160 countries. Let's analyse the data with figures mainly taken from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Crunching the numbers: Nominal GDP estimates of nations At the time of writing this, the GDP of top nations in IMF website at current prices , also known as nominal GDP, is given below, in the order of Rank, country and GDP in US$ trillion. 1. United States 32.38 2. China 20.85 3. Germany 5.45 4 . Japan 4.4 5. United Kingdom 4.26 6. India 4.15 7. France 3.6 8. Russia 2.7 9. Italy 2.7 10. Brazil 2.6 11. Canada 2.5 12. Spain 2.1 13. Australia 2.12 14. Mexico 2.12 15. South Korea 1.9 16. Turkey 1.6 17. Indonesia 1.5 18. Netherlands 1.45 19. Saudi Arabia 1.39 20. Switzerland 1.1 21. Poland 1.1 22. Taiwan 0.9 How does Elon Musk's wealth compare to richest 10 nations? For the year 2025, the top 10 GDPs were the United States at $30.6 trillion, China at $19.4 trillion, Germany at $5.01 trillion, Japan at $4.28 trillion, India at $4.13 trillion, the United Kingdom at $3.96 trillion, France at $3.36 trillion, Italy at $2.54 trillion, Russia at $2.54 trillion and Canada at $2.28 trillion. This means Musk's wealth is around 3.4 per cent of US GDP in 2025. For China, it is 5.4 per cent while for Germany it is 21 per cent. Musk's fortune would be 24.5 per cent of Japan's GDP and 26.5 per cent of UK's, 31 per cent of France's, 41 per cent of Italy's, 41 per cent of Russia's and 42.56 per cent of Canada's. Also read: SpaceX went public today but Indians couldn't buy stock in IPO! Here's why How does Musk's fortune compare with India's economy? Musk's fortune equals about a quarter of India's $4.1 trillion economy. A $1 trillion fortune is about 25 per cent of India's annual economic output. https://www.wionews.com/videos/musk-vows-to-reach-mars-as-spacex-makes-wall-street-debut-1781284346523 Musk's net worth nearly equals 10 nations' GDP Every economy from rank 17 down to around rank 21 is individually worth roughly $1 trillion or more. Musk's $1.05 trillion networth is nearly the size of some of world's 20th-largest economies, such as Poland and Switzerland. This means one man's paper wealth roughly equals the entire annual output of several nations. The next few countries have economies lesser than Musk's net worth, including Belgium and Argentina, both at around $0.7 trillion. Also read: SpaceX IPO soars and Elon Musk becomes world's FIRST trillionaire How does Musk's wealth compare to the African continent and the world? The combined nominal GDP of all African nations would be around $6 trillion. Out of this, Sub-Saharan Africa's output is roughly $2.5 trillion, and the rest comes mainly from North African economies such as Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya. Musk's $1 trillion plus net worth would be about 25 per cent of Africa's total output. World GDP is around $124 trillion as per IMF 2026 estimates. In other words, $1 trillion is about 1 dollar out of every 124 dollars produced globally each year. Also read: SpaceX just made history! $1.8 trillion IPO is the biggest listing ever But is it fair to compare Musk's net worth to GDPs of nations? Quick economics lesson here: Net worth is the value of assets owned by a person. GDP is the value of goods and services produced in one year by an entire economy. A person's net worth is volatile and mostly illiquid equity, not official statistics. Musk himself has noted that his wealth almost entirely consists of his stock holdings in the two companies he heads: Tesla and SpaceX, with under 0.1 per cent in cash. This is a notional value, or paper wealth. From this perspective, it is not strictly an apples-to-apples comparison.

After SpaceX's IPO, Elon Musk's net worth reached about $1.05 trillion. While still a notional number, the amount surpasses the GDP of over 160 countries. Here is how his fortune compares with India, major economies, Africa, and the world.

Trillionaire Elon Musk's net worth after SpaceX IPO equals 25 per cent of India's GDP and more than 160 countries' output

David Ellison's Paramount Skydance has received clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division for its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The decision marks a significant milestone for the transaction, but the deal is not yet complete, as it still requires approvals and could face legal challenges before closing.&nbsp;DOJ approval was one of the major hurdles, and now that it has been cleared, the companies are one step closer to completing the merger that could reshape Hollywood. This is one of the first major deal ever signed up in Trump era.&nbsp;&nbsp;David Ellison’s $111 Billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger&nbsp;On Friday (June 12), the Justice Department's Antitrust Division released a statement regarding its clearance of Paramount's deal, which comes after months of scrutiny and has faced significant backlash from industry figures and A-list celebrities.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/mark-ruffalo-claims-he-is-on-paramount-s-banned-list-for-opposing-warner-bros-merger-1778991103134">Mark Ruffalo claims he is on Paramount's banned list for opposing Warner Bros merger</a>&nbsp;“The Division has completed its analysis of the proposed merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. and determined based on the evidence received in its investigation that the transaction is not likely to result in harm to competition or American consumers,” &nbsp;they statement reads.&nbsp;&nbsp;The DOJ's conclusion has stated that combination would likely increase competition rather than diminish it, particularly in streaming, and that consumers would benefit from a stronger rival to industry leaders. The review focused on three major areas: Streaming video services (SVOD) Linear television Film studio development, production, and theatrical distribution.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the rigorous eight-month investigation led by the Division’s career staff, the Division received from the Parties over two million documents from over 80 custodians, substantial productions of data, as well as extensive documents, data, and advocacy from third parties across the media and entertainment ecosystem.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also &nbsp;read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/paremount-warner-bros-discovery-merger-clears-key-shareholder-hurdle-details-inside-1776955941532">Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery merger clears key shareholder hurdle; Details inside</a>&nbsp;The historic deal would combine two of Hollywood's largest media companies, putting a huge collection of television networks, movie studios, streaming services, and news organizations under a single corporate owner, which has led to a strong backlash from the industry, who says that his merge would give a huge power to one company. &nbsp;&nbsp;In this deal: What Paramount owns: CBS, CBS News, Paramount Pictures, Paramount+, MTV What Warner Bros. Discovery owns, HBO Max, Warner Bros. Pictures, CNN and Discovery Channel.&nbsp;The DOJ statement also mentioned how Netflix was also interested in the deal and in December 2025, the streaming giant entered into an agreement to acquire WBD. Subsequently, Paramount submitted an all-cash tender offer. And after months long struggle, it finally made Warner Bros agree for the role.&nbsp;

The decision marks a significant milestone for the transaction, but the deal is not yet complete, as it still requires approvals and could face legal challenges before closing.

David Ellison's Paramount Skydance has received clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division for its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The decision marks a significant milestone for the transaction, but the deal is not yet complete, as it still requires approvals and could face legal challenges before closing. DOJ approval was one of the major hurdles, and now that it has been cleared, the companies are one step closer to completing the merger that could reshape Hollywood. This is one of the first major deal ever signed up in Trump era. David Ellison’s $111 Billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger On Friday (June 12), the Justice Department's Antitrust Division released a statement regarding its clearance of Paramount's deal, which comes after months of scrutiny and has faced significant backlash from industry figures and A-list celebrities. Also read: Mark Ruffalo claims he is on Paramount's banned list for opposing Warner Bros merger “The Division has completed its analysis of the proposed merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. and determined based on the evidence received in its investigation that the transaction is not likely to result in harm to competition or American consumers,” they statement reads. The DOJ's conclusion has stated that combination would likely increase competition rather than diminish it, particularly in streaming, and that consumers would benefit from a stronger rival to industry leaders. The review focused on three major areas: Streaming video services (SVOD) Linear television Film studio development, production, and theatrical distribution. In the rigorous eight-month investigation led by the Division’s career staff, the Division received from the Parties over two million documents from over 80 custodians, substantial productions of data, as well as extensive documents, data, and advocacy from third parties across the media and entertainment ecosystem. Also read: Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery merger clears key shareholder hurdle; Details inside The historic deal would combine two of Hollywood's largest media companies, putting a huge collection of television networks, movie studios, streaming services, and news organizations under a single corporate owner, which has led to a strong backlash from the industry, who says that his merge would give a huge power to one company. In this deal: What Paramount owns: CBS, CBS News, Paramount Pictures, Paramount+, MTV What Warner Bros. Discovery owns, HBO Max, Warner Bros. Pictures, CNN and Discovery Channel. The DOJ statement also mentioned how Netflix was also interested in the deal and in December 2025, the streaming giant entered into an agreement to acquire WBD. Subsequently, Paramount submitted an all-cash tender offer. And after months long struggle, it finally made Warner Bros agree for the role.

Paramount Skydance has received clearance from the US Department of Justice's Antitrust Division for its proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The decision marks a significant milestone for the transaction, though the deal is not yet complete and still requires additional approvals.&nbsp;

No harm to American consumers: US DOJ clears path for Paramount's historic $110 Billion Warner Bros Discovery takeover

SpaceX is now one of the biggest names in the space industry. The company recently made history with its public listing, becoming one of the world's most valuable businesses and helping push Elon Musk's wealth to record levels. Before the company successfully reached orbit, it suffered three consecutive rocket failures. By 2008, money was running low, pressure was mounting and the future of the company depended on one final attempt.<h2>SpaceX's first three launches all failed</h2>Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX set out to reduce the cost of space travel and challenge an industry long dominated by governments and large aerospace firms. The company's first rocket, Falcon 1, was designed as a small, relatively low-cost launch vehicle. Its first launch took place in March 2006. The mission failed shortly after lift-off due to a fuel leak and engine fire. A second launch followed in March 2007. Although the rocket performed better, it still failed to reach orbit. The third attempt came in August 2008. This launch got closer than the previous two, but a stage separation issue caused another failure. By then, SpaceX had spent years developing its technology without achieving its main goal.<h2>The fourth launch changed the company's future</h2>After three failures, many companies would have struggled to continue. SpaceX pressed ahead with a fourth Falcon 1 launch on September 28, 2008. This time, the mission succeeded. The rocket became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach Earth orbit. The achievement was widely seen as a turning point for the commercial space industry. The success arrived at a crucial moment. Musk later revealed that both SpaceX and Tesla were under significant financial pressure during 2008, with resources becoming increasingly limited.<h2>From survival mode to a space industry leader</h2>The successful Falcon 1 mission helped prove that SpaceX's technology worked. In the years that followed, the company developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet network. It also became a major partner of NASA.Today, SpaceX carries astronauts into orbit, launches satellites for customers around the world and plays a key role in the growing commercial space sector. Its public listing in 2026 marked another milestone. The company entered the market with a valuation measured in trillions of dollars, making it one of the most valuable firms in the world. The listing also boosted Musk's fortune, cementing his position as the world's richest person.<h2>Why those early failures still matter</h2>SpaceX's story is often cited as an example of persistence in the face of repeated setbacks.The company failed three consecutive Falcon 1 launches before finally reaching orbit on its fourth attempt. Today, that fourth launch is remembered as one of the most important moments in SpaceX's history. Without it, the company that now launches astronauts, operates thousands of satellites and commands a trillion-dollar valuation might never have survived.

Before becoming one of the world's most valuable companies, SpaceX endured three failed Falcon 1 launches. Its breakthrough came on the fourth attempt in 2008, a mission that helped transform the company and changed the future of commercial spaceflight.

SpaceX is now one of the biggest names in the space industry. The company recently made history with its public listing, becoming one of the world's most valuable businesses and helping push Elon Musk's wealth to record levels. Before the company successfully reached orbit, it suffered three consecutive rocket failures. By 2008, money was running low, pressure was mounting and the future of the company depended on one final attempt. SpaceX's first three launches all failed Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX set out to reduce the cost of space travel and challenge an industry long dominated by governments and large aerospace firms. The company's first rocket, Falcon 1, was designed as a small, relatively low-cost launch vehicle. Its first launch took place in March 2006. The mission failed shortly after lift-off due to a fuel leak and engine fire. A second launch followed in March 2007. Although the rocket performed better, it still failed to reach orbit. The third attempt came in August 2008. This launch got closer than the previous two, but a stage separation issue caused another failure. By then, SpaceX had spent years developing its technology without achieving its main goal. The fourth launch changed the company's future After three failures, many companies would have struggled to continue. SpaceX pressed ahead with a fourth Falcon 1 launch on September 28, 2008. This time, the mission succeeded. The rocket became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach Earth orbit. The achievement was widely seen as a turning point for the commercial space industry. The success arrived at a crucial moment. Musk later revealed that both SpaceX and Tesla were under significant financial pressure during 2008, with resources becoming increasingly limited. From survival mode to a space industry leader The successful Falcon 1 mission helped prove that SpaceX's technology worked. In the years that followed, the company developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet network. It also became a major partner of NASA. Today, SpaceX carries astronauts into orbit, launches satellites for customers around the world and plays a key role in the growing commercial space sector. Its public listing in 2026 marked another milestone. The company entered the market with a valuation measured in trillions of dollars, making it one of the most valuable firms in the world. The listing also boosted Musk's fortune, cementing his position as the world's richest person. Why those early failures still matter SpaceX's story is often cited as an example of persistence in the face of repeated setbacks. The company failed three consecutive Falcon 1 launches before finally reaching orbit on its fourth attempt. Today, that fourth launch is remembered as one of the most important moments in SpaceX's history. Without it, the company that now launches astronauts, operates thousands of satellites and commands a trillion-dollar valuation might never have survived.

Before becoming one of the world's most valuable companies, SpaceX endured three failed Falcon 1 launches. Its breakthrough came on the fourth attempt in 2008, a mission that helped transform the company and changed the future of commercial spaceflight.

How many times did SpaceX's rockets fail before their first successful launch?

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure.&nbsp;Following SpaceX's historic public listing in June 2026, Musk's fortune surged past the trillion-dollar mark, making him the world's first trillionaire. SpaceX itself is valued at well over $1 trillion after its record-breaking market debut.<h2>Yet less than two decades ago, the picture looked very different.</h2>In 2008, Musk was facing what he later described as one of the toughest periods of his life. SpaceX had suffered three consecutive rocket failures, Tesla was struggling financially, and Musk's personal fortune was rapidly shrinking. The entrepreneur who would later dominate the space industry was close to running out of options.&nbsp;Three failed launches and a rapidly shrinking bank accountMusk founded SpaceX in 2002 with about $100 million from the money he earned after PayPal was sold. His goal was ambitious: build cheaper rockets and eventually help humanity become a multi-planetary species.However, the company's early years were marked by repeated setbacks. The first Falcon 1 rocket launch failed in 2006. A second attempt also failed. Then came a third unsuccessful launch in August 2008. Each failure consumed precious money and raised doubts about whether the company could survive. By then, Musk was funding both SpaceX and Tesla. Cash was running low and investors were becoming nervous.<h2>The launch that changed everything</h2>SpaceX's fourth Falcon 1 mission took place on September 28, 2008. Unlike the previous attempts, this launch successfully reached orbit. It marked the first time a privately developed liquid-fuel rocket reached orbit, a milestone that changed how the aerospace industry viewed private space companies. The success arrived at exactly the right moment. According to accounts of SpaceX's early years, the company was under immense financial pressure. Had the fourth launch failed, the future of the company would have been highly uncertain.<h2>How SpaceX went from survival mode to a trillion-dollar giant</h2>The successful Falcon 1 mission helped build confidence in SpaceX and opened the door for future contracts and growth. The company later developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite network. Today, SpaceX launches astronauts, delivers cargo to space and operates thousands of internet satellites through Starlink. It has become one of the most influential companies in the global space sector. Its 2026 public listing became the largest IPO in history, valuing the company at around $1.8 trillion and pushing Musk's wealth above $1 trillion.<h2>How quickly fortunes can change</h2>The story of SpaceX's early years remains one of the most dramatic chapters in modern business history. A company that was struggling to keep its rockets flying in 2008 is now among the world's most valuable firms. For Musk, the difference between failure and success may have come down to a single launch. Had Falcon 1's fourth flight failed, the history of SpaceX and perhaps the modern commercial space industry could have looked very different.

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure.

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure. Following SpaceX's historic public listing in June 2026, Musk's fortune surged past the trillion-dollar mark, making him the world's first trillionaire. SpaceX itself is valued at well over $1 trillion after its record-breaking market debut. Yet less than two decades ago, the picture looked very different. In 2008, Musk was facing what he later described as one of the toughest periods of his life. SpaceX had suffered three consecutive rocket failures, Tesla was struggling financially, and Musk's personal fortune was rapidly shrinking. The entrepreneur who would later dominate the space industry was close to running out of options. Three failed launches and a rapidly shrinking bank account Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 with about $100 million from the money he earned after PayPal was sold. His goal was ambitious: build cheaper rockets and eventually help humanity become a multi-planetary species. However, the company's early years were marked by repeated setbacks. The first Falcon 1 rocket launch failed in 2006. A second attempt also failed. Then came a third unsuccessful launch in August 2008. Each failure consumed precious money and raised doubts about whether the company could survive. By then, Musk was funding both SpaceX and Tesla. Cash was running low and investors were becoming nervous. The launch that changed everything SpaceX's fourth Falcon 1 mission took place on September 28, 2008. Unlike the previous attempts, this launch successfully reached orbit. It marked the first time a privately developed liquid-fuel rocket reached orbit, a milestone that changed how the aerospace industry viewed private space companies. The success arrived at exactly the right moment. According to accounts of SpaceX's early years, the company was under immense financial pressure. Had the fourth launch failed, the future of the company would have been highly uncertain. How SpaceX went from survival mode to a trillion-dollar giant The successful Falcon 1 mission helped build confidence in SpaceX and opened the door for future contracts and growth. The company later developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite network. Today, SpaceX launches astronauts, delivers cargo to space and operates thousands of internet satellites through Starlink. It has become one of the most influential companies in the global space sector. Its 2026 public listing became the largest IPO in history, valuing the company at around $1.8 trillion and pushing Musk's wealth above $1 trillion. How quickly fortunes can change The story of SpaceX's early years remains one of the most dramatic chapters in modern business history. A company that was struggling to keep its rockets flying in 2008 is now among the world's most valuable firms. For Musk, the difference between failure and success may have come down to a single launch. Had Falcon 1's fourth flight failed, the history of SpaceX and perhaps the modern commercial space industry could have looked very different.

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure.

Three failed rockets, shrinking cash: How close was Elon Musk to losing everything before SpaceX finally succeeded?

Elon Musk became the world's first trillionaire on Friday (June 12) after shares of SpaceX surged 11 per cent in their market debut following what is being described as the largest initial public offering in history. The aerospace and technology giant's shares closed at $150 on their first day of trading on the Nasdaq exchange in New York, up from the IPO price of $135. The blockbuster offering raised more than $75 billion, valuing the company at nearly $2 trillion and placing it among the ten most valuable publicly traded companies in the United States.According to regulatory filings, SpaceX sold more than 555 million shares, with options for nearly 83 million additional shares, potentially increasing the total amount raised to over $86 billion. The offering was reported to be more than four times oversubscribed, reflecting strong demand from institutional and retail investors alike.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-dog-who-saved-the-1966-fifa-world-cup-how-pickles-solved-football-s-greatest-mystery-1781283302241">How a collie named Pickles found the stolen 1966 FIFA World Cup trophy</a>The debut capped weeks of intense investor enthusiasm surrounding the company, which has evolved from a rocket manufacturer into a sprawling satellite and artificial intelligence conglomerate. SpaceX now incorporates Musk's AI venture xAI, which also includes social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.Speaking at a launch event in Starbase, Texas, Musk outlined the company's long-term ambitions for space exploration. "SpaceX wants to be able to take you to the moon, take you to Mars, and ultimately beyond," Musk said while addressing employees. "I'm confident at this point that with the incredible team that we have here at SpaceX, we will do that for you," he added.Celebrations also took place in New York, where the company displayed a neon sign in Times Square proclaiming: "Building the infrastructure to the future."Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-pakistan-s-provinces-are-poorer-than-some-of-the-world-s-poorest-nations-1781274781756">How Pakistan's provinces are poorer than some of the world's poorest nations</a>Around 100 supporters and investors gathered outside Nasdaq's headquarters to mark the occasion. Among them was Sarin Sio of financial company Dovetail, who said Musk's ambitious vision continued to attract investors."He sets very futuristic goals that no one else is doing, and I think that has got a lot of people excited," Sio said.

SpaceX’s historic Nasdaq IPO raised $75 billion, pushing its valuation to nearly $2 trillion and making Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire as shares surged 11 per cent to $150.

Elon Musk became the world's first trillionaire on Friday (June 12) after shares of SpaceX surged 11 per cent in their market debut following what is being described as the largest initial public offering in history. The aerospace and technology giant's shares closed at $150 on their first day of trading on the Nasdaq exchange in New York, up from the IPO price of $135. The blockbuster offering raised more than $75 billion, valuing the company at nearly $2 trillion and placing it among the ten most valuable publicly traded companies in the United States. According to regulatory filings, SpaceX sold more than 555 million shares, with options for nearly 83 million additional shares, potentially increasing the total amount raised to over $86 billion. The offering was reported to be more than four times oversubscribed, reflecting strong demand from institutional and retail investors alike. Also read: How a collie named Pickles found the stolen 1966 FIFA World Cup trophy The debut capped weeks of intense investor enthusiasm surrounding the company, which has evolved from a rocket manufacturer into a sprawling satellite and artificial intelligence conglomerate. SpaceX now incorporates Musk's AI venture xAI, which also includes social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Speaking at a launch event in Starbase, Texas, Musk outlined the company's long-term ambitions for space exploration. "SpaceX wants to be able to take you to the moon, take you to Mars, and ultimately beyond," Musk said while addressing employees. "I'm confident at this point that with the incredible team that we have here at SpaceX, we will do that for you," he added. Celebrations also took place in New York, where the company displayed a neon sign in Times Square proclaiming: "Building the infrastructure to the future." Also read: How Pakistan's provinces are poorer than some of the world's poorest nations Around 100 supporters and investors gathered outside Nasdaq's headquarters to mark the occasion. Among them was Sarin Sio of financial company Dovetail, who said Musk's ambitious vision continued to attract investors. "He sets very futuristic goals that no one else is doing, and I think that has got a lot of people excited," Sio said.

SpaceX’s historic Nasdaq IPO raised $75 billion, pushing its valuation to nearly $2 trillion and making Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire as shares surged 11 per cent to $150.

SpaceX IPO soars and Elon Musk becomes world's FIRST trillionaire

SpaceX's Nasdaq debut did more than create the largest IPO in history. By raising over $30 billion and securing a $1.8 trillion valuation, the company has given itself access to a pool of capital that dwarfs the combined resources of nearly every other player in the global space industry, government space agencies included. For competitors and would-be challengers, the calculus around the space race just changed dramatically.&nbsp;A Capital Gap That Was Already Wide&nbsp;SpaceX entered its IPO already dominating global orbital launch, responsible for the overwhelming majority of all payloads sent to orbit worldwide through its Falcon 9 fleet. Its Starship program, despite repeated test setbacks over the years, remains the only fully reusable super-heavy launch system in active development anywhere on Earth. With public market capital now available, capital that can be raised quickly through follow-on offerings, convertible bonds, or other instruments available to public companies, SpaceX can fund Starship's development, expand Starlink's satellite constellation, and build out its AI infrastructure business simultaneously, at a pace privately funded competitors simply cannot match.&nbsp;Where Does This Leave Blue Origin?&nbsp;Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin has spent years positioning itself as SpaceX's primary American rival, with its New Glenn rocket finally reaching orbit after a long development period. But Blue Origin remains privately held, funded primarily through Bezos's personal wealth and a smaller pool of outside investment. Without access to public markets at anything close to SpaceX's scale, Blue Origin's ability to out-invest SpaceX in the coming years looks increasingly difficult, though Bezos's personal fortune remains a significant war chest.&nbsp;China's State-Backed Push&nbsp;China's space program operates on a different model entirely, state-funded, strategically prioritized, and insulated from market valuations. Chinese companies have been rapidly developing reusable rocket technology and expanding satellite internet constellations explicitly positioned as alternatives to Starlink for countries wary of dependence on a US company. SpaceX's IPO doesn't change China's funding model, but it does sharpen the contrast: one superpower's space ambitions are now partly underwritten by global public markets and retail investors, while the other's remain a direct extension of state policy.&nbsp;What This Means for India and ISRO&nbsp;India's space program, anchored by ISRO, has achieved remarkable cost-efficiency, landing on the Moon and reaching Mars orbit on budgets that are a fraction of comparable Western missions. India has also been actively encouraging private space startups through its space sector reforms, with companies like Skyroot and Agnikul Cosmos developing indigenous launch capabilities. But none of these companies are remotely close to a listing on the scale of SpaceX's, and India's total space sector investment, public and private combined, remains a small fraction of the capital SpaceX alone now has access to as a public company. For India, SpaceX's IPO is less a direct threat and more a signal of how large the capital requirements for serious space ambitions have become.&nbsp;The New Shape of the Space Economy&nbsp;What SpaceX's listing really signals is the arrival of the space economy as a mainstream asset class. Pension funds, retail investors, and sovereign wealth funds that previously had no way to gain exposure to rockets, satellites, or orbital infrastructure can now buy a stock. That changes incentives across the entire industry, competitors will face pressure to either find their own paths to public capital or risk being permanently outspent by a company that can now tap Wall Street whenever it needs to. The space race was always about technology and ambition. After June 12, 2026, it is also unmistakably about access to capital markets and right now, SpaceX has a head start nobody else can match.

SpaceX's record $1.8 trillion Nasdaq listing gives it a capital edge no rival can match. Here's what it means for Blue Origin, China's space program, and India's ISRO.

SpaceX's Nasdaq debut did more than create the largest IPO in history. By raising over $30 billion and securing a $1.8 trillion valuation, the company has given itself access to a pool of capital that dwarfs the combined resources of nearly every other player in the global space industry, government space agencies included. For competitors and would-be challengers, the calculus around the space race just changed dramatically. A Capital Gap That Was Already Wide SpaceX entered its IPO already dominating global orbital launch, responsible for the overwhelming majority of all payloads sent to orbit worldwide through its Falcon 9 fleet. Its Starship program, despite repeated test setbacks over the years, remains the only fully reusable super-heavy launch system in active development anywhere on Earth. With public market capital now available, capital that can be raised quickly through follow-on offerings, convertible bonds, or other instruments available to public companies, SpaceX can fund Starship's development, expand Starlink's satellite constellation, and build out its AI infrastructure business simultaneously, at a pace privately funded competitors simply cannot match. Where Does This Leave Blue Origin? Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin has spent years positioning itself as SpaceX's primary American rival, with its New Glenn rocket finally reaching orbit after a long development period. But Blue Origin remains privately held, funded primarily through Bezos's personal wealth and a smaller pool of outside investment. Without access to public markets at anything close to SpaceX's scale, Blue Origin's ability to out-invest SpaceX in the coming years looks increasingly difficult, though Bezos's personal fortune remains a significant war chest. China's State-Backed Push China's space program operates on a different model entirely, state-funded, strategically prioritized, and insulated from market valuations. Chinese companies have been rapidly developing reusable rocket technology and expanding satellite internet constellations explicitly positioned as alternatives to Starlink for countries wary of dependence on a US company. SpaceX's IPO doesn't change China's funding model, but it does sharpen the contrast: one superpower's space ambitions are now partly underwritten by global public markets and retail investors, while the other's remain a direct extension of state policy. What This Means for India and ISRO India's space program, anchored by ISRO, has achieved remarkable cost-efficiency, landing on the Moon and reaching Mars orbit on budgets that are a fraction of comparable Western missions. India has also been actively encouraging private space startups through its space sector reforms, with companies like Skyroot and Agnikul Cosmos developing indigenous launch capabilities. But none of these companies are remotely close to a listing on the scale of SpaceX's, and India's total space sector investment, public and private combined, remains a small fraction of the capital SpaceX alone now has access to as a public company. For India, SpaceX's IPO is less a direct threat and more a signal of how large the capital requirements for serious space ambitions have become. The New Shape of the Space Economy What SpaceX's listing really signals is the arrival of the space economy as a mainstream asset class. Pension funds, retail investors, and sovereign wealth funds that previously had no way to gain exposure to rockets, satellites, or orbital infrastructure can now buy a stock. That changes incentives across the entire industry, competitors will face pressure to either find their own paths to public capital or risk being permanently outspent by a company that can now tap Wall Street whenever it needs to. The space race was always about technology and ambition. After June 12, 2026, it is also unmistakably about access to capital markets and right now, SpaceX has a head start nobody else can match.

SpaceX's record $1.8 trillion Nasdaq listing gives it a capital advantage no rival — not Blue Origin, not China's state-backed programs, not ISRO — can currently match. Here's what that means for the future of the global space economy.

How SpaceX's trillion-dollar IPO just redrew the global space race map

SpaceX's Nasdaq debut valued the company at roughly $1.8 trillion, enough to rank it above Walmart, ExxonMobil, and most of the world's largest banks by market capitalization. There's just one inconvenient detail buried in the IPO filings: SpaceX lost $4.9 billion in 2025.&nbsp;Growing Fast, Losing Faster&nbsp;On the surface, SpaceX's revenue growth looks impressive. The company brought in $18.7 billion in total revenue in 2025, up 33 percent from the year before, a growth rate most established companies would envy. But costs grew even faster than revenue, producing a net loss of $4.9 billion for the year. In other words, SpaceX is spending significantly more money than it makes, even as its top line expands rapidly.&nbsp;Where the Money Is Going&nbsp;Much of SpaceX's spending goes into capital-intensive, long-horizon bets: building and launching Starship, the massive next-generation rocket central to Musk's Mars ambitions; expanding the Starlink satellite constellation, which requires continuously manufacturing and launching new satellites to replace those that deorbit; and building out AI infrastructure and data centers, a business that is still in its early stages. These are not businesses that turn profitable overnight, they require years of sustained investment before, if ever, they generate returns proportional to the capital poured in.&nbsp;What Analysts Are Saying&nbsp;This is precisely why some analysts are sounding the alarm on SpaceX's valuation. Morningstar analysts have questioned whether the $1.8 trillion price tag is justified, with some estimates suggesting a fair value closer to $800 billion to $1.1 trillion, roughly half to two-thirds of what investors paid at IPO. That is not a small discrepancy. It implies that, in Morningstar's view, SpaceX's stock could be overvalued by $700 billion to $1 trillion or more.&nbsp;The Stakes Are Bigger Than One Stock&nbsp;Because of the scale of this IPO, the consequences of a valuation correction would not be contained to SpaceX shareholders alone. Analysts have warned that if valuations fail to hold, it raises concerns about potential losses for pension funds, individual retirement accounts, and university endowments, many of which are believed to have taken positions in the offering given its scale and profile. A trillion-dollar miss is not just a headline; it would ripple through retirement accounts and institutional portfolios far beyond Silicon Valley.&nbsp;The Bull Case Investors Are Betting On&nbsp;To be fair, SpaceX's defenders have a coherent argument: the company dominates global orbital launch, Starlink is profitable and growing toward tens of millions of subscribers, and the AI infrastructure business, while small today, could become significant if SpaceX's data-center ambitions materialize. Investors who bought into the IPO are effectively betting that today's $4.9 billion loss is the cost of building businesses that will generate outsized profits years from now, the same bet early Amazon and Tesla investors made during their own loss-making years.&nbsp;Whether that bet pays off, or whether SpaceX becomes a cautionary tale about IPO-era valuations getting ahead of fundamentals, will now be tracked every quarter, in public, for the first time in the company's history.

SpaceX's IPO filings reveal $18.7B in revenue but a $4.9B net loss. With fair value estimates as low as $800B, is SpaceX's $1.8 trillion valuation justified?

SpaceX's Nasdaq debut valued the company at roughly $1.8 trillion, enough to rank it above Walmart, ExxonMobil, and most of the world's largest banks by market capitalization. There's just one inconvenient detail buried in the IPO filings: SpaceX lost $4.9 billion in 2025. Growing Fast, Losing Faster On the surface, SpaceX's revenue growth looks impressive. The company brought in $18.7 billion in total revenue in 2025, up 33 percent from the year before, a growth rate most established companies would envy. But costs grew even faster than revenue, producing a net loss of $4.9 billion for the year. In other words, SpaceX is spending significantly more money than it makes, even as its top line expands rapidly. Where the Money Is Going Much of SpaceX's spending goes into capital-intensive, long-horizon bets: building and launching Starship, the massive next-generation rocket central to Musk's Mars ambitions; expanding the Starlink satellite constellation, which requires continuously manufacturing and launching new satellites to replace those that deorbit; and building out AI infrastructure and data centers, a business that is still in its early stages. These are not businesses that turn profitable overnight, they require years of sustained investment before, if ever, they generate returns proportional to the capital poured in. What Analysts Are Saying This is precisely why some analysts are sounding the alarm on SpaceX's valuation. Morningstar analysts have questioned whether the $1.8 trillion price tag is justified, with some estimates suggesting a fair value closer to $800 billion to $1.1 trillion, roughly half to two-thirds of what investors paid at IPO. That is not a small discrepancy. It implies that, in Morningstar's view, SpaceX's stock could be overvalued by $700 billion to $1 trillion or more. The Stakes Are Bigger Than One Stock Because of the scale of this IPO, the consequences of a valuation correction would not be contained to SpaceX shareholders alone. Analysts have warned that if valuations fail to hold, it raises concerns about potential losses for pension funds, individual retirement accounts, and university endowments, many of which are believed to have taken positions in the offering given its scale and profile. A trillion-dollar miss is not just a headline; it would ripple through retirement accounts and institutional portfolios far beyond Silicon Valley. The Bull Case Investors Are Betting On To be fair, SpaceX's defenders have a coherent argument: the company dominates global orbital launch, Starlink is profitable and growing toward tens of millions of subscribers, and the AI infrastructure business, while small today, could become significant if SpaceX's data-center ambitions materialize. Investors who bought into the IPO are effectively betting that today's $4.9 billion loss is the cost of building businesses that will generate outsized profits years from now, the same bet early Amazon and Tesla investors made during their own loss-making years. Whether that bet pays off, or whether SpaceX becomes a cautionary tale about IPO-era valuations getting ahead of fundamentals, will now be tracked every quarter, in public, for the first time in the company's history.

SpaceX's IPO filings show $18.7 billion in 2025 revenue but a net loss of $4.9 billion. With Morningstar pegging fair value as low as $800 billion against an IPO valuation of $1.8 trillion, the gap raises hard questions about whether SpaceX stock is overpriced.

SpaceX lost nearly $5 billion last year. So why is it worth more than Walmart?

When people think of SpaceX, they picture rockets, Falcon 9 boosters landing themselves, Starship launches, and Elon Musk's promises of Mars colonization. But the business actually paying SpaceX's bills, and the one underpinning its newly minted $1.8 trillion Nasdaq valuation, is something far less glamorous: satellite internet.&nbsp;The Numbers Behind the Hype&nbsp;In 2025, SpaceX generated $18.7 billion in total revenue. Of that, Starlink alone accounted for $11.4 billion, roughly 61 percent of the company's entire business. By comparison, SpaceX's rocket launch operations, including Falcon 9 and the Starship program, brought in about $4 billion, while a newer AI infrastructure segment contributed around $3 billion. Starlink isn't just the biggest revenue driver — it is also the only segment that consistently prints a profit. The division posted an operating profit of $4.4 billion in 2025, making it, as analysts have put it, the only SpaceX segment that prints consistent green on a GAAP basis.&nbsp;From Niche Service to Global Network&nbsp;Starlink's growth has been staggering. The service now counts more than 10.3 million subscribers worldwide, spanning rural communities without reliable broadband, maritime and aviation connectivity contracts, government and military clients, and increasingly, mobile carriers using Starlink for direct-to-cell coverage. What began as a side project to fund Mars ambitions has become the financial engine of the entire company.&nbsp;Why This Matters for the IPO Price Tag&nbsp;SpaceX's rocket business, while technologically dominant, SpaceX launches the vast majority of all orbital payloads globally, operates on thin margins and requires constant reinvestment in next-generation vehicles like Starship. The AI infrastructure business is new and unproven at scale. That leaves Starlink as the segment investors can actually point to when justifying a $1.8 trillion price tag: a real, profitable, recurring-revenue business with a growing global subscriber base, similar in some ways to a telecom or broadband company but with a much larger total addressable market and far higher growth rates.&nbsp;The Risk of Over-Reliance&nbsp;But this concentration also creates risk. If Starlink's growth slows, due to increased competition from rivals like Amazon's Kuiper constellation, OneWeb, or new entrants from China and the EU, the rest of SpaceX's business may not be able to pick up the slack. Morningstar analysts have already questioned whether SpaceX's valuation is justified, with some fair value estimates landing as low as $800 billion to $1.1 trillion, far below the $1.8 trillion price investors paid at IPO. Much of that gap comes down to how much weight is placed on Starlink's ability to keep growing at its current pace.&nbsp;For now, every Falcon 9 landing and every Starship test flight makes headlines. But it is the quiet hum of millions of Starlink dishes beaming internet down from orbit that is actually keeping SpaceX's trillion-dollar valuation afloat.

Starlink generated $11.4 billion in 2025 — 61% of SpaceX's revenue and its only profitable segment. Here's why satellite internet, not rockets, underpins SpaceX's IPO valuation.

When people think of SpaceX, they picture rockets, Falcon 9 boosters landing themselves, Starship launches, and Elon Musk's promises of Mars colonization. But the business actually paying SpaceX's bills, and the one underpinning its newly minted $1.8 trillion Nasdaq valuation, is something far less glamorous: satellite internet. The Numbers Behind the Hype In 2025, SpaceX generated $18.7 billion in total revenue. Of that, Starlink alone accounted for $11.4 billion, roughly 61 percent of the company's entire business. By comparison, SpaceX's rocket launch operations, including Falcon 9 and the Starship program, brought in about $4 billion, while a newer AI infrastructure segment contributed around $3 billion. Starlink isn't just the biggest revenue driver — it is also the only segment that consistently prints a profit. The division posted an operating profit of $4.4 billion in 2025, making it, as analysts have put it, the only SpaceX segment that prints consistent green on a GAAP basis. From Niche Service to Global Network Starlink's growth has been staggering. The service now counts more than 10.3 million subscribers worldwide, spanning rural communities without reliable broadband, maritime and aviation connectivity contracts, government and military clients, and increasingly, mobile carriers using Starlink for direct-to-cell coverage. What began as a side project to fund Mars ambitions has become the financial engine of the entire company. Why This Matters for the IPO Price Tag SpaceX's rocket business, while technologically dominant, SpaceX launches the vast majority of all orbital payloads globally, operates on thin margins and requires constant reinvestment in next-generation vehicles like Starship. The AI infrastructure business is new and unproven at scale. That leaves Starlink as the segment investors can actually point to when justifying a $1.8 trillion price tag: a real, profitable, recurring-revenue business with a growing global subscriber base, similar in some ways to a telecom or broadband company but with a much larger total addressable market and far higher growth rates. The Risk of Over-Reliance But this concentration also creates risk. If Starlink's growth slows, due to increased competition from rivals like Amazon's Kuiper constellation, OneWeb, or new entrants from China and the EU, the rest of SpaceX's business may not be able to pick up the slack. Morningstar analysts have already questioned whether SpaceX's valuation is justified, with some fair value estimates landing as low as $800 billion to $1.1 trillion, far below the $1.8 trillion price investors paid at IPO. Much of that gap comes down to how much weight is placed on Starlink's ability to keep growing at its current pace. For now, every Falcon 9 landing and every Starship test flight makes headlines. But it is the quiet hum of millions of Starlink dishes beaming internet down from orbit that is actually keeping SpaceX's trillion-dollar valuation afloat.

Rockets get the headlines, but Starlink is the business actually making SpaceX money. With $11.4 billion in revenue, a $4.4 billion operating profit, and over 10.3 million subscribers, satellite internet, not Falcon or Starship, is the backbone of SpaceX's trillion-dollar valuation.

Why SpaceX is worth $1.8 trillion?

Elon Musk's SpaceX rang the Nasdaq opening bell as SPCX on June 12, 2026, in the largest IPO in history, raising over $30 billion at a valuation of roughly $1.8 trillion. For Indian retail investors who have spent years following SpaceX's rocket launches and Starlink rollout, the listing felt like a once-in-a-generation opportunity. There is just one problem: most of them cannot buy the stock through the IPO itself.&nbsp;Why the IPO Process Excludes Foreign Retail Investors&nbsp;In India, IPOs use the ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount) system, which allows any resident retail investor with a bank account and demat account to apply directly for shares in a company going public. The United States has no equivalent open process for foreign retail participants. US IPO book-building is run through underwriting banks that allocate shares to clients, overwhelmingly institutional investors and the brokerage's existing retail customer base within the US. An Indian investor sitting in Mumbai or Bengaluru, without a US brokerage account active before the IPO closed, simply had no mechanism to place a primary order for SPCX shares.&nbsp;What Indian Investors Can Do Now&nbsp;The good news is that the story does not end at the IPO. Now that SpaceX has begun trading on Nasdaq, Indian residents have legitimate, regulator-approved routes to buy SPCX shares, just not at the $135 IPO price. Under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), resident Indians can remit up to $250,000 per financial year to invest in foreign assets, including listed US stocks. Several Indian and international platforms offer access to US markets specifically for this purpose, allowing investors to buy SPCX shares once they begin trading on the open market.&nbsp;The Catch: Price and Timing&nbsp;The catch is straightforward, buying after listing means buying at whatever price the market sets, not the IPO price. Given the frenzy around SpaceX's debut, with retail demand alone reportedly exceeding $100 billion against a much smaller available allocation, SPCX shares could open well above $135 and remain volatile in early trading. Indian investors using LRS routes will also need to account for currency conversion costs, foreign transaction fees charged by brokerages, and applicable tax implications on foreign capital gains under Indian tax law.&nbsp;The Bigger Picture for Indian Markets&nbsp;SpaceX's listing arrives at a moment when Indian investor appetite for US tech and frontier-technology stocks has been steadily growing, driven by familiarity with companies like Tesla, Nvidia, and now SpaceX through global media coverage. While India's own space sector, anchored by ISRO and a growing crop of private space startups, has seen increased government attention and funding, none of India's space companies are anywhere near a listing of this scale. For now, Indian investors wanting exposure to the commercial space economy will have to look abroad, navigate the LRS route, and accept that they are buying in after the most explosive part of the story has already played out on Wall Street.

SpaceX's historic $1.8 trillion Nasdaq IPO has Indian investors excited, but US IPO rules and India's regulations mean most can't buy in directly yet. Here's what they can do.

Elon Musk's SpaceX rang the Nasdaq opening bell as SPCX on June 12, 2026, in the largest IPO in history, raising over $30 billion at a valuation of roughly $1.8 trillion. For Indian retail investors who have spent years following SpaceX's rocket launches and Starlink rollout, the listing felt like a once-in-a-generation opportunity. There is just one problem: most of them cannot buy the stock through the IPO itself. Why the IPO Process Excludes Foreign Retail Investors In India, IPOs use the ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount) system, which allows any resident retail investor with a bank account and demat account to apply directly for shares in a company going public. The United States has no equivalent open process for foreign retail participants. US IPO book-building is run through underwriting banks that allocate shares to clients, overwhelmingly institutional investors and the brokerage's existing retail customer base within the US. An Indian investor sitting in Mumbai or Bengaluru, without a US brokerage account active before the IPO closed, simply had no mechanism to place a primary order for SPCX shares. What Indian Investors Can Do Now The good news is that the story does not end at the IPO. Now that SpaceX has begun trading on Nasdaq, Indian residents have legitimate, regulator-approved routes to buy SPCX shares, just not at the $135 IPO price. Under the Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), resident Indians can remit up to $250,000 per financial year to invest in foreign assets, including listed US stocks. Several Indian and international platforms offer access to US markets specifically for this purpose, allowing investors to buy SPCX shares once they begin trading on the open market. The Catch: Price and Timing The catch is straightforward, buying after listing means buying at whatever price the market sets, not the IPO price. Given the frenzy around SpaceX's debut, with retail demand alone reportedly exceeding $100 billion against a much smaller available allocation, SPCX shares could open well above $135 and remain volatile in early trading. Indian investors using LRS routes will also need to account for currency conversion costs, foreign transaction fees charged by brokerages, and applicable tax implications on foreign capital gains under Indian tax law. The Bigger Picture for Indian Markets SpaceX's listing arrives at a moment when Indian investor appetite for US tech and frontier-technology stocks has been steadily growing, driven by familiarity with companies like Tesla, Nvidia, and now SpaceX through global media coverage. While India's own space sector, anchored by ISRO and a growing crop of private space startups, has seen increased government attention and funding, none of India's space companies are anywhere near a listing of this scale. For now, Indian investors wanting exposure to the commercial space economy will have to look abroad, navigate the LRS route, and accept that they are buying in after the most explosive part of the story has already played out on Wall Street.

SpaceX's historic $1.8 trillion Nasdaq debut has triggered massive interest from Indian retail investors. But India's regulations and the US IPO process mean most Indians cannot participate directly — at least not on day one.

SpaceX went public today but Indians couldn't buy stock in IPO! Here's why

If you placed an order for SpaceX shares ahead of its Nasdaq debut, you were not alone, you were one of roughly $100 billion worth of company. Retail investors flooded brokerages with orders for SPCX stock, betting on a piece of Elon Musk's space empire as it transitioned from the world's most valuable private company to a publicly traded one.&nbsp;A Generous Allocation, On Paper&nbsp;SpaceX's IPO structure stood out from the start. Typically, retail investors, ordinary individuals buying through apps like Robinhood, Fidelity, or Schwab, receive only 5 to 10 percent of shares in a major IPO, with the rest going to institutional funds, pension managers, and large asset managers. SpaceX's bankers set aside up to 30 percent of the offering for retail buyers, a figure widely reported as historically generous and seemingly designed to let everyday investors share in the company's growth.&nbsp;The Math Doesn't Work Out&nbsp;But generosity on paper does not survive contact with overwhelming demand. With total retail orders reportedly exceeding $100 billion against a 30 percent slice of an offering that itself raised just over $30 billion, the arithmetic is brutal. Even in the best case, the pool of shares available to retail investors represents a tiny fraction, likely in the low single digits, of what was actually requested. Reports describe the situation starkly: investors who ordered thousands of dollars worth of stock may be allocated only a handful of shares, or in some cases, none at all.&nbsp;Financial commentators have not been shy about characterizing this dynamic. One widely circulated analysis described the process as ‘the great fleecing of retail investors,’ arguing that the headline-grabbing 30 percent retail allocation functions more as a marketing tool to generate hype and demand than as a genuine pathway for small investors to build meaningful positions.&nbsp;What Happens to Investors Who Don't Get Shares&nbsp;For the vast majority of retail applicants who receive partial or zero allocations, the only remaining option is to buy SPCX shares on the open market after trading begins, at whatever price the stock settles at post-debut. Given the frenzy surrounding the listing, that price could be significantly higher than the $135 IPO price, meaning latecomers may end up paying a premium for the same exposure that early institutional allocants got at the offering price.&nbsp;A Familiar Story With Higher Stakes&nbsp;This pattern, massive retail enthusiasm, modest actual allocations, and a scramble in the secondary market, is not new to IPOs. But the scale here is unprecedented. With SpaceX's valuation already drawing scrutiny from analysts who question whether $1.8 trillion is justified, retail investors who chase the stock in the open market after missing their IPO allocation may be taking on outsized risk at exactly the moment the stock is most likely to be overpriced.

Retail investors placed over $100 billion in orders for SpaceX's IPO chasing a 30% retail tranche — but most will receive only a tiny fraction of what they requested.

If you placed an order for SpaceX shares ahead of its Nasdaq debut, you were not alone, you were one of roughly $100 billion worth of company. Retail investors flooded brokerages with orders for SPCX stock, betting on a piece of Elon Musk's space empire as it transitioned from the world's most valuable private company to a publicly traded one. A Generous Allocation, On Paper SpaceX's IPO structure stood out from the start. Typically, retail investors, ordinary individuals buying through apps like Robinhood, Fidelity, or Schwab, receive only 5 to 10 percent of shares in a major IPO, with the rest going to institutional funds, pension managers, and large asset managers. SpaceX's bankers set aside up to 30 percent of the offering for retail buyers, a figure widely reported as historically generous and seemingly designed to let everyday investors share in the company's growth. The Math Doesn't Work Out But generosity on paper does not survive contact with overwhelming demand. With total retail orders reportedly exceeding $100 billion against a 30 percent slice of an offering that itself raised just over $30 billion, the arithmetic is brutal. Even in the best case, the pool of shares available to retail investors represents a tiny fraction, likely in the low single digits, of what was actually requested. Reports describe the situation starkly: investors who ordered thousands of dollars worth of stock may be allocated only a handful of shares, or in some cases, none at all. Financial commentators have not been shy about characterizing this dynamic. One widely circulated analysis described the process as ‘the great fleecing of retail investors,’ arguing that the headline-grabbing 30 percent retail allocation functions more as a marketing tool to generate hype and demand than as a genuine pathway for small investors to build meaningful positions. What Happens to Investors Who Don't Get Shares For the vast majority of retail applicants who receive partial or zero allocations, the only remaining option is to buy SPCX shares on the open market after trading begins, at whatever price the stock settles at post-debut. Given the frenzy surrounding the listing, that price could be significantly higher than the $135 IPO price, meaning latecomers may end up paying a premium for the same exposure that early institutional allocants got at the offering price. A Familiar Story With Higher Stakes This pattern, massive retail enthusiasm, modest actual allocations, and a scramble in the secondary market, is not new to IPOs. But the scale here is unprecedented. With SpaceX's valuation already drawing scrutiny from analysts who question whether $1.8 trillion is justified, retail investors who chase the stock in the open market after missing their IPO allocation may be taking on outsized risk at exactly the moment the stock is most likely to be overpriced.

Small investors placed more than $100 billion in orders for SpaceX's IPO, chasing a 30% retail tranche that was unusually generous on paper. But with demand this overwhelming, most retail buyers are set to receive only a tiny fraction of what they applied for.

'$100 billion in orders, almost no shares': How SpaceX's IPO left retail investors empty-handed

Nestle India on Friday denied claims of infestation in a Maggi noodles packet after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took note of social media complaints circulating on social media and issued a notice to the company. In response to the allegations, the company stated that its internal investigation and laboratory testing found no signs of infestation on the production batch and market samples. "We categorically reject the allegations circulating in the media based on an unverified account regarding the presence of infestation, allegedly on Maggi noodles," a Nestle India spokesperson said in a statement. "We are yet to receive the complaint sample from the complainant as the account is unreachable," the statement added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahender-makhijani-arrested-100-million-bank-fraud-us-1781243367804">Bentley, private jets and mansions: Who is Mahender Makhijani, Indian businessman accused of $100 mn bank fraud?</a><h3>Nestle's claims of stringent food safety and quality standards</h3>Nestle India stated that it had submitted a detailed response to the authorities, backed by quality-control records, test results and other relevant evidence. The company reiterated that it adheres to stringent food safety and quality standards across its operations. "Nestle India maintains stringent quality and food safety standards across its manufacturing operations. We remain fully transparent with the authorities and are confident that the facts and evidence will conclusively establish the truth of the matter," the spokesperson said. "We have performed our quality analysis on batch and market samples, for a comprehensive investigation at the FSSAI Accredited lab, and the report confirms with the quality standards, including confirmation of absence of infestation of any nature," the statement added. The controversy emerged after social media users alleged that insects or larvae were found inside a Maggi packet, prompting regulatory scrutiny. The issue also appeared to affect investor sentiment, with Nestle India's shares falling during the trading session. The stock opened at Rs 1,431.10 and closed at Rs 1,375.70, marking a decline of 3.29 per cent from the previous close.

Nestle India rejected social media claims of insect infestation in Maggi packets, stating FSSAI-accredited lab tests on the batch showed no issues. The complainant remains unreachable. Amid the regulatory scrutiny, Nestle shares dropped 3.29 per cent.

Nestle India on Friday denied claims of infestation in a Maggi noodles packet after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took note of social media complaints circulating on social media and issued a notice to the company. In response to the allegations, the company stated that its internal investigation and laboratory testing found no signs of infestation on the production batch and market samples. "We categorically reject the allegations circulating in the media based on an unverified account regarding the presence of infestation, allegedly on Maggi noodles," a Nestle India spokesperson said in a statement. "We are yet to receive the complaint sample from the complainant as the account is unreachable," the statement added. Also read: Bentley, private jets and mansions: Who is Mahender Makhijani, Indian businessman accused of $100 mn bank fraud? Nestle's claims of stringent food safety and quality standards Nestle India stated that it had submitted a detailed response to the authorities, backed by quality-control records, test results and other relevant evidence. The company reiterated that it adheres to stringent food safety and quality standards across its operations. "Nestle India maintains stringent quality and food safety standards across its manufacturing operations. We remain fully transparent with the authorities and are confident that the facts and evidence will conclusively establish the truth of the matter," the spokesperson said. "We have performed our quality analysis on batch and market samples, for a comprehensive investigation at the FSSAI Accredited lab, and the report confirms with the quality standards, including confirmation of absence of infestation of any nature," the statement added. The controversy emerged after social media users alleged that insects or larvae were found inside a Maggi packet, prompting regulatory scrutiny. The issue also appeared to affect investor sentiment, with Nestle India's shares falling during the trading session. The stock opened at Rs 1,431.10 and closed at Rs 1,375.70, marking a decline of 3.29 per cent from the previous close.

Nestle India rejected social media claims of insect infestation in Maggi packets, stating FSSAI-accredited lab tests on the batch showed no issues. The complainant remains unreachable. Amid the regulatory scrutiny, Nestle shares dropped 3.29 per cent.

Insects in Maggi? Nestle India denies allegations of infestation in noodles after FSSAI notice

India is experiencing a massive transformation in the drone industry and its related components. From Defence and Surveillance to Smart Agriculture and instant deliveries, drone technology is increasingly becoming essential rather than optional as it undergoes a rapid structural shift. In 2026, India's drone industry is creating new career paths, business opportunities, and technological breakthroughs along with rapid expansion. After the Ministry of Civil Aviation liberalised the drone rules and the Rs 120-crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the domestic drone market is estimated to reach a valuation of $13 billion by 2030. Previous market attention was focused on simple assembly, but now the investors have shifted toward deep-tech startups pioneering indigenous core technologies. Earlier, Indian drone and its components manufactures were operated largely as aggregators, relying completely on global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers, imported flight controllers and motor electronic speed controllers. As a result, it created severe supply-chain vulnerabilities, especially for defence procurement. Currently, multiple tech startups, including drones, are successfully manufacturing complex and critical components that widely cover their battery, energy storage systems, battery management technologies and testing infrastructure, making it purely an indigenous technology. Kajal Shah, Co-founder and CEO of Dreamfly Innovations, said the country's drone revolution is creating opportunities across the broader technology value chain. "At Dreamfly Innovations, we believe India's drone revolution is creating a much larger opportunity than drones alone. The real value will be created by companies building the critical technologies that power these platforms—advanced batteries, power electronics, propulsion systems, and other mission-critical subsystems. As defence and commercial drone deployments scale, these enabling technologies will become strategic assets for the country. Our focus has always been on building world-class energy systems for aerospace and defence applications. We see a significant opportunity for Indian deep-tech startups to create globally competitive products in areas where performance, reliability, and engineering excellence matter most. The next generation of industry leaders will be the companies that own and innovate within these core technology layers."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-2-billion-drone-push-why-batteries-could-be-biggest-winner-in-defence-tech-boom-1781254273226">India's $2 billion drone push: Why batteries could be biggest winner in defence-tech boom</a><h3>The battery acts as critical component</h3>Industry experts also believe that drones always capture more attention, making the technology that powers and supports these platforms increasingly important as both military and commercial applications expand. Among these components, battery systems are emerging as a critical component, directly influencing drone performance, endurance and operational effectiveness. Saurabh Markandeya, Co-founder and CTO of Dreamfly Innovations, said battery technology will play a defining role in the future development of the sector. "From our perspective at Dreamfly, batteries are one of the most important technologies underpinning the future of drones. Flight endurance, payload capacity, operational safety, and mission reliability are all fundamentally linked to the quality of the energy system. As drone applications become more sophisticated, battery performance is increasingly becoming a key differentiator rather than just a supporting component," he said. "We see a tremendous opportunity for India to build leadership in advanced battery technologies, intelligent battery management systems, thermal safety, and aerospace-grade manufacturing. The startups developing these capabilities today are not simply supplying components—they are creating the technological foundation required for India's long-term leadership in drones, aerospace, and defence. The stronger India's battery ecosystem becomes, the stronger its drone ecosystem will be," Markandeya added.&nbsp;

Industry experts also believe that drones always capture more attention, making the technology that powers and supports these platforms increasingly important as both military and commercial applications expand. 

India is experiencing a massive transformation in the drone industry and its related components. From Defence and Surveillance to Smart Agriculture and instant deliveries, drone technology is increasingly becoming essential rather than optional as it undergoes a rapid structural shift. In 2026, India's drone industry is creating new career paths, business opportunities, and technological breakthroughs along with rapid expansion. After the Ministry of Civil Aviation liberalised the drone rules and the Rs 120-crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the domestic drone market is estimated to reach a valuation of $13 billion by 2030. Previous market attention was focused on simple assembly, but now the investors have shifted toward deep-tech startups pioneering indigenous core technologies. Earlier, Indian drone and its components manufactures were operated largely as aggregators, relying completely on global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers, imported flight controllers and motor electronic speed controllers. As a result, it created severe supply-chain vulnerabilities, especially for defence procurement. Currently, multiple tech startups, including drones, are successfully manufacturing complex and critical components that widely cover their battery, energy storage systems, battery management technologies and testing infrastructure, making it purely an indigenous technology. Kajal Shah, Co-founder and CEO of Dreamfly Innovations, said the country's drone revolution is creating opportunities across the broader technology value chain. "At Dreamfly Innovations, we believe India's drone revolution is creating a much larger opportunity than drones alone. The real value will be created by companies building the critical technologies that power these platforms—advanced batteries, power electronics, propulsion systems, and other mission-critical subsystems. As defence and commercial drone deployments scale, these enabling technologies will become strategic assets for the country. Our focus has always been on building world-class energy systems for aerospace and defence applications. We see a significant opportunity for Indian deep-tech startups to create globally competitive products in areas where performance, reliability, and engineering excellence matter most. The next generation of industry leaders will be the companies that own and innovate within these core technology layers." Also read: India's $2 billion drone push: Why batteries could be biggest winner in defence-tech boom The battery acts as critical component Industry experts also believe that drones always capture more attention, making the technology that powers and supports these platforms increasingly important as both military and commercial applications expand. Among these components, battery systems are emerging as a critical component, directly influencing drone performance, endurance and operational effectiveness. Saurabh Markandeya, Co-founder and CTO of Dreamfly Innovations, said battery technology will play a defining role in the future development of the sector. "From our perspective at Dreamfly, batteries are one of the most important technologies underpinning the future of drones. Flight endurance, payload capacity, operational safety, and mission reliability are all fundamentally linked to the quality of the energy system. As drone applications become more sophisticated, battery performance is increasingly becoming a key differentiator rather than just a supporting component," he said. "We see a tremendous opportunity for India to build leadership in advanced battery technologies, intelligent battery management systems, thermal safety, and aerospace-grade manufacturing. The startups developing these capabilities today are not simply supplying components—they are creating the technological foundation required for India's long-term leadership in drones, aerospace, and defence. The stronger India's battery ecosystem becomes, the stronger its drone ecosystem will be," Markandeya added.

Industry experts also believe that drones always capture more attention, making the technology that powers and supports these platforms increasingly important as both military and commercial applications expand.&nbsp;

Billion-dollar opportunity behind India's drone revolution: A look at startups building core technologies

India's defence system is going through a massive paradigm shift as it is likely to order over $2 billion worth of military drones from domestic firms, marking the biggest such purchase. The move comes after global and regional conflicts have boosted demand for high-tech defence equipment. The proposal is at an advanced stage, with deliveries expected to be completed within the next 18 to 24 months. While mainstream attention on defence deals is completely on high-profile drone manufacturers and aircraft startups, the true rush is taking place quietly in the components used to manufacture this technology. Among all critical components, battery technology is becoming the strategic winner in advancing defence technology. The proposed acquisition also includes energy storage systems, battery management technologies and testing infrastructure. An expert indicated that batteries are emerging as a key player in the modern drone operations, directly influencing flight timing, payload capacity, operational reliability and mission readiness. "India's planned $2 billion drone procurement is not just a boost for drone manufacturers—it is a catalyst for the entire defence technology supply chain. Batteries are emerging as one of the most critical technologies in modern unmanned systems because they directly determine flight endurance, mission reliability, payload capability, and operational readiness. As drones become integral to surveillance, logistics, precision strike, and autonomous operations, the demand for high-performance, safe, and mission-critical energy systems will grow exponentially," Kajal Shah, Co-founder &amp; CEO, Dreamfly Innovations. "For India to build a truly self-reliant drone ecosystem, the country must also develop indigenous capabilities in advanced battery systems, battery management electronics, testing infrastructure, and energy storage technologies. We believe the next phase of India's defence-tech growth will be driven by companies that can deliver reliable energy platforms capable of meeting military-grade performance standards at scale," She added. Other experts also observed that India's focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing is increasingly moving beyond platforms and hardware to include the technology that powers the drones, missiles or components used in aircraft. Highlighting the importance of this critical equipment in defence applications, Saurabh Markandeya, Co-founder and CTO of Dreamfly Innovations, said, "Every major shift in defence technology has been enabled by advancements in energy systems. Today's drone revolution is no different. While drones often capture the headlines, batteries are the invisible technology that powers every mission. Whether it is a surveillance drone operating in high-altitude environments, a logistics platform carrying critical supplies, or a tactical system deployed in demanding battlefield conditions, performance ultimately depends on the quality and reliability of the energy system onboard." Experts also believe that the demand for high-performance batteries capable of performing under any conditions will continue to rise as drones become central to surveillance, logistics, reconnaissance and tactical operations. The decision of the government to make deals with Indian manufacturers is also likely to benefit the domestic clean-energy and battery ecosystem, making the country self-reliance on this sector.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-india-may-need-russian-su-57s-before-its-indigenous-amca-project-takes-flight-wion-decodes-1780666620969">Why India may need Russian Su-57s before its indigenous AMCA project takes flight? WION decodes</a><h3>Drones are an indispensable part of warfare</h3>Commenting on the development, Saurabh Jain, CExO Energy Storage at GEON, Green Energy On, said, "India’s recent procurement of more than US$2 billion worth of military drones from local manufacturers is indeed an important move towards ensuring greater security for the nation. With drones becoming an indispensable part of warfare and security missions, there is no doubt that the technologies used to power the drones will need equal attention. Batteries and energy technologies will be crucial in the success of drone technology." "This move by the government to procure drones from Indian manufacturers is indicative of its determination to ensure the self-sufficiency of the nation in its technology production and thereby enhancing its defence capabilities. This will be of immense benefit to India as it would give a boost to the indigenous technology industry of the nation," he added.&nbsp;Labelling the batteries as the engine of the drones, Udyut Goyal, Head, Business Development, AmpereHour Energy, highlighted that the component directly influences the flight time of the drones, their recharge cycles, payload capacity, and operational capacity, helping the drones to deliver effectiveness.&nbsp;“Drones play a critical role in India’s defence-tech system, where they are viewed through the lens of airframes and software, but no matter how advanced a drone is, it is imperative to remember that ultimately, its engine is the battery. India invests a lot in its defence technology, so for the optimal use and operational efficiency of drones, we have to ensure a reliable battery system powers them. Batteries directly influence the flight time of the drones, their recharge cycles, payload capacity, and operational capacity, which helps us determine the mission’s effectiveness. Batteries are not just a supporting technology here, but they are, in fact, a strategic component,” he said.&nbsp;“With the growth of drone deployment in defence applications, there will be an increase in the demand for high-performance, lightweight, durable, and domestically developed energy storage solutions. This will allow India to make more innovations and strengthen its capabilities in the battery value chain and be less dependent on imported critical technologies. Beyond defence, too, India will benefit across various sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy integration, and industrial energy storage. &nbsp;India’s drone push isn’t just a catalyst for defence-tech’s growth, but also for the development of a stronger, more self-reliant energy technology ecosystem, ” Goyal added. India has over 600 companies manufacturing drones along with their components, with more than 100 focused on defence applications. The large players for these technologies include companies like Adani Group, Larsen &amp; Toubro and Tata Advanced Systems, to startups like Dreamfly Innovations, ideaForge, Newspace Research and Asteria Aerospace. They focus on building reconnaissance, loitering munitions, logistics, precision-strike and critical component systems. In addition, the defence ministry has also opened more areas of procurement to startups and private firms, which has eased the testing process and pushed the armed forces to add systems through repeat and interim orders that allow these firms to refine their products rapidly. The best part is that, along with a breakthrough in a drone's battery, the development directly accelerates innovations in Commercial logistics and agricultural drones, Electric vehicles (EVs) and Renewable energy storage systems (BESS).

Drone battery technology is becoming the strategic winner in advancing defence technology. The proposed acquisition of military drones also includes energy storage systems, battery management technologies and testing infrastructure.

India's defence system is going through a massive paradigm shift as it is likely to order over $2 billion worth of military drones from domestic firms, marking the biggest such purchase. The move comes after global and regional conflicts have boosted demand for high-tech defence equipment. The proposal is at an advanced stage, with deliveries expected to be completed within the next 18 to 24 months. While mainstream attention on defence deals is completely on high-profile drone manufacturers and aircraft startups, the true rush is taking place quietly in the components used to manufacture this technology. Among all critical components, battery technology is becoming the strategic winner in advancing defence technology. The proposed acquisition also includes energy storage systems, battery management technologies and testing infrastructure. An expert indicated that batteries are emerging as a key player in the modern drone operations, directly influencing flight timing, payload capacity, operational reliability and mission readiness. "India's planned $2 billion drone procurement is not just a boost for drone manufacturers—it is a catalyst for the entire defence technology supply chain. Batteries are emerging as one of the most critical technologies in modern unmanned systems because they directly determine flight endurance, mission reliability, payload capability, and operational readiness. As drones become integral to surveillance, logistics, precision strike, and autonomous operations, the demand for high-performance, safe, and mission-critical energy systems will grow exponentially," Kajal Shah, Co-founder & CEO, Dreamfly Innovations. "For India to build a truly self-reliant drone ecosystem, the country must also develop indigenous capabilities in advanced battery systems, battery management electronics, testing infrastructure, and energy storage technologies. We believe the next phase of India's defence-tech growth will be driven by companies that can deliver reliable energy platforms capable of meeting military-grade performance standards at scale," She added. Other experts also observed that India's focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing is increasingly moving beyond platforms and hardware to include the technology that powers the drones, missiles or components used in aircraft. Highlighting the importance of this critical equipment in defence applications, Saurabh Markandeya, Co-founder and CTO of Dreamfly Innovations, said, "Every major shift in defence technology has been enabled by advancements in energy systems. Today's drone revolution is no different. While drones often capture the headlines, batteries are the invisible technology that powers every mission. Whether it is a surveillance drone operating in high-altitude environments, a logistics platform carrying critical supplies, or a tactical system deployed in demanding battlefield conditions, performance ultimately depends on the quality and reliability of the energy system onboard." Experts also believe that the demand for high-performance batteries capable of performing under any conditions will continue to rise as drones become central to surveillance, logistics, reconnaissance and tactical operations. The decision of the government to make deals with Indian manufacturers is also likely to benefit the domestic clean-energy and battery ecosystem, making the country self-reliance on this sector. Also read: Why India may need Russian Su-57s before its indigenous AMCA project takes flight? WION decodes Drones are an indispensable part of warfare Commenting on the development, Saurabh Jain, CExO Energy Storage at GEON, Green Energy On, said, "India’s recent procurement of more than US$2 billion worth of military drones from local manufacturers is indeed an important move towards ensuring greater security for the nation. With drones becoming an indispensable part of warfare and security missions, there is no doubt that the technologies used to power the drones will need equal attention. Batteries and energy technologies will be crucial in the success of drone technology." "This move by the government to procure drones from Indian manufacturers is indicative of its determination to ensure the self-sufficiency of the nation in its technology production and thereby enhancing its defence capabilities. This will be of immense benefit to India as it would give a boost to the indigenous technology industry of the nation," he added. Labelling the batteries as the engine of the drones, Udyut Goyal, Head, Business Development, AmpereHour Energy, highlighted that the component directly influences the flight time of the drones, their recharge cycles, payload capacity, and operational capacity, helping the drones to deliver effectiveness. “Drones play a critical role in India’s defence-tech system, where they are viewed through the lens of airframes and software, but no matter how advanced a drone is, it is imperative to remember that ultimately, its engine is the battery. India invests a lot in its defence technology, so for the optimal use and operational efficiency of drones, we have to ensure a reliable battery system powers them. Batteries directly influence the flight time of the drones, their recharge cycles, payload capacity, and operational capacity, which helps us determine the mission’s effectiveness. Batteries are not just a supporting technology here, but they are, in fact, a strategic component,” he said. “With the growth of drone deployment in defence applications, there will be an increase in the demand for high-performance, lightweight, durable, and domestically developed energy storage solutions. This will allow India to make more innovations and strengthen its capabilities in the battery value chain and be less dependent on imported critical technologies. Beyond defence, too, India will benefit across various sectors such as electric mobility, renewable energy integration, and industrial energy storage. India’s drone push isn’t just a catalyst for defence-tech’s growth, but also for the development of a stronger, more self-reliant energy technology ecosystem, ” Goyal added. India has over 600 companies manufacturing drones along with their components, with more than 100 focused on defence applications. The large players for these technologies include companies like Adani Group, Larsen & Toubro and Tata Advanced Systems, to startups like Dreamfly Innovations, ideaForge, Newspace Research and Asteria Aerospace. They focus on building reconnaissance, loitering munitions, logistics, precision-strike and critical component systems. In addition, the defence ministry has also opened more areas of procurement to startups and private firms, which has eased the testing process and pushed the armed forces to add systems through repeat and interim orders that allow these firms to refine their products rapidly. The best part is that, along with a breakthrough in a drone's battery, the development directly accelerates innovations in Commercial logistics and agricultural drones, Electric vehicles (EVs) and Renewable energy storage systems (BESS).

Drone battery technology is becoming the strategic winner in advancing defence technology. The proposed acquisition of military drones also includes energy storage systems, battery management technologies and testing infrastructure.

India's $2 billion drone push: Why batteries could be biggest winner in defence-tech boom

US oil inventories and lower crude imports by China have helped ease pressure on the global oil market. However, supply condition could tighten if China ramps refinery activity and increasing domestic demand persist, then it may tighten supplies resulting in China to increases imports in the coming months, according to a report by ANZ. The report noted that China's crude oil imports fell sharply following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, dropping from roughly 12.5 million barrels per day (mb/d) to about 2.5 mb/d. This decline has resulted in cumulative savings of more than 60 million barrels compared with levels seen before the escalation. "Assuming imports would have stayed at the levels they were at prior to late February's escalation of the Middle East conflict, the cumulative amount saved by China's reduced purchases is more than 60mbbl," the report said.The development comes amid growing concerns over oil demand. The report also suggest that soft manufacturing activity due to increasing electric vehicle adoption, reduced domestic flights and constrained petrochemical feedstock imports from the Middle East have likely reduced the oil demand of China by around 1 mb/d over the past month or so. "This has been exacerbated by a slowdown in refining activity, reflecting high crude premiums, elevated freight and insurance costs and issues over refining and inventory valuation losses. Even so, we don't expect this to be a long-term trend. A gradual rebound in mobility and feedstock flows improve things," the report said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-hits-e-commerce-giant-with-record-400m-fine-over-data-leak-nearly-37-5m-users-affected-1781169944677">South Korea hits e-commerce giant with record $400m fine over data leak, nearly 37.5m users affected</a><h3>China's relies on domestic oil stockpiles</h3>The report also suggests that China has increasingly relied on its domestic oil stockpiles in recent months. It noted that the global market was able to absorb the additional OPEC supply in 2025, following the group's decision to reverse production cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day, largely because China took in much of the excess crude. China's oil inventories have expanded by an estimated 190 million barrels since the start of 2025, bringing total stockpiles to roughly 1.7 billion barrels. The report further noted that China has mainly managed supply shortages by cutting refinery operating rates rather than significantly drawing down its strategic petroleum reserves. However, analysts warned that this strategy may not be sustainable over the long term. "Any shift in this dynamic will have major repercussions for the oil market. If China is reluctant to dip heavily into its strategic reserves, we should see imports rise in coming months, which could further tighten the physical market," the report said.

US inventories and low Chinese imports eased global oil market pressure. However, ANZ reports China saved 60mbbl by cutting imports from 12.5 to 2.5 mb/d after the Hormuz closed. If China ramps up refining and stops relying on its 1.7bn bbl domestic stockpile, global supplies may tighten.

US oil inventories and lower crude imports by China have helped ease pressure on the global oil market. However, supply condition could tighten if China ramps refinery activity and increasing domestic demand persist, then it may tighten supplies resulting in China to increases imports in the coming months, according to a report by ANZ. The report noted that China's crude oil imports fell sharply following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, dropping from roughly 12.5 million barrels per day (mb/d) to about 2.5 mb/d. This decline has resulted in cumulative savings of more than 60 million barrels compared with levels seen before the escalation. "Assuming imports would have stayed at the levels they were at prior to late February's escalation of the Middle East conflict, the cumulative amount saved by China's reduced purchases is more than 60mbbl," the report said. The development comes amid growing concerns over oil demand. The report also suggest that soft manufacturing activity due to increasing electric vehicle adoption, reduced domestic flights and constrained petrochemical feedstock imports from the Middle East have likely reduced the oil demand of China by around 1 mb/d over the past month or so. "This has been exacerbated by a slowdown in refining activity, reflecting high crude premiums, elevated freight and insurance costs and issues over refining and inventory valuation losses. Even so, we don't expect this to be a long-term trend. A gradual rebound in mobility and feedstock flows improve things," the report said. Also read: South Korea hits e-commerce giant with record $400m fine over data leak, nearly 37.5m users affected China's relies on domestic oil stockpiles The report also suggests that China has increasingly relied on its domestic oil stockpiles in recent months. It noted that the global market was able to absorb the additional OPEC supply in 2025, following the group's decision to reverse production cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day, largely because China took in much of the excess crude. China's oil inventories have expanded by an estimated 190 million barrels since the start of 2025, bringing total stockpiles to roughly 1.7 billion barrels. The report further noted that China has mainly managed supply shortages by cutting refinery operating rates rather than significantly drawing down its strategic petroleum reserves. However, analysts warned that this strategy may not be sustainable over the long term. "Any shift in this dynamic will have major repercussions for the oil market. If China is reluctant to dip heavily into its strategic reserves, we should see imports rise in coming months, which could further tighten the physical market," the report said.

US inventories and low Chinese imports eased global oil market pressure. However, ANZ reports China saved 60mbbl by cutting imports from 12.5 to 2.5 mb/d after the Hormuz closed. If China ramps up refining and stops relying on its 1.7bn bbl domestic stockpile, global supplies may tighten.

Global oil market could faces new crisis as China may increase imports, says reports

US-based real estate tech company Opendoor closed its operations in India and relocated to the US. Opendoor CEO Kaz Nejatian announced the decision on June 11, as part of its "Opendoor 2.0" strategy focused on AI-driven restructuring and operational overhaul. Kaz said that the work is best done closer to its home with American customers. In an internal note shared by the CEO, Kaz said that some of the roles have been shifted to the US, and the company has already said goodbye to colleagues, as it began the process of winding down.“Today, we began to say goodbye to our colleagues in India as we wind down our India operations. Our customers are in America, and that's where our operational work belongs,” said CEO Kaz Nejatian in a post on the social media platform X.Despite the workforce reduction, Kaz said that Opendoor will remain bigger in impact. He said that Opendoor has built an AI-native customer-facing team throughout the US to unify the fragmented systems. He said that the expectation of workers will be to shoulder bigger responsibilities, as it will now be a much smaller company in terms of headcount.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-61-new-west-bank-settlements-350-million-expansion-plan-1781165215893">Israel considers $350 million plan for 61 new West Bank settlement</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I shared this note earlier today with the entire team at Opendoor. Today we began to say goodbye to our colleagues in India as we wind down our India operations. Our customers are in America, and that&#39;s where our operational work belongs. <a href="https://t.co/Ak2jLxKiX5">pic.twitter.com/Ak2jLxKiX5</a>&mdash; Kaz Nejatian (@nejatian) <a href="https://x.com/nejatian/status/2064734707497996543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What does this mean for Indian Opendoor workers?</h2>CEO Kaz acknowledged the difficulties of the people affected by the transition of the operations to the US. Around 250 employees will be laid off in India as part of the AI-driven restructuring. He called it a “significant and difficult change” and claimed that the company is offering a transition and severance package and outplacement service. He said that a small team will remain to “complete the transition of key workstreams”.<h2>What is Opendoor?</h2>Founded in 2014, Opendoor had an “i-buying” model, which provided buying and selling services using technology and data analytics. It also offers mortgages through its digital platform. In India, Opendoor had three offices in Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. The Hyderabad and Bengaluru offices were set up in 2024. Right now, it maintains its presence in the US only.&nbsp;

US-based real estate technology company Opendoor is shutting down its India operations and relocating roles to the US as part of its AI-driven Opendoor 2.0 restructuring plan announced by CEO Kaz Nejatian.

US-based real estate tech company Opendoor closed its operations in India and relocated to the US. Opendoor CEO Kaz Nejatian announced the decision on June 11, as part of its "Opendoor 2.0" strategy focused on AI-driven restructuring and operational overhaul. Kaz said that the work is best done closer to its home with American customers. In an internal note shared by the CEO, Kaz said that some of the roles have been shifted to the US, and the company has already said goodbye to colleagues, as it began the process of winding down. “Today, we began to say goodbye to our colleagues in India as we wind down our India operations. Our customers are in America, and that's where our operational work belongs,” said CEO Kaz Nejatian in a post on the social media platform X. Despite the workforce reduction, Kaz said that Opendoor will remain bigger in impact. He said that Opendoor has built an AI-native customer-facing team throughout the US to unify the fragmented systems. He said that the expectation of workers will be to shoulder bigger responsibilities, as it will now be a much smaller company in terms of headcount. Also Read: Israel considers $350 million plan for 61 new West Bank settlement

US-based real estate technology company Opendoor is shutting down its India operations and relocating roles to the US as part of its AI-driven Opendoor 2.0 restructuring plan announced by CEO Kaz Nejatian.

Opendoor shuts India operations, relocates roles to US under AI-driven restructuring

South Korea has slashed a record fine of over $400m (£299m) to online retail giant 'Coupang' over a massive data leak that exposed the data of more than 30 million customers in 2025. The fine has been issued by Seoul's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) for a data breach, marking the largest fine ever by the country's government. The data breach revealed the names, contact information, delivery addresses and purchase histories of certain customers of Coupang, South Korea's largest e-commerce platform, often compared to Amazon. Responding to the move, Coupang told the BBC that it "deeply regrets the concern caused" and that it would strengthen its security systems, but added that it planned to challenge the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC). The number of affected accounts exceeds half of South Korea's population of nearly 50 million. On Wednesday, the PIPC imposed a fine of 423.6 billion won over the personal data leak, and an additional 201 billion won for collecting user information without consent.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-must-find-its-own-path-not-copy-china-says-general-atlantic-co-president-martin-escobari-1781166118870">India must find its own path, not copy China, says General Atlantic Co-President Martin Escobari</a> According to the commission, inadequate security measures, including poor management of authentication signing keys and weak access controls, led to the exposure of personal data belonging to about 37.5 million users. Coupang argued that the commission's ruling did not adequately take into account the company's explanations and the steps it had implemented to prevent further damage from the breach. "Upon receiving the official resolution from the PIPC, we expect that the facts will be clearly established through legal procedures," said Coupang. The decision follows a months-long probe into Coupang after allegations of the data leak surfaced in November.<h3>Continuous high-profile cyber-security incidents</h3>The US based company's majority revenue comes from South Korea. The firm stated that it first got aware of a breach affecting around 4500 customer accounts in November and immediately reported it to the officials. However, subsequent investigations revealed that nearly 34 million customer accounts, all based in South Korea, may have been compromised. The company claimed that the data breach likely began as early as June and originated from an overseas server. After the breach of data, Coupang's boss Park Dae-jun resigned from his role, apologising for the incident. Later, the company's chief administrative officer Harold Rogers was appointed interim CEO. Despite the reputation of country for stringent data privacy standards, South Korean firms continuously faced of high-profile cyber-security incidents last yea. Its largest mobile operator SK Telecom was also fined about $100m over a data breach involving more than 20 million subscribers. South Korean regulators have now imposed a record fine of more than $400 million on Coupang, citing inadequate security safeguards and the unauthorised collection of user data after the leak exposed the personal information of about 37.5 million customers.

South Korea has imposed a record fine of over $400 million on e-commerce giant Coupang after a massive data breach exposed the personal information of around 37.5 million users. Regulators cited weak security measures and unauthorised data collection.

South Korea has slashed a record fine of over $400m (£299m) to online retail giant 'Coupang' over a massive data leak that exposed the data of more than 30 million customers in 2025. The fine has been issued by Seoul's Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) for a data breach, marking the largest fine ever by the country's government. The data breach revealed the names, contact information, delivery addresses and purchase histories of certain customers of Coupang, South Korea's largest e-commerce platform, often compared to Amazon. Responding to the move, Coupang told the BBC that it "deeply regrets the concern caused" and that it would strengthen its security systems, but added that it planned to challenge the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC). The number of affected accounts exceeds half of South Korea's population of nearly 50 million. On Wednesday, the PIPC imposed a fine of 423.6 billion won over the personal data leak, and an additional 201 billion won for collecting user information without consent. Also read: India must find its own path, not copy China, says General Atlantic Co-President Martin Escobari According to the commission, inadequate security measures, including poor management of authentication signing keys and weak access controls, led to the exposure of personal data belonging to about 37.5 million users. Coupang argued that the commission's ruling did not adequately take into account the company's explanations and the steps it had implemented to prevent further damage from the breach. "Upon receiving the official resolution from the PIPC, we expect that the facts will be clearly established through legal procedures," said Coupang. The decision follows a months-long probe into Coupang after allegations of the data leak surfaced in November. Continuous high-profile cyber-security incidents The US based company's majority revenue comes from South Korea. The firm stated that it first got aware of a breach affecting around 4500 customer accounts in November and immediately reported it to the officials. However, subsequent investigations revealed that nearly 34 million customer accounts, all based in South Korea, may have been compromised. The company claimed that the data breach likely began as early as June and originated from an overseas server. After the breach of data, Coupang's boss Park Dae-jun resigned from his role, apologising for the incident. Later, the company's chief administrative officer Harold Rogers was appointed interim CEO. Despite the reputation of country for stringent data privacy standards, South Korean firms continuously faced of high-profile cyber-security incidents last yea. Its largest mobile operator SK Telecom was also fined about $100m over a data breach involving more than 20 million subscribers. South Korean regulators have now imposed a record fine of more than $400 million on Coupang, citing inadequate security safeguards and the unauthorised collection of user data after the leak exposed the personal information of about 37.5 million customers.

South Korea has imposed a record fine of over $400 million on e-commerce giant Coupang after a massive data breach exposed the personal information of around 37.5 million users. Regulators cited weak security measures and unauthorised data collection.

South Korea hits e-commerce giant with record $400m fine over data leak, nearly 37.5m users affected

General Atlantic Co-President Martin Escobari emphasised that India must find its own development path, and investors must be patient. He made the remarks while responding to a question from Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath on the lessons that India could draw from China's rise. Having invested over $5 billion in India, Escobari reflected on a visit to China years ago when its GDP was only about 20 per cent larger than Brazil's."Today, it's 14 times bigger," he said, underscoring the remarkable transformation the country has achieved over 25 years. When Kamath asked Escobari what drove China's rise, Escobari highlighted China's focus on the "industrialisation", infrastructure development, digital adoption and export-led manufacturing. Then Kamath added that another political advantage China had was that it enabled long-term strategies, allowing "40-year plans" rather than a shorter electoral cycle every four years. On Kamath's response, Escobari agreed that India should not make everything a copy-paste of China's model. "Your solution is going to have to be more nuanced and more custom-made for India and the unique richness and traditions and complexities of your country," he said. &nbsp;However, Escobari also sounded bullish on the direction of travel. Looking at the growth trajectory of India, he said, "8 per cent is a lot. 8 per cent compounded over 10 years. So be patient with your country."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torah-basic-law-and-more-is-israel-becoming-a-theocratic-state-the-big-question-judaism-ultraorthodox-jews-draft-1781158525343">Torah Basic Law and more: Is Israel becoming a theocratic state? The Big Question</a><h3>Attractive opportunities in Indian firms</h3>Kamath said he remains fully optimistic about India, both because he built his wealth in the country and because he is confident that India's economy will eventually reach the $10 trillion mark. However, he cautioned that the milestone may not be achieved within the next five, eight or even 10 years. He also revealed that he is diversifying his portfolio with a greater focus on sectors such as IT services and banking. Acknowledging that investing in IT services firms may appear unconventional in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, Kamath argued that Indian companies with strong competitive advantages and valuations in the range of 12 to 15 times earnings continue to offer attractive opportunities. The discussion then shifted to a long-standing question facing India's startup ecosystem: why the country has yet to create a globally dominant company of significant scale. Escobari stated that it takes one pioneer to make the "role model effect". "It can be done. There's access to capital. There is unfair access to human capital that is AI-trained at the right time. You need the courage to do what has never been done before," he said. Escobari said that once an Indian company successfully break through globally, it could inspire and encourage many others to follow a similar path. However, he also highlighted what he described as India's unique paradox. While a domestic market of 1.3 billion people offers enormous opportunities, it can also act as a trap. Escobari called it the "curse of a domestic market" as companies can become too comfortable helping India solely. "It is uncomfortable to go to a new country, build a multi-country team and get out of the comfort zone," he said. He also noted that even conquering India is not like conquering one nation. "The diversity in your country is beyond comprehension to anyone who hasn't travelled to your country. It's not one country. It's an amalgamation of civilisations."

Acknowledging that investing in IT services firms may appear unconventional in an era increasingly shaped by AI, Kamath argued that Indian companies with strong competitive advantages and valuations in the range of 12 to 15 times earnings continue to offer attractive opportunities. 

General Atlantic Co-President Martin Escobari emphasised that India must find its own development path, and investors must be patient. He made the remarks while responding to a question from Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath on the lessons that India could draw from China's rise. Having invested over $5 billion in India, Escobari reflected on a visit to China years ago when its GDP was only about 20 per cent larger than Brazil's."Today, it's 14 times bigger," he said, underscoring the remarkable transformation the country has achieved over 25 years. When Kamath asked Escobari what drove China's rise, Escobari highlighted China's focus on the "industrialisation", infrastructure development, digital adoption and export-led manufacturing. Then Kamath added that another political advantage China had was that it enabled long-term strategies, allowing "40-year plans" rather than a shorter electoral cycle every four years. On Kamath's response, Escobari agreed that India should not make everything a copy-paste of China's model. "Your solution is going to have to be more nuanced and more custom-made for India and the unique richness and traditions and complexities of your country," he said. However, Escobari also sounded bullish on the direction of travel. Looking at the growth trajectory of India, he said, "8 per cent is a lot. 8 per cent compounded over 10 years. So be patient with your country." Also read: Torah Basic Law and more: Is Israel becoming a theocratic state? The Big Question Attractive opportunities in Indian firms Kamath said he remains fully optimistic about India, both because he built his wealth in the country and because he is confident that India's economy will eventually reach the $10 trillion mark. However, he cautioned that the milestone may not be achieved within the next five, eight or even 10 years. He also revealed that he is diversifying his portfolio with a greater focus on sectors such as IT services and banking. Acknowledging that investing in IT services firms may appear unconventional in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, Kamath argued that Indian companies with strong competitive advantages and valuations in the range of 12 to 15 times earnings continue to offer attractive opportunities. The discussion then shifted to a long-standing question facing India's startup ecosystem: why the country has yet to create a globally dominant company of significant scale. Escobari stated that it takes one pioneer to make the "role model effect". "It can be done. There's access to capital. There is unfair access to human capital that is AI-trained at the right time. You need the courage to do what has never been done before," he said. Escobari said that once an Indian company successfully break through globally, it could inspire and encourage many others to follow a similar path. However, he also highlighted what he described as India's unique paradox. While a domestic market of 1.3 billion people offers enormous opportunities, it can also act as a trap. Escobari called it the "curse of a domestic market" as companies can become too comfortable helping India solely. "It is uncomfortable to go to a new country, build a multi-country team and get out of the comfort zone," he said. He also noted that even conquering India is not like conquering one nation. "The diversity in your country is beyond comprehension to anyone who hasn't travelled to your country. It's not one country. It's an amalgamation of civilisations."

Acknowledging that investing in IT services firms may appear unconventional in an era increasingly shaped by AI, Kamath argued that Indian companies with strong competitive advantages and valuations in the range of 12 to 15 times earnings continue to offer attractive opportunities.&nbsp;

India must find its own path, not copy China, says General Atlantic Co-President Martin Escobari

India's economy is humming along at a steady and strong pace on paper. The International Monetary Fund and other leading financial institutions have touted the country's growth as the strongest among major economies for some time now.India's gross domestic product in 2025-26 came in at ₹345 lakh crore, or nearly $3.6 trillion, doubling from pre-pandemic levels. In rupee terms, the country's GDP is growing roughly 9 per cent per annum on average in recent years, suggesting a healthy rate.However, GDP growth rates are not measured in domestic terms on International platforms for comparative measures.They are broadly measured in dollars. But the rupee has been bleeding against the dollar in recent years, and quite significantly at that.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rupee-slide-wars-and-more-indian-students-in-us-battle-currency-crisis-no-one-prepared-them-for-wion-horizons-1780044945428">Rupee slide, wars and more: Indian students in US battle currency crisis no one prepared them for | WION Horizons</a><h2>No stopping the bleeding</h2>In the seven years since the pre-pandemic period, 2018-19, India's GDP growth in dollar terms has been only about 5.7 per cent annually. That is where the country's dream of a $5 trillion economy has taken a hit.The pace of growth in dollar terms is less than half of what is needed to reach that target, even by 2029-30.The latest GDP of the country stands at nearly $3.6 trillion, with an exchange rate of 96 rupees per dollar. That exchange rate is near a fresh all-time low after a series of record-weak levels the currency has fallen in recent years, and the GDP is still over $1 trillion away from the dream $5 trillion target.<h2>Currency trap</h2>The rupee's bleeding against the dollar has only exacerbated in recent years, with the currency depreciating roughly 10 per cent in 2025-26 alone. That fall in a single year has neutralised the entire year's nominal GDP gains, more or less wiping out any progress towards the country's target.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/made-in-india-first-indigenous-airbus-c-295-completes-maiden-test-flight-watch-1781147116995">‘Made in India’: First indigenous Airbus C-295 completes maiden test flight | WATCH</a>Clearly, growth in local currency terms means nothing in a global context.The IMF projects India will likely hit the $5 trillion mark only in FY29, a full year later than the previously revised forecast, which was already pushed by a year. The caveat is that there is no further rupee shock.The Indian government had declared the $5 trillion goal in July 2019, aiming to climb the global GDP rankings rapidly.However, India's dollar GDP growth has covered only about 50 per cent of the required distance since then.While India had briefly overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, it has now fallen back to the sixth position behind the United Kingdom.&nbsp;So, the rupee saga is more than just a currency crisis for the country.The lesson from the trend is clear - A country can grow in local currency and still shrink in global standing. Rupee depreciation isn't just a forex footnote anymore; it's fast becoming a strategic liability.India isn't just losing the growth race; it's losing the currency war, and in dollar terms, that's the only scoreboard on a global stage that counts.

India's economy has doubled since before the pandemic, but a weakening rupee is slowing growth in dollar terms. Here's why the $5 trillion economy target remains difficult to achieve.

India's economy is humming along at a steady and strong pace on paper. The International Monetary Fund and other leading financial institutions have touted the country's growth as the strongest among major economies for some time now. India's gross domestic product in 2025-26 came in at ₹345 lakh crore, or nearly $3.6 trillion, doubling from pre-pandemic levels. In rupee terms, the country's GDP is growing roughly 9 per cent per annum on average in recent years, suggesting a healthy rate. However, GDP growth rates are not measured in domestic terms on International platforms for comparative measures. They are broadly measured in dollars. But the rupee has been bleeding against the dollar in recent years, and quite significantly at that. Also read | Rupee slide, wars and more: Indian students in US battle currency crisis no one prepared them for | WION Horizons No stopping the bleeding In the seven years since the pre-pandemic period, 2018-19, India's GDP growth in dollar terms has been only about 5.7 per cent annually. That is where the country's dream of a $5 trillion economy has taken a hit. The pace of growth in dollar terms is less than half of what is needed to reach that target, even by 2029-30. The latest GDP of the country stands at nearly $3.6 trillion, with an exchange rate of 96 rupees per dollar. That exchange rate is near a fresh all-time low after a series of record-weak levels the currency has fallen in recent years, and the GDP is still over $1 trillion away from the dream $5 trillion target. Currency trap The rupee's bleeding against the dollar has only exacerbated in recent years, with the currency depreciating roughly 10 per cent in 2025-26 alone. That fall in a single year has neutralised the entire year's nominal GDP gains, more or less wiping out any progress towards the country's target. Also read | ‘Made in India’: First indigenous Airbus C-295 completes maiden test flight | WATCH Clearly, growth in local currency terms means nothing in a global context. The IMF projects India will likely hit the $5 trillion mark only in FY29, a full year later than the previously revised forecast, which was already pushed by a year. The caveat is that there is no further rupee shock. The Indian government had declared the $5 trillion goal in July 2019, aiming to climb the global GDP rankings rapidly. However, India's dollar GDP growth has covered only about 50 per cent of the required distance since then. While India had briefly overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, it has now fallen back to the sixth position behind the United Kingdom. So, the rupee saga is more than just a currency crisis for the country. The lesson from the trend is clear - A country can grow in local currency and still shrink in global standing. Rupee depreciation isn't just a forex footnote anymore; it's fast becoming a strategic liability. India isn't just losing the growth race; it's losing the currency war, and in dollar terms, that's the only scoreboard on a global stage that counts.

India's economy has doubled since before the pandemic, but a weakening rupee is slowing growth in dollar terms. Here's why the $5 trillion economy target remains difficult to achieve.

The rupee trap for a $5 trillion economy?

US inflation in May reached its highest level with the fastest rate in three years, surging to 4.2 per cent. The rise in prices in the US from 3.8 per cent a month earlier was largely due to an upsurge in energy costs, the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) said. The inflation marked the third month in a row that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose, with households continuously feeling the strain of the US-Israeli war in Iran. Rising inflation has increased expectations that the US Federal Reserve could raise interest rates to curtail consumer spending and ease price pressures. The last time inflation reached a higher level was in April 2023, when the US economy was grappling with the effects of the energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/big-boost-for-rupee-rbi-s-forex-push-could-bring-55-65-billion-inflows-in-fy27-says-sbi-1781096044339">Big boost for Rupee? RBI's forex push could bring $55–65 billion inflows in FY27, says SBI</a><h3>What is the real cause of US inflation?</h3>Energy costs have been a major contributor to the latest increase, with household gas and electricity bills in May standing nearly 25 per cent higher than a year ago. Petrol prices have accounted for a significant share of the rise. Data from the motoring group AAA showed that the average price of regular gasoline in the US currently stands at $4.15 per gallon, up sharply from $2.98 on February 28, when President Donald Trump launched strikes against Iran. Following those attacks, Iran effectively shut down the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that normally carries about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies, pushing global energy prices higher. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) also highlighted rising costs in sectors such as air travel, healthcare, recreation and communications. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in prices compared with the same month a year earlier. The Federal Reserve's long-term inflation target remains 2 per cent.

US inflation climbed to 4.2% in May, its highest level in three years, driven largely by soaring energy costs. Rising fuel and utility prices, linked to tensions involving Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, have heightened expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike.

US inflation in May reached its highest level with the fastest rate in three years, surging to 4.2 per cent. The rise in prices in the US from 3.8 per cent a month earlier was largely due to an upsurge in energy costs, the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) said. The inflation marked the third month in a row that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose, with households continuously feeling the strain of the US-Israeli war in Iran. Rising inflation has increased expectations that the US Federal Reserve could raise interest rates to curtail consumer spending and ease price pressures. The last time inflation reached a higher level was in April 2023, when the US economy was grappling with the effects of the energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Also read: Big boost for Rupee? RBI's forex push could bring $55–65 billion inflows in FY27, says SBI What is the real cause of US inflation? Energy costs have been a major contributor to the latest increase, with household gas and electricity bills in May standing nearly 25 per cent higher than a year ago. Petrol prices have accounted for a significant share of the rise. Data from the motoring group AAA showed that the average price of regular gasoline in the US currently stands at $4.15 per gallon, up sharply from $2.98 on February 28, when President Donald Trump launched strikes against Iran. Following those attacks, Iran effectively shut down the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that normally carries about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies, pushing global energy prices higher. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) also highlighted rising costs in sectors such as air travel, healthcare, recreation and communications. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in prices compared with the same month a year earlier. The Federal Reserve's long-term inflation target remains 2 per cent.

US inflation climbed to 4.2% in May, its highest level in three years, driven largely by soaring energy costs. Rising fuel and utility prices, linked to tensions involving Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, have heightened expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike.

US inflation climbs to 4.2%, highest in three years: Here's why

The RBI’s latest measures, including special forex swap options for FCNR(B) deposits and external commercial borrowings (ECBs), are likely to bring more foreign currency inflows worth $55–65 billion in FY27. The development will strengthen the rupee and improve India’s external position, according to a report by SBI Ecowrap. The report indicated that RBI’s February and June 2026 measures show a coordinated strategy to neutralise the Indian rupee, attract long-term foreign capital, reduce pressure on external funding and deepen domestic debt markets. The expected inflows could mainly come through Foreign Currency Non-Resident Bank (FCNR-B) deposits. SBI Research projects that this channel alone could bring in nearly $40–45 billion, supported by attractive deposit rates and the RBI’s dollar-rupee swap facility. The Reserve Bank has opened a forex swap portal for fresh FCNR(B) deposits with tenures ranging from three to five years. SBI noted that a similar measure by RBI in 2013 helped India attract $24.5 billion during a period of high rupee pressure.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/apache-helicopter-cost-vs-power-is-it-worth-millions-per-unit-1781084972199">Apache helicopter cost vs power: Is it worth millions per unit?</a><h3>SBI projects BoP surplus of $5–10 billion</h3>The report further estimates that an additional $15–20 billion may flow in through External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) and Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowing (OFCB) routes, as reduced hedging costs make overseas fundraising more appealing for banks and corporates. A major impact is expected on India's balance of payments (BoP). SBI Research has revised its FY27 outlook and now projects a surplus of $5–10 billion, a sharp turnaround from its earlier forecast of a $65–70 billion deficit. The report also anticipates banking sector deposit growth to improve to around 14.5–15 per cent, helping bridge the gap between credit and deposit growth while creating room for lower interest rates. At the same time, SBI cautioned that the RBI must remain proactive in addressing any weakness in the rupee and cannot afford to adopt a hands-off approach. “In the current environment, a passive approach could prove costly,” the report noted, and added that decisive intervention would help anchor expectations, control imported inflation and protect macro-financial stability. The report further stated that expectations of an immediate interest rate hike cycle appear premature, arguing that the future policy framework should remain data-dependent. Amid growing global uncertainty and high currency volatility, SBI believes that the latest dollar inflow strategy of RBI could give the firepower required to defend the rupee.&nbsp;

The Reserve Bank has opened a forex swap portal for fresh FCNR(B) deposits with tenures ranging from three to five years. SBI noted that a similar measure by RBI in 2013 helped India attract $24.5 billion during a period of high rupee pressure.

The RBI’s latest measures, including special forex swap options for FCNR(B) deposits and external commercial borrowings (ECBs), are likely to bring more foreign currency inflows worth $55–65 billion in FY27. The development will strengthen the rupee and improve India’s external position, according to a report by SBI Ecowrap. The report indicated that RBI’s February and June 2026 measures show a coordinated strategy to neutralise the Indian rupee, attract long-term foreign capital, reduce pressure on external funding and deepen domestic debt markets. The expected inflows could mainly come through Foreign Currency Non-Resident Bank (FCNR-B) deposits. SBI Research projects that this channel alone could bring in nearly $40–45 billion, supported by attractive deposit rates and the RBI’s dollar-rupee swap facility. The Reserve Bank has opened a forex swap portal for fresh FCNR(B) deposits with tenures ranging from three to five years. SBI noted that a similar measure by RBI in 2013 helped India attract $24.5 billion during a period of high rupee pressure. Also read: Apache helicopter cost vs power: Is it worth millions per unit? SBI projects BoP surplus of $5–10 billion The report further estimates that an additional $15–20 billion may flow in through External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) and Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowing (OFCB) routes, as reduced hedging costs make overseas fundraising more appealing for banks and corporates. A major impact is expected on India's balance of payments (BoP). SBI Research has revised its FY27 outlook and now projects a surplus of $5–10 billion, a sharp turnaround from its earlier forecast of a $65–70 billion deficit. The report also anticipates banking sector deposit growth to improve to around 14.5–15 per cent, helping bridge the gap between credit and deposit growth while creating room for lower interest rates. At the same time, SBI cautioned that the RBI must remain proactive in addressing any weakness in the rupee and cannot afford to adopt a hands-off approach. “In the current environment, a passive approach could prove costly,” the report noted, and added that decisive intervention would help anchor expectations, control imported inflation and protect macro-financial stability. The report further stated that expectations of an immediate interest rate hike cycle appear premature, arguing that the future policy framework should remain data-dependent. Amid growing global uncertainty and high currency volatility, SBI believes that the latest dollar inflow strategy of RBI could give the firepower required to defend the rupee.

The Reserve Bank has opened a forex swap portal for fresh FCNR(B) deposits with tenures ranging from three to five years. SBI noted that a similar measure by RBI in 2013 helped India attract $24.5 billion during a period of high rupee pressure.

Big boost for Rupee? RBI's forex push could bring $55–65 billion inflows in FY27, says SBI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has marked its 12 years since it came to power in the centre in 2014. During his tenure, various development projects and initiatives have been launched to foster growth in every sector with the aim of making India a 5 trillion economy. These results can be seen in India's economy, which continued its strong growth trajectory in FY 2025-26, with the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices surpassing Rs 345 lakh crore, reflecting sustained momentum driven by reforms, digital transformation, exports and industrial expansion. According to official data, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies, attracting increasing global attention. The government has also revised the base year for GDP calculations to 2022-23 to better reflect the current economic structure. The country's economic rise has been particularly significant over the past decade. While it took nearly 60 years after Independence for India to become a $1 trillion economy, the nation has rapidly expanded from a $2 trillion economy in 2014 to over $4 trillion today. If the current pace continues, India is expected to achieve the $5 trillion milestone within the next two years. "Today, India’s economy is moving forward rapidly. Now, India does not avoid challenges; it confronts them. Amidst all the turmoil in the world, India has kept up the speed of its progress," PM Modi said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-govt-12-years-how-india-s-shift-to-zero-tolerance-on-terrorism-reshaped-national-security-1781002708397">12 Years of Modi Govt: How India’s shift to zero tolerance on terrorism reshaped national security</a><h3>Growth in electronics sector</h3>India's growing economic influence is also being recognised globally. According to the World Bank, the country has become the second-largest contributor to global GDP growth. The electronics sector has emerged as a key driver of industrial growth. Electronics production has increased sixfold from Rs 1.9 lakh crore to Rs 11.3 lakh crore, while exports have surged eightfold from Rs 0.38 lakh crore to Rs 3.3 lakh crore. More than 25 lakh jobs have been created in the sector, supported by the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has helped position India as a global manufacturing hub. India's exports reached a record Rs 79 lakh crore in FY26, strengthening manufacturing activity and employment generation. Foreign exchange reserves stood at Rs 67 lakh crore, enough to cover 11 months of imports and 94 per cent of external debt, providing a strong buffer against global economic uncertainties.<h3>Tax slab rationalisation</h3>The government also highlighted next-generation reforms aimed at easing the tax burden on citizens. Tax slab rationalisation and GST simplification have benefited the middle class, boosting domestic consumption by nearly Rs 2 lakh crore and supporting greater economic formalisation through digital payments. Meanwhile, investments worth Rs 1.64 lakh crore have been mobilised under the Semicon India Programme. Twelve semiconductor projects across six states have received approval, laying the foundation for a robust domestic chip manufacturing ecosystem. In addition, public sector banks reported a record profit of nearly Rs 2 lakh crore in FY26, reflecting improved financial stability. Additionally, over 25 crore people have reportedly moved out of poverty, contributing to the rise of a new middle class and expanding domestic consumption. The Unified Pension Scheme, approved in August 2024, is also expected to benefit 23 lakh government employees.<h3>Industrial growth</h3>In the industrial and manufacturing domain, the electronics sector has seen a major production revolution, surging by 500 per cent from Rs 1.9 lakh crore in 2014 to over Rs 11 lakh crore by 2026, alongside a 700 per cent increase in electronics exports to over Rs 3 lakh crore. This momentum is heavily driven by mobile manufacturing, which grew 28 times to reach Rs 5.5 lakh crore, while mobile phone exports skyrocketed 163 times to Rs 2.6 lakh crore. Simultaneously, heavy industry expanded, with crude steel production capacity doubling from 109.85 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 220.3 million tonnes in 2025-26. Financially, macro stability has improved as general CPI-based inflation dropped from an average of 9.84 per cent (2011-2014) to 4.7 per cent (2014-2026). Public wealth and governance have also seen structural gains: India's stock market capitalisation crossed Rs 410 lakh crore in March 2026, foreign remittances hit a global high of Rs 13 lakh crore in FY25-26, and digital public infrastructure successfully secured over Rs 51 lakh crore in direct benefit transfers while preventing Rs 4.3 lakh crore in leakages. &nbsp;

India's GDP crossed Rs 345 lakh crore in FY26, cementing its status as a $4+ trillion economy. Driven by a massive electronics boom, record exports of Rs 79 lakh crore, and key tax reforms, over 25 crore people have successfully moved out of poverty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has marked its 12 years since it came to power in the centre in 2014. During his tenure, various development projects and initiatives have been launched to foster growth in every sector with the aim of making India a 5 trillion economy. These results can be seen in India's economy, which continued its strong growth trajectory in FY 2025-26, with the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices surpassing Rs 345 lakh crore, reflecting sustained momentum driven by reforms, digital transformation, exports and industrial expansion. According to official data, India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing major economies, attracting increasing global attention. The government has also revised the base year for GDP calculations to 2022-23 to better reflect the current economic structure. The country's economic rise has been particularly significant over the past decade. While it took nearly 60 years after Independence for India to become a $1 trillion economy, the nation has rapidly expanded from a $2 trillion economy in 2014 to over $4 trillion today. If the current pace continues, India is expected to achieve the $5 trillion milestone within the next two years. "Today, India’s economy is moving forward rapidly. Now, India does not avoid challenges; it confronts them. Amidst all the turmoil in the world, India has kept up the speed of its progress," PM Modi said. Also read: 12 Years of Modi Govt: How India’s shift to zero tolerance on terrorism reshaped national security Growth in electronics sector India's growing economic influence is also being recognised globally. According to the World Bank, the country has become the second-largest contributor to global GDP growth. The electronics sector has emerged as a key driver of industrial growth. Electronics production has increased sixfold from Rs 1.9 lakh crore to Rs 11.3 lakh crore, while exports have surged eightfold from Rs 0.38 lakh crore to Rs 3.3 lakh crore. More than 25 lakh jobs have been created in the sector, supported by the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has helped position India as a global manufacturing hub. India's exports reached a record Rs 79 lakh crore in FY26, strengthening manufacturing activity and employment generation. Foreign exchange reserves stood at Rs 67 lakh crore, enough to cover 11 months of imports and 94 per cent of external debt, providing a strong buffer against global economic uncertainties. Tax slab rationalisation The government also highlighted next-generation reforms aimed at easing the tax burden on citizens. Tax slab rationalisation and GST simplification have benefited the middle class, boosting domestic consumption by nearly Rs 2 lakh crore and supporting greater economic formalisation through digital payments. Meanwhile, investments worth Rs 1.64 lakh crore have been mobilised under the Semicon India Programme. Twelve semiconductor projects across six states have received approval, laying the foundation for a robust domestic chip manufacturing ecosystem. In addition, public sector banks reported a record profit of nearly Rs 2 lakh crore in FY26, reflecting improved financial stability. Additionally, over 25 crore people have reportedly moved out of poverty, contributing to the rise of a new middle class and expanding domestic consumption. The Unified Pension Scheme, approved in August 2024, is also expected to benefit 23 lakh government employees. Industrial growth In the industrial and manufacturing domain, the electronics sector has seen a major production revolution, surging by 500 per cent from Rs 1.9 lakh crore in 2014 to over Rs 11 lakh crore by 2026, alongside a 700 per cent increase in electronics exports to over Rs 3 lakh crore. This momentum is heavily driven by mobile manufacturing, which grew 28 times to reach Rs 5.5 lakh crore, while mobile phone exports skyrocketed 163 times to Rs 2.6 lakh crore. Simultaneously, heavy industry expanded, with crude steel production capacity doubling from 109.85 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 220.3 million tonnes in 2025-26. Financially, macro stability has improved as general CPI-based inflation dropped from an average of 9.84 per cent (2011-2014) to 4.7 per cent (2014-2026). Public wealth and governance have also seen structural gains: India's stock market capitalisation crossed Rs 410 lakh crore in March 2026, foreign remittances hit a global high of Rs 13 lakh crore in FY25-26, and digital public infrastructure successfully secured over Rs 51 lakh crore in direct benefit transfers while preventing Rs 4.3 lakh crore in leakages.

India's GDP crossed Rs 345 lakh crore in FY26, cementing its status as a $4+ trillion economy. Driven by a massive electronics boom, record exports of Rs 79 lakh crore, and key tax reforms, over 25 crore people have successfully moved out of poverty.

12 years of Modi govt: How India became $4 trillion economy and set its sights on $5 tillion

OpenAI said on Monday that it has confidentially filed for a draft for IPO. The company is expected to go public as early as Q4FY26 with a valuation that could be close to a trillion dollars. The AI giant has submitted its S-1 form for review and is keeping the sensitive financial books private before they are made public to the prospective investors.“We recently submitted a confidential S-1. We expect it to leak, so we’re just announcing it. We have not decided on timing yet; it may be a while because there are things we want to do that are likely easier as a private company. But it’s a complicated set of tradeoffs, and this gives us the option to go public sooner if that ends up being best,” read OpenAI's blog post.The company has a private valuation of somewhat close to $850 billion. CFO Sarah Friar told CNBC in April that it’s “good hygiene” for a company like OpenAI to look, feel and act like a “public company”. However, she did not mention a specific timeline for the IPO. The company is currently working with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley on the filing.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-exports-may-2026-ai-ev-tech-demand-trade-surplus-1780983208551">China exports surge 19.4% in May as AI, EV and tech demand offset West Asia war risks</a><h2>Open AI Financial reality</h2>OpenAI was last valued privately at $852 billion; going public would shed light on the real financial margin and expose the company to intense scrutiny. It flagship LLM (large language model) ChatGPT now supports more than 900 million active users weekly. OpenAI has raised around $180 billion in private VC funding. It is burning staggering computing and operational infrastructure costs exceeding $100 billion annually. Internal communication from the company, reported by the Wall Street Journal, states that it is not expected to be profitable before 2030. It plans to spend roughly $600 billion on computing and data centres by 2030, as reported by CNBC and Reuters.<h2>Race to Wall Street</h2>OpenAI marks the third AI giant which is racing to become public. Its primary rival, Anthropic, maker of Claude, has beaten them to the market with a confidential filing, at a private valuation of roughly $965 billion. Elon Musk's rocket maker SpaceX is leading the pack with its record-breaking $1.77 trillion valuation. SpaceX stock trading is scheduled to officially start on Friday, June 12, 2026, and is expected to raise around $75 billion.&nbsp;

OpenAI has confidentially filed for an IPO and could go public as early as Q4 FY26. The ChatGPT maker is reportedly targeting a valuation approaching $1 trillion amid soaring AI demand.

OpenAI said on Monday that it has confidentially filed for a draft for IPO. The company is expected to go public as early as Q4FY26 with a valuation that could be close to a trillion dollars. The AI giant has submitted its S-1 form for review and is keeping the sensitive financial books private before they are made public to the prospective investors. “We recently submitted a confidential S-1. We expect it to leak, so we’re just announcing it. We have not decided on timing yet; it may be a while because there are things we want to do that are likely easier as a private company. But it’s a complicated set of tradeoffs, and this gives us the option to go public sooner if that ends up being best,” read OpenAI's blog post. The company has a private valuation of somewhat close to $850 billion. CFO Sarah Friar told CNBC in April that it’s “good hygiene” for a company like OpenAI to look, feel and act like a “public company”. However, she did not mention a specific timeline for the IPO. The company is currently working with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley on the filing. Also Read: China exports surge 19.4% in May as AI, EV and tech demand offset West Asia war risks Open AI Financial reality OpenAI was last valued privately at $852 billion; going public would shed light on the real financial margin and expose the company to intense scrutiny. It flagship LLM (large language model) ChatGPT now supports more than 900 million active users weekly. OpenAI has raised around $180 billion in private VC funding. It is burning staggering computing and operational infrastructure costs exceeding $100 billion annually. Internal communication from the company, reported by the Wall Street Journal, states that it is not expected to be profitable before 2030. It plans to spend roughly $600 billion on computing and data centres by 2030, as reported by CNBC and Reuters. Race to Wall Street OpenAI marks the third AI giant which is racing to become public. Its primary rival, Anthropic, maker of Claude, has beaten them to the market with a confidential filing, at a private valuation of roughly $965 billion. Elon Musk's rocket maker SpaceX is leading the pack with its record-breaking $1.77 trillion valuation. SpaceX stock trading is scheduled to officially start on Friday, June 12, 2026, and is expected to raise around $75 billion.

OpenAI has confidentially filed for an IPO and could go public as early as Q4 FY26. The ChatGPT maker is reportedly targeting a valuation approaching $1 trillion amid soaring AI demand.

Race to Wall Street- OpenAI files confidentially for IPO on US stock market