Major Milestone in AI Collaboration
SoftBank Group Corp. has approved the remaining $22.5 billion in funding to complete its ambitious $30 billion investment in
OpenAI, further solidifying its partnership with the leading artificial intelligence research and deployment company[5]. This move follows the initial $7.5 billion installment and marks one of the largest single investments in the AI sector to date[5].
Strategic Vision: Advancing Toward Artificial General Intelligence
SoftBank has positioned
OpenAI as its most crucial partner in achieving breakthroughs in
Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and ultimately,
Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). Having previously invested $2.2 billion in OpenAI through the SoftBank Vision Fund 2 since September 2024, the company is now executing a follow-on investment plan that could reach up to $40 billion, including potential co-investments. SoftBank’s effective direct investment is set to total $30 billion[1][2][3].
Supporting Rapid AI Infrastructure Growth: Stargate Project
A significant component of SoftBank’s strategy is the joint
Stargate Project with OpenAI, which aims to build dedicated AI infrastructure in the United States. Announced earlier in 2025, Stargate is designed to provide the massive computing power required to advance OpenAI’s models and approach true AGI[1][4]. The project includes new AI data centers, placing Stargate ahead of schedule for a $500 billion, 10-gigawatt global computing commitment by the end of 2025[4].
Investment Structure and Financial Strategy
According to SoftBank, the $30 billion investment will be partly syndicated to co-investors, with $10 billion expected to be shared, leaving SoftBank’s net exposure at $30 billion[1][2]. The approval of the final $22.5 billion installment follows a definitive agreement reached with OpenAI at the end of March 2025. This approval allows SoftBank to maintain its financial discipline, keeping key ratios like Loan-to-Value and cash positions within established targets[1].
Implications for Both Companies
- AI Expansion: The funding will accelerate OpenAI’s research, infrastructure, and product developments, including widely used AI models like ChatGPT and enterprise solutions such as ChatGPT Enterprise[2].
- Market Presence: SoftBank plans not only to deploy OpenAI’s technology across its corporate group but also to commercialize new AI tools, such as "Cristal Intelligence," through ventures like SB OpenAI Japan[2].
- Global Leadership in AI: The scale of investment underscores SoftBank’s ambition to be a global leader in next-generation AI technologies and infrastructure[3].
Future Outlook
SoftBank’s endorsement and large-scale commitment to
OpenAI are setting new benchmarks for AI investment and development. The companies’ shared vision of making AGI and ASI beneficial for all humanity is powering both technological innovation and industry transformation, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the AI revolution.
