US Market: Jeff Bezos signals Blue Origin IPO could launch in coming years

Blue Origin is likely to pursue an IPO in the coming years, founder Jeff Bezos said on Wednesday, signaling that the privately held space company could eventually tap public markets after raising $10 billion from outside investors for the first time, as per a report by Reuters.

According to the report, Bezos described an IPO as a potential step for Blue Origin, although he indicated that any listing would be several years away. The comments represent his clearest indication yet that the company could become publicly traded.

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An eventual IPO would give investors exposure to the growing commercial space industry, which has attracted renewed attention as private companies expand their launch, satellite and lunar businesses. SpaceX remains the dominant player in the sector.

Bezos, who founded Amazon.com, has invested about $28 billion in Blue Origin since establishing the company in 2000. The Wall Street Journal reported in September that the company's latest funding round valued Blue Origin at about $140 billion.

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Founded roughly 18 months before Elon Musk's SpaceX, Blue Origin has historically relied heavily on Bezos' funding while also securing multibillion-dollar contracts from NASA and the U.S. Space Force. Its government work includes involvement in NASA's Artemis lunar programme, the report stated.

Blue Origin is also seeking to strengthen its position in the commercial launch market with its New Glenn rocket.The company plans to resume New Glenn launches later this year after a launch-pad explosion during a static-fire test in May delayed its programme.

Bezos said Blue Origin expects to fly New Glenn again in December, underscoring the company's efforts to accelerate its launch ambitions and compete more directly with SpaceX.

(Disclaimer: This article is based on inputs from agencies. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)