Mark Cuban’s Wildest Bet Ever: He Invested Millions in a Space Startup via Email, and Now It’s Worth $4 Billion
Mark Cuban backed a $4.2B 3D-printed rocket startup, Relativity Space, after just one cold email and without ever meeting the founder in person.
In a remarkable twist of fate, billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban invested in Relativity Space, a startup pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology, without ever meeting its founders in person. Founded by Tim Ellis in Dallas, the company capitalizes on the groundbreaking technology of 3D-printed rockets, which has driven its valuation to an astonishing $4.2 billion as of June 2021.
The investment story began with a simple cold email that Cuban received from Ellis, showcasing yet another example of how unconventional, bold moves can lead to incredible outcomes in the investment world. The technology behind Relativity Space not only signifies the future of manufacturing in space but also illustrates the unpredictable nature of success within the competitive space industry.
The Founder’s Vision and Notable Funding
Tim Ellis, who served as CEO until March 2025 when Eric Schmidt succeeded him, has expressed that the main objective of Relativity Space is to revolutionize the way rockets are built and launched. With over $1.6 billion secured across multiple funding rounds, the backing from high-profile investors, including a new rejuvenating investment from Schmidt, underscores the confidence in the startup’s vision and technology.
“3D printing can produce rockets much faster and cheaper than traditional methods”
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LLQNygzFiSk
Investor Value Cues
- Risk and Reward: Investing in startups, especially in emerging sectors like 3D-printed rockets, has its risks, but innovative technologies can yield high returns.
- Competitive Market: The sector projected growth rate for the 3D-printed rocket market is expected to exceed 20% CAGR from 2025 to 2033, making it an appealing area for investors looking for long-term gains.
- Policy and Regulations: Keep an eye on government policies impacting aerospace funding and technology innovation, as these can significantly affect market dynamics.
- Tax Strategies: Investors should consider tax breaks available for tech investments and R&D in the aerospace sector.
Market Insight
While many are optimistic about the future of 3D printing in aerospace, some experts warn that the path to commercialization is fraught with hurdles. As reported, a leading player in the space industry stated:
“The journey towards widespread adoption of 3D-printed rockets is just beginning, requiring not only technological advances but also trust from stakeholders across multiple sectors.”
As we witness Relativity Space’s groundbreaking strides in the aerospace sector, the story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of innovation. Mark Cuban’s leap into the unknown reflects the essence of venture capital—risk-taking for the possibility of extraordinary rewards. Stay tuned to follow the journey of Relativity Space and its future endeavors into orbit technology.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Mark Cuban invested in 3D-printed rocket startup Relativity Space after receiving a cold email—without ever meeting the founder. The company is now worth $4.2 billion.
