SpaceX vs OpenAI: employee equity compared
Secondary market prices, valuation trajectory, equity structure, and liquidity outlook for employees choosing between SpaceX and OpenAI.
SpaceX
Falcon, Starship and Starlink.
IPO highly anticipated, likely 2026–2027 given massive scale. One of the most closely watched pre-IPO names in tech.
Deep tech with milestone-driven upside; ISO/NSO options; patient capital essential
OpenAI
Maker of ChatGPT, GPT-5, Sora and the OpenAI API.
IPO highly anticipated, likely 2026–2027 given massive scale. One of the most closely watched pre-IPO names in tech.
High-growth AI play; PPU (no exercise decision needed); fast-moving valuations reward timing
Key differences for employees
Equity structure
SpaceX grants ISO/NSO with strike prices ranging from $175–$215 depending on your grant year. OpenAI grants PPU — a profit participation unit unique to OpenAI. No strike price, no AMT risk.
Secondary market premium
The secondary market is pricing SpaceX at a +0% premium over its last primary round ($1.3T → $1.3T). OpenAI trades at +0% over its last round ($852B → $853B). A higher secondary premium signals stronger investor demand and potentially better near-term liquidity for employees looking to sell.
Revenue and growth
SpaceX runs at $15.5B ARR, growing +50% YoY (fast). OpenAI runs at $24B ARR, growing +60% YoY (fast). Revenue growth rate matters for equity because it drives the peer-multiple valuation — the method most correlated with exit multiples.
Liquidity timeline
SpaceX: IPO highly anticipated, likely 2026–2027 given massive scale. One of the most closely watched pre-IPO names in tech.
OpenAI: IPO highly anticipated, likely 2026–2027 given massive scale. One of the most closely watched pre-IPO names in tech.
Calculate your specific grant
Enter your actual shares, equity type, and strike price. PrivatePulse calculates your personal equity value at both companies using 4 independent methods.