According to Reuters, SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son is planning to increase investment in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) by borrowing $16 billion. The news comes from the Information Technology News website, which reported that SoftBank executives confirmed the strategic intention during talks with banks last week. This move not only reflects SoftBank’s ambitions in the field of AI, but also reflects the intensity of global technology competition.
Son's decision marks a further expansion of SoftBank in the field of AI. Against the backdrop of global technology giants deploying AI, SoftBank hopes to consolidate its leading position in the AI field through large-scale capital investment. In addition to the $16 billion loan plan, SoftBank also expects to borrow another $8 billion in early 2026 to further enhance its financial strength and ensure its continued competitiveness in the AI field.
In January this year, it was reported that SoftBank was in talks with OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, and plans to invest up to $25 billion in it. This investment plan is seen as SoftBank’s important layout in the field of AI, especially in competition with other technology giants. SoftBank hopes to seize the commanding heights of technology through cooperation with OpenAI.
In addition, SoftBank also plans to invest in Stargate, a joint venture jointly established with Oracle and OpenAI. SoftBank has reportedly promised to invest $15 billion in Stargate, and its overall investment plan will involve up to $40 billion in funding. Stargate’s goal is to promote the development of AI technology through strong financial support, ensure that the United States maintains a leading position in the global AI competition, and effectively respond to challenges from China and other competitors.
The founding of Stargate was supported by former US President Donald Trump, and also attracted the participation of many tech leaders. The importance and urgency of this project are self-evident, and Masayoshi Son's forward-looking layout will undoubtedly bring more opportunities to SoftBank and further enhance its influence in the AI field.
In summary, SoftBank’s AI investment strategy includes: planning to borrow $16 billion to strengthen investment in artificial intelligence; expected to borrow another $8 billion in early 2026 to further enhance its financial strength; through cooperation with OpenAI and Oracle, it is committed to enhancing the United States’ position in global AI competition. These measures not only demonstrate SoftBank’s ambitions in the field of AI, but also lay a solid foundation for its future development.