SoftBank Group is in talks to dramatically increase its exposure to OpenAI, with a potential additional investment of up to $30 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. If finalized, the deal would rank among the largest private investments ever made in the artificial intelligence sector.
The move underscores SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son’s long-term ambition to position the group at the center of the next technological paradigm, with artificial intelligence as its core pillar.
Sources familiar with the discussions say the Japanese conglomerate — already one of OpenAI’s largest investors — is exploring ways to significantly expand its stake. While negotiations remain at an early stage and final figures may change, the scale under consideration highlights SoftBank’s renewed conviction in AI as a defining force of the global economy.
Neither SoftBank nor OpenAI commented publicly on the potential transaction.
Markets React as SoftBank Doubles Down on AI
Following reports of the talks, SoftBank shares surged as much as 8.8% in Tokyo trading before paring gains to around 3.7%. Investors often view SoftBank stock as a proxy for sentiment around OpenAI and the broader AI ecosystem.
Analysts note that SoftBank has recently taken steps to free up capital for AI-focused investments. The group has reduced its exposure to Nvidia and paused negotiations to acquire U.S. data-center operator Switch — moves widely interpreted as part of a broader portfolio reallocation toward artificial intelligence infrastructure and platforms.
According to sources, SoftBank invested approximately $22.5 billion over the past month alone, increasing its ownership in OpenAI to roughly 11%.
OpenAI Eyes Massive New Funding Round
At the same time, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly in discussions with investors in the Middle East regarding a new funding round that could raise as much as $100 billion, valuing the company at up to $830 billion.
Despite intensifying competition across the AI landscape, OpenAI’s position has been strengthened by the explosive adoption of ChatGPT and its growing enterprise footprint. Still, analysts caution that escalating capital requirements and rival platforms increase both the strategic importance — and the risk profile — of such investments.
OpenAI’s annual revenue exceeded $20 billion in 2025, according to CFO Sarah Friar, up sharply from approximately $6 billion in 2024.
A Strategic Bet on the Future
SoftBank’s potential $30 billion commitment reflects more than financial optimism. It signals a strategic bet that AI will form the backbone of future digital infrastructure — and that controlling access to its most powerful platforms could define global technological leadership in the decades ahead.