SoftBank is in talks to invest up to $25 billion in ChatGPT-owner OpenAI, according to a person familiar with the matter, as the Japanese conglomerate continues to expand into the sector.
SoftBank could invest $15-25 billion directly into Microsoft-backed OpenAI, some of which may be used to pay for OpenAI’s commitment to Stargate, the person said. Stargate is a joint venture by Oracle, OpenAI and SoftBank, that plans to invest up to $500 billion to help the US stay ahead of China and other rivals in the global AI race.
SoftBank’s investment would be on top of the $15 billion it has already committed to Stargate, the person said, adding the talks are at an early stage. The latest OpenAI investment talks were reported by the Financial Times earlier on Thursday.
OpenAI was valued at $157 billion in its last funding round, cementing its status as one of the most valuable private companies in the world.
OpenAI and SoftBank did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. reuters
