SpaceX Is Quickly Entering Index Funds. Will OpenAI and Anthropic do the Same After Their IPOs?
Written by Manali Pradhan for The Motley Fool -> SpaceX’s rapid inclusion in Nasdaq-100 can create a new benchmark for mega IPOs. OpenAI and Anthropic could test how quickly AI giants enter passive
SpaceX’s rapid inclusion in Nasdaq-100 can create a new benchmark for mega IPOs. OpenAI and Anthropic could test how quickly AI giants enter passive
Read Full Story at Nasdaq News →Why This Matters
The inclusion of SpaceX in the Nasdaq-100 represents more than just another tech giant joining an elite index—it signals a potential shift in how private startups with transformative missions are absorbed into mainstream financial markets. This trend could redefine valuation metrics for capital-intensive industries, particularly in aerospace and AI, where long-term growth often clashes with short-term profitability pressures.
Background Context
Index funds historically favored mature, publicly traded companies with predictable cash flows, but SpaceX’s rapid ascension challenges that paradigm. The company’s IPO has been delayed for years despite its dominance in satellite launches and space exploration, raising questions about whether regulatory hurdles or investor skepticism were the primary barriers. Meanwhile, AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic are now navigating a similar limbo, where profitability remains secondary to breakthrough advancements.
What Happens Next
If OpenAI and Anthropic follow SpaceX’s path into major indexes, it would validate the theory that passive investment vehicles are increasingly willing to bet on high-risk, high-reward sectors. However, this could also expose index funds to greater volatility if these companies fail to meet earnings expectations post-IPO. Investors may soon demand clearer frameworks for evaluating non-traditional tech giants, where revenue models are still experimental.
Bigger Picture
This moment reflects a broader evolution in market dynamics, where the lines between venture capital and public equity are blurring. As AI and space exploration mature, the financial system may need to adapt by either relaxing traditional IPO requirements or developing new investment vehicles tailored to these industries. The precedent set by SpaceX could accelerate a domino effect, reshaping how all high-growth private companies approach public markets.
