Musk Seeks Breakthrough in AI Coding: After Cursor, SpaceX Attempts to Acquire Cognition but Is Rejected

After completing the $60 billion acquisition of Cursor, SpaceX made another move, initiating acquisition contacts with AI coding startup Cognition AI, but was rejected by the latter. This series of actions reflects Musk's aggressive expansion intentions in the artificial intelligence sector.

According to a Bloomberg report on Thursday, sources familiar with the matter revealed that SpaceX had contacted Cognition AI regarding a potential acquisition, but Cognition did not engage in substantive negotiations. Currently, both parties are still discussing cooperation matters, including the possible arrangement for Cognition to use SpaceX's computing resources. Cognition CEO Scott Wu subsequently responded clearly on social media, stating that the company is "not for sale, and we are not in talks."

This blocked acquisition does not hinder SpaceX's overall layout in the AI coding field. After completing its historic IPO this summer, SpaceX has transformed from a rocket and satellite communications company into a technology conglomerate spanning multiple fields, with AI growth being one of its core strategic pillars.

SpaceX's Ambitions in AI Coding

SpaceX has been frequently active in the AI coding sector recently. The company just completed the $60 billion acquisition of Cursor—one of the key players in the "vibe coding" wave, which has shown rapid growth momentum. This acquisition contact with Cognition is the second major M&A attempt launched by SpaceX within a few months.

Cognition is also deeply engaged in the field of engineering task automation, with a positioning highly similar to Cursor. Sources indicated that SpaceX's interest in Cognition stems not only from its technical strength but also from the commercial progress it has already achieved.

Musk's AI business currently operates under the SpaceXAI brand. It lags behind competitors in enterprise sales and has undergone a series of layoffs and restructuring. Acquiring companies with mature customer resources is seen as one of the paths to quickly strengthen commercialization capabilities.

Cognition: Soaring Valuation, Adhering to Independence

Founded in 2023, Cognition's flagship product is an AI agent named Devin, designed specifically for engineers to automate programming processes. The company has established partnerships with large enterprises such as Mercedes-Benz Group and GE Aerospace.

In terms of valuation, Cognition reached a valuation of $26 billion when it completed financing in May this year. It has currently initiated preliminary contacts with investors for a new round of financing, targeting a valuation of at least $40 billion.

Scott Wu has consistently taken a hardline stance on selling the company. In May this year, he publicly stated that the $1 billion financing "allows us to remain independent and continue operating as an independent company, which is crucial for us." His response on social media this time continues this position.

Although the acquisition was blocked, contacts between the two parties have not ended. Sources revealed that SpaceX and Cognition are still discussing methods of cooperation, including the possibility of providing computing resources to Cognition. If this arrangement is implemented, it will provide SpaceX with another way to penetrate the AI coding ecosystem—by becoming an infrastructure supplier, indirectly binding fast-growing AI application-layer companies. After SpaceX completed its IPO this summer, its computing business became an important part of its overall strategy, providing a realistic foundation for such cooperation.