SpaceX IPO: how can I buy shares, and what are the risks?

SpaceX will list its shares on the Nasdaq on June 11, opening one of the most anticipated public offerings to retail investors in the US and UK [1]. The company, founded by Elon Musk in 2002, is going public after building a dominant position in orbital launches [2]. The official share price will be set based on investor interest [1]. UK-based retail investors face a minimum subscription of about £1,000, with platforms like AJ Bell and Hargreaves Lansdown offering access [1]. In the US, brokers including Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and Robinhood will facilitate purchases [1]. Recent market changes mean SpaceX could quickly be added to index tracker funds, creating automatic demand [1]. Some UK investment trusts, such as Edinburgh Worldwide and Baillie Gifford US Growth, already hold stakes [1]. Baillie Gifford US Growth is a London-listed trust dedicated to US companies [9]. SpaceX was founded with the goal of reducing space launch costs to enable a Mars colony [2]. Its technological milestones, like reusable Falcon 9 rockets with over 630 re-flights [2], and the income-generating Starlink satellite constellation have driven its valuation [2]. Despite the public offering, Musk will retain 82.4% of the voting power, limiting shareholder influence [1]. Analysts caution that the IPO carries significant risk. Jason Hollands of BestInvest noted that while forced buying by index funds could create short-term gains, investors should be wary of over-allocating to a single stock [1]. He advised that "allocating a relatively small amount alongside a diversified portfolio is one thing" [1]. Potential risks include launch failures, regulatory changes, and reputational damage from Musk's statements, who has previously drawn controversy through his acquisition and management of Twitter [1][4]. The company's future hinges on projects like the fully reusable Starship launch system and US defense contracts [1].