SoftBank Reportedly Aims to Borrow $16 Billion for AI ‘Stargate’ | PYMNTS.com
Apr 01, 2025 - pymnts.com
SoftBank is seeking up to $16.5 billion in financing for its "Stargate" AI project, which aims to launch a $500 billion AI infrastructure effort in the U.S., alongside robotics and semiconductor projects. The Japanese conglomerate is collaborating with OpenAI, Oracle, and Dubai’s MGX, with SoftBank as the primary financier. The project, announced by President Donald Trump, includes building large AI-focused data centers in the U.S., starting with a facility in Abilene, Texas. The bridge loan could support SoftBank as it leads OpenAI’s $40 billion funding round, potentially valuing the startup at $300 billion. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son previously announced a $100 billion investment in the U.S. over four years, creating 100,000 jobs in AI and related infrastructure.
Recent reports indicate SoftBank's plans to invest $1 trillion in U.S. AI infrastructure, including robots to address labor shortages. However, large portions of the funding depend on OpenAI restructuring into an independent for-profit company by year-end. If OpenAI fails to achieve this, a provision could limit the financing to $20 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal, while CNBC reports a potential $10 billion reduction.
Key takeaways:
SoftBank is seeking up to $16.5 billion in financing for the "Stargate" AI project, which includes AI infrastructure, robotics, and semiconductor projects in the U.S.
The Stargate project aims to build large AI-focused data centers in the U.S., with the first planned for Abilene, Texas.
SoftBank is preparing to lead OpenAI's $40 billion funding round, potentially valuing the startup at $300 billion.
SoftBank plans to invest $1 trillion in AI infrastructure projects in the U.S., with a focus on creating jobs and addressing labor shortages with robotics.
