# GoPro Defends Starman Merger to Concerned Fans

> CEO Nick Woodman insists consumer action cameras remain GoPro's core focus despite a $285 million merger with Starman.
- Title: GoPro Defends Starman Merger to Concerned Fans · The Verge
- Summary: CEO Nick Woodman insists consumer action cameras remain GoPro's core focus despite a $285 million merger with Starman. GoPro promises its $285 million merger…
- Keywords: gopro, tech, mergers, cameras, gadgets, technology, culture, Defends, Starman, Merger, Concerned, Fans
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/gadgets/990425/gopro-nick-woodman-starman-letter
- Author: Stevie Bonifield
- Published: 2026-09-04T18:00:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: gopro, tech, mergers, cameras, gadgets, technology, culture
## Reassuring the consumer community
GoPro CEO Nick Woodman released an open letter reassuring creators that action cameras remain the company's core focus following a proposed $285 million merger with Starman.

> Making amazing cameras for all of you is our core DNA and reason for being and that will never change!
## Fearing a shift toward defense
Customer anxiety mounted after the deal announcement revealed GoPro would collaborate with Starman on national security initiatives involving optics and AI infrastructure.

> We understand there’s some concern about GoPro’s post-merger commitment to continue developing market leading cameras for consumers and professionals.
## Leveraging a huge patent portfolio
Woodman pointed to GoPro's 24-year history and over 2,500 patents, claiming Starman's financial strength will secure long-term hardware and software R&D.

> We’ve accumulated more than 2500 patents over the last 24 years which tells you we’ve been busy innovating...
## Expanding hardware and software
GoPro plans to use financial diversification to build smarter accessories, more powerful editing tools, and upgraded flagship cameras.

> Our goal is to become a more diversified company which can make us stronger financially, enabling GoPro to become as awesome as we (and you) want us to be.
## Silence on key creators
Despite addressing user anxiety directly, Woodman's letter made no mention of YouTuber Markiplier, who recently became GoPro's largest individual shareholder.
## Key takeaway

GoPro promises its $285 million merger with Starman will fund consumer camera innovation, despite expanding into national security tech.