SpaceX Merges With xAI in $1.25 Trillion Deal, Creating World's Most Valuable Private Company

Feb 02, 2026
TechCrunch
Article image for SpaceX Merges With xAI in $1.25 Trillion Deal, Creating World's Most Valuable Private Company

Summary

SpaceX merges with xAI in a landmark $1.25 trillion deal, crowning the combined entity the world's most valuable private company, as Elon Musk unveils bold plans for space-based AI data centers powered by satellites amid mounting financial pressures on both firms.

Key Points

  • SpaceX acquires xAI in a deal valuing the combined company at $1.25 trillion, making it the world's most valuable private company.
  • Elon Musk announces plans to build space-based data centers powered by a constant stream of satellites, arguing terrestrial AI infrastructure is unsustainable for global electricity demands.
  • The merger unites two financially strained companies — xAI burns roughly $1 billion per month while SpaceX relies on Starlink launches for up to 80% of its revenue — as both face intense competitive and operational pressures.

Tags

Read Original Article