SpaceX. OpenAI. Epic Games. The names of these private companies dominate today’s lexicon. They steal headlines. They shape entire industries.
Still, these behemoths remain out of reach for most retail investors. Until recently, investing in these firms required institutional access and significant capital. SoFi Technologies is a fintech startup determined to change this narrative.
Partnered with technology provider Templum, SoFi is giving accredited investors what they’ve been waiting for: an unprecedented opportunity to invest in private giants like SpaceX. “This collaboration is closing the gap,” confirms a Templum representative, “delivering access to premium opportunities previously reserved for institutional investors.”
Retail Demand for Private Market Exposure
Investments in private companies have soared over the past decade. Evidence of this is seen in a recent SoFi survey of 5,000 retail investors: 87% of respondents want access to privately held firms. As for which companies they’d prefer to invest in? Unsurprisingly, respondents placed SpaceX, OpenAI, and Epic Games at the top of their wishlists.
SpaceX is a classic case study. Its valuation has soared a whopping 67% since June 2024. It now stands at $350 billion. A Templum spokesperson summarized what investors want: “The tech investment landscape is evolving rapidly. Investors demand seamless access to private markets and enhanced liquidity.”
SoFi’s response? The startup has expanded its offerings. On December 4, 2024, SoFi launched the Cosmos Fund in partnership with Templum. This special-purpose vehicle provided investors with a rare opportunity in the private market: increased exposure to SpaceX.
SoFi also opened access to Pomona Investment Fund and StepStone Private Markets Fund. This action offered exposure to other high-profile alternative assets.
Breaking Barriers to Private Investing
Significant hurdles exist for those wanting to invest in private markets. The assets involved are typically illiquid, meaning investors must hold them for years. “Private investments are usually illiquid,” states the Templum representative. As a result, investors often target higher returns in exchange for reduced liquidity.
Templum’s forward-looking partnership with SoFi looks to change this. Their mission? To create more liquidity opportunities for private assets by integrating secondary trading options.
Templum’s platform, Templum One, connects investors with private market issuers. As a result, access to highly desired assets becomes more streamlined. Accredited investors can now engage with The Cosmos Fund via SoFi’s brokerage—assuming they meet certain criteria. The spokesperson calls it a form of democratization, as it “allows more people to participate in high-growth opportunities.”
SpaceX and the Ark Venture Fund
While The Cosmos Fund focuses on SpaceX, it’s not the only vehicle for gaining exposure to the space exploration giant. The Ark Venture Fund dedicates more than 12% of its portfolio to SpaceX.
The fund also offers more diverse options, including OpenAI, Epic Games, and Anthropic. The SoFi platform provides access to Ark Venture, making sure retail investors have more opportunities.
A Broader Impact of Democratizing Investments
Templum expects global alternative assets under management to grow from $16.3 trillion to $60 trillion by 2032. This growth reflects the increased demand for access to private markets. “This partnership marks a pivotal step toward democratizing alternative investments,” the Templum representative confirms. “The aim is to bring the convenience of public market trading to private assets.”
The collaboration also aligns with SpaceX’s projected growth. United Press International reports that SpaceX’s proximity to a supportive incoming administration puts the company in a position to thrive. The report notes, “The Trump/Musk alliance is likely to boost the space economy, enhancing SpaceX’s role as an industry leader.”
Future of Private Market Investments
As investors become increasingly intrigued by private markets, fintech platforms like SoFi are transforming access to those markets. Two examples include Templum’s commitment to creating liquidity and SoFi’s expanded offerings.
And now, with The Cosmos Fund providing an opportunity to invest in SpaceX, a new era of democratizing finance has dawned. As Templum’s spokesperson concludes, “We’re bridging the gap between institutional and retail investors, creating opportunities that were once unimaginable.”
