SoftBank is in discussions to invest up to $25bn in OpenAI, potentially becoming the startup’s largest financial backer. The Japanese investment group is considering a range between $15bn and $25bn for the San Francisco-based company, which was recently valued at $157bn. SoftBank, already an investor in OpenAI, joined a funding round that also saw Microsoft participate.
The potential investment comes as SoftBank and OpenAI teamed up with Oracle to launch Stargate, a $100bn project aimed at building AI data centers. This collaboration has drawn attention from high-profile figures like Elon Musk, who questioned the funding, which OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman dismissed as inaccurate.
The proposal for the equity investment has been reviewed by OpenAI’s senior executives and board, though it has yet to be finalized.
