SoftBank is in discussions to invest up to $25 billion in OpenAI, as per an FT report.
This massive investment would possibly make it the largest financial backer of the ChatGPT maker.
This investment is part of a broader collaboration between the two companies on a large-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure project.
Last week, OpenAI and SoftBank announced a joint venture to develop Stargate, a data centre initiative supported by US President Donald Trump.
The project is expected to involve an initial investment of $100 billion, with the potential to increase to $500 billion over the next four years.
Softbank’s investment plans in OpenAI
SoftBank is in negotiations to invest between $15 billion and $25 billion directly into OpenAI, in addition to committing more than $15 billion to Stargate, the publication reported, citing sources.
The total investment could exceed $40 billion. Discussions are ongoing, and the final investment amount has not been determined.
OpenAI is also expected to invest approximately $15 billion in Stargate. SoftBank’s equity investment in OpenAI may help cover this commitment.
If SoftBank proceeds with an investment of $15 billion or more, it would surpass Microsoft as OpenAI’s largest single backer. Microsoft, which first invested in OpenAI in 2019, remains the company’s largest shareholder.
Figures in the technology industry, including Elon Musk, have raised questions about how the costs associated with building Stargate will be met.
The report said that SoftBank’s investment plan and its Stargate commitments have been reviewed by OpenAI’s senior executives and board members.
Softbank’s AI ambitions
SoftBank’s founder, Masayoshi Son, has pursued partnerships in artificial intelligence and has previously expressed interest in advancing AI development. Son sees an expanded stake in OpenAI as a key part of a broader strategy in the sector.
SoftBank’s AI-related interests extend to power generation, robotics, and data centres. The report stated that the strategy indicates that he continues to consider potential AI chip production through UK-based semiconductor designer Arm.
SoftBank’s potential investment in OpenAI and Stargate has been under discussion for several months. If finalised, the deal would represent one of SoftBank’s largest investments, exceeding the $16 billion it previously invested in WeWork.
OpenAI has raised approximately $20 billion across multiple funding rounds, including around $13 billion from Microsoft.
The company was valued at $157 billion in 2024. SoftBank previously acquired a $2 billion stake in OpenAI.
OpenAI’s leadership has been reportedly evaluating options to diversify its computing resources beyond Microsoft, including developing proprietary chips and forming partnerships with additional cloud providers such as Oracle.
Under the Stargate agreement, Microsoft agreed to relinquish its exclusive cloud service provider role for OpenAI.
Around 20% of Stargate’s total funding is expected to come from equity, the news publication said in the report. The project will also require securing debt financing backed by its assets and cash flow, following a financial structure commonly used in large infrastructure projects.
OpenAI’s board is engaged in discussions about transitioning the organisation into a for-profit entity, a move aimed at facilitating additional fundraising from investors.
The post SoftBank may surpass Microsoft as OpenAI’s biggest investor with multi-billion dollar deal: report appeared first on Invezz
