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Early SpaceX investors weigh cashing out as stock lockups expire

Created at 6 Aug · 5:16 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Early investors in SpaceX are reportedly torn between holding onto their shares or selling as post-IPO lockup periods expire. Despite significant gains, the stock's volatility and potential insider selling are causing uncertainty.

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Key Numbers

2,800shares held by former employee Ryan
$4per share value of Ryan's initial SpaceX stock award
$225peak share price of SpaceX in mid-June
$630,000peak value of Ryan's SpaceX stake
$1.2 trillionmarket cap shed by SpaceX
50%stock decline from peak
14%stock drop after earnings report
$115intraday high share price on Thursday
$25,000initial investment by Kris Dehnert
2022year Kris Dehnert first invested in SpaceX
$19share price when Dehnert invested
$260,000peak value of Dehnert's stake
$50threshold for Dehnert to exit stake
$500,000Breitstein's investment in SpaceX stock
2024year Lance Breitstein purchased SpaceX stock
$210 billionSpaceX valuation when Breitstein invested
$3 millioncurrent value of Breitstein's stake
$130level Breitstein would consider selling at

Who's Involved

Ryan D.
Former SpaceX employee and early investor
SpaceX
Rocket company facing stock volatility post-IPO
Elon Musk
CEO of SpaceX
Kris Dehnert
Business owner and early SpaceX investor
Lance Breitstein
Day trader and early SpaceX investor
Early SpaceX investors weigh cashing out as stock lockups expire

↳ Why This Matters

The decisions of early SpaceX investors as lockups expire could significantly impact the company's stock performance and market sentiment, especially given the recent volatility and the potential for substantial insider selling.

Key facts

  • Early SpaceX investors are divided on whether to sell their shares as lockup periods expire.
  • SpaceX stock has fallen nearly 50% from its mid-June peak.
  • The stock experienced a significant drop after the company's first earnings report.
  • Despite volatility, early investors have seen substantial gains.
  • Concerns exist about increased selling pressure from insiders as more shares unlock.

Early investors in SpaceX are reportedly experiencing a mix of stress and uncertainty as lockup periods expire, potentially leading to increased stock sales. Despite substantial gains from their initial investments, the recent sharp decline in SpaceX's valuation and concerns about future volatility are causing some to reconsider their holdings.

Ryan, a former SpaceX employee who received shares in 2019, saw his stake peak at over $630,000 in June but is now worth about half that. He remains optimistic about the company's long-term prospects, citing his inside knowledge and faith in management, but would consider selling if key projects like Starship do not progress. He anticipates further volatility due to heavy spending on R&D.

Kris Dehnert invested $25,000 in SpaceX in 2022 at approximately $19 per share. His stake ballooned to around $260,000 at its peak. Dehnert expressed frustration with the lockup period, stating he would have liked to sell before the stock's decline. He plans to sell his initial investment amount to secure profits and hold the rest, but would exit entirely if shares fall below $50.

Lance Breitstein, who purchased $500,000 worth of stock in 2024 at a $210 billion valuation, now holds a stake worth over $3 million. He is not overly stressed by the post-IPO drop but expects more pressure as shares unlock. Breitstein indicated he would consider selling to take profits if the stock rebounds to around $130 per share.

Frequently asked questions

A lockup period is a contractual restriction that prevents early investors, such as founders and employees, from selling their shares for a specified time after a company's initial public offering (IPO).

As lockup periods expire, early investors can sell their shares, potentially increasing the supply of stock available on the market. This increased supply, combined with existing volatility, can put downward pressure on the stock price.

SpaceX's stock initially soared after its IPO, reaching a peak valuation. However, it has since experienced a significant decline, losing nearly 50% of its value from the peak, partly due to its first earnings report.

What Happens Next

01More insider shares are expected to unlock through the end of the year.
02Investors will monitor SpaceX's progress on projects like Starship for future catalysts.

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How It Developed

SpaceX stock soared to a peak valuation of $225 per share in mid-June.
The stock has since fallen nearly 50% from its peak, shedding $1.2 trillion in market cap.
Shares dropped 14% following the company's first earnings report.
Early investors, including former employees and those who invested in private funding rounds, are experiencing significant paper gains despite the recent decline.
Some investors are concerned about increased volatility as more insider shares become available.
Ryan, a former employee, is holding his stake for long-term growth but would consider selling if Starship development falters.
Kris Dehnert, who invested in 2022, would sell if shares drop below $50.
Lance Breitstein, an early investor, would consider selling if the stock rebounds to around $130 per share.

Sources

T1
'The lockup killed me': Early SpaceX investors say they're torn about whether to hold on or cash out as lockups expireBusiness Insider

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