pitchbook.com·Jun 16, 2026
SpaceX has made headlines by acquiring AI coding startup Cursor for $60 billion, marking one of the largest acquisitions of a VC-backed company. This move, following its record IPO, aims to enhance SpaceX's competitive edge in the AI sector against rivals like OpenAI and Anthropic.
The most valuable insight for you is SpaceX's strategic pivot from building to acquiring capabilities, exemplified by its $60 billion all-stock purchase of AI startup Anysphere. This move highlights the growing trend of using richly valued stock as a currency to secure rapidly appreciating assets in the AI sector, a tactic that could be crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in the high-stakes AI race.