Shares of GoPro Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRO) are rallying sharply Friday morning, extending a wild multi-day surge as investors continue to digest the action-camera maker’s planned merger with Starman Optical Inc and an ongoing retail trading frenzy.

Starman Optical Merger Marks Strategic Pivot to AI Hardware

One of the key catalysts behind the stock’s momentum is GoPro’s announcement of a definitive merger agreement with Starman Optical, a privately held producer of optical components and AI hardware.

Under the terms of the transaction, GoPro shareholders will receive $1.14 in cash per share along with 0.1 shares of the combined entity, leaving existing shareholders with roughly 10% equity ownership in the surviving company.

The transaction marks a major strategic shift, transitioning GoPro from a standalone consumer hardware company into a provider of optical transceivers for AI data centers, defense technology, government applications and robotics.

While GoPro intends to maintain its core action-camera lineup and cloud subscription platform, the combined company will focus on high-speed optical transmission components designed to accelerate communication between AI microprocessors.

Markiplier’s 8.5% Stake Triggers Meme-Stock Rally

Adding fuel to the corporate restructuring news, GPRO stock has seen elevated trading volume following disclosures that popular YouTube creator Mark Fischbach (known online as Markiplier) acquired an 8.5% stake in the company.

The disclosure ignited widespread retail interest across social media platforms, triggering heavy speculative buying and elevated volatility.

GPRO Shares Surge Friday

GPRO Price Action: GoPro shares were up 22.30% at $1.70 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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