Breaking: Replit's Amjad Masad Rules Out Sale, Takes Aim at Apple as Rival Cursor Nears $60B Acquisition by SpaceX
San Francisco — In a blunt, high-stakes interview at TechCrunch's StrictlyVC event Thursday night, Replit CEO Amjad Masad declared his company will not be sold — even as archrival Cursor is reportedly in advanced talks to be acquired by SpaceX for a staggering $60 billion.
"We're building for the long haul," Masad said. "Selling now would betray the very reason we started Replit: to make software creation as universal as reading and writing. A $60 billion exit isn't our goal — changing how the world builds software is."
Masad also warned of an escalating battle with Apple over developer freedoms. "Apple's walled garden is anti-competitive. They want to control how code is written and deployed. We're fighting that every day."
Background
Replit, the browser-based coding platform, has grown to over 30 million users. Its AI-powered tools let even non-coders build apps in minutes. Cursor, a direct competitor, uses similar AI tech and has reportedly drawn interest from Elon Musk's SpaceX in a deal that would value the startup at $60 billion.
Sources close to Cursor confirm the talks are ongoing but stress nothing is finalized. The deal, if completed, would mark one of the largest AI software acquisitions ever.
Cursor's potential sale has ignited speculation that Replit might also seek a buyer. Masad flatly denied this. "We've had ample offers. We've turned them all down. Independence is our strategy."
The Cursor Deal: What's at Stake?
Cursor's cloud-based code editor has gained traction among developers who want AI-assisted coding without leaving their browser. A SpaceX acquisition would likely integrate the tool into Musk's broader AI ambitions, including Starlink software and autonomous systems.
Industry analysts say the deal would fundamentally reshape the AI coding market. "This would give SpaceX an immediate AI coding powerhouse," said Dr. Lena Hart, tech analyst at Gartner. "But it also puts Cursor's independent user community at risk."
Fighting Apple: Developer Freedom vs. Walled Garden
Masad's critique of Apple goes beyond typical developer gripes. He argues Apple's App Store rules and restrictions on in-browser runtimes stifle platforms like Replit. "They want every line of code to run through their approval. That kills innovation."
Apple has long defended its policies as necessary for security and user experience. But Masad counters that the same security can be achieved without gatekeeping. "The web is open. We can build safely without Apple owning the keys."
What This Means
Masad's defiance signals that Replit is determined to remain independent even as the AI coding sector consolidates. For developers and startups relying on Replit, the message is clear: your toolmaker isn't going anywhere soon.
The Cursor-SpaceX deal, if completed, would create a well-funded, deep-pocketed rival. Replit will need to rely on its speed, community, and product excellence rather than a corporate parent.
Analysts say this battle will shape how millions write code in the coming decade. "The war for AI-assisted coding is just beginning," said Hart. "Replit and Cursor are heading in opposite directions — one independent, one corporate. The winner will be the one that builds the best user experience."
Key Takeaways
- Replit CEO Amjad Masad confirms no sale, despite market pressure.
- Cursor in talks to be acquired by SpaceX for ~$60 billion.
- Apple confrontation intensifies over developer freedom and app store policies.
- Market implications: Independent vs. corporate AI coding tools will compete head-to-head.