Markiplier 'Genuinely Sad' Over GoPro's $285M AI Optics Merger
Mark Fischbach, widely recognized as Markiplier, expressed his disappointment regarding GoPro's announcement of its merger with Starman Optical, which is valued at $285 million and was made public on September 1, 2026. As the largest individual shareholder of GoPro with an 8.5% ownership, Fischbach had invested months earlier, confident in the company's camera technology, especially the Mission 1 Pro models. He stated he was unaware of the merger beforehand and did not purchase shares on Sunday. Although GoPro's stock rose to nearly $1.60 per share, it has plummeted 91% over the last five years. Concerned that fans might mimic his investment choices, Fischbach plans to vote against the merger and will divest if GoPro ceases production of traditional cameras. His investment was funded by his film, Iron Lung.
Key facts
- Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) purchased an 8.5% stake in GoPro, becoming its largest single shareholder.
- GoPro announced a $285 million merger with Starman Optical on September 1, 2026.
- Fischbach began buying GoPro stock months ago, starting the process on July 23, and filed with the SEC on August 20.
- GoPro's stock peaked at nearly $1.60 per share on September 1, up from $1.22 at writing.
- GoPro's all-time high was $93.85 per share on October 7, 2014.
- Fischbach says he had no knowledge of the merger and did not buy shares on Sunday.
- He invested because he believes in GoPro's cameras, especially the Mission 1 Pro and Mission 1 Pro ILS.
- Starman Optical makes optical transceivers for AI data centers and plans to use GoPro's optical expertise for AI, national security, and broader economy.
- Fischbach will vote against the merger and says he will sell his shares if GoPro stops making traditional cameras.
- His investment was funded by profits from his feature film 'Iron Lung'.
Entities
Artists
- Markiplier (Mark Fischbach)
- Markiplier
Institutions
- GoPro
- Starman Optical
- Starman Holding
- Bloomberg
- SEC
- Strada
- NASDAQ
Locations
- United States
- California