SoftBank reportedly spearheading $40 billion bet on OpenAI

SoftBank is leading a massive $40 billion tender offer to buy shares in OpenAI, according to Bloomberg—a move that signals the Japanese conglomerate’s dramatic return to tech investing and its commitment to AI as a core strategic pillar.

Cashing out, as money flows in: The deal, as reported by Bloomberg, is structured to allow employees and early investors to cash out, rather than diluting equity through new share issuance. Sources say SoftBank will invest $7.5 billion in the initial tranche, which will be joined by an additional $2.5 billion from an investor syndicate. A second tranche expected later this year will see SoftBank contribute another $22.5 billion, with a further $7.5 billion syndicated.

Who’s in the mix: Other investors reportedly in discussions include Magnetar Capital (with a possible $1 billion stake), Coatue Management, Altimeter Capital, and Founders Fund. Microsoft, already OpenAI’s largest backer with over $13 billion committed, is not expected to participate in the tender.

Back for more: For SoftBank, this marks a bold pivot back into high-profile tech deals following years of losses from earlier bets like WeWork. The conglomerate has been shifting capital from its Vision Fund into more targeted AI investments, and OpenAI appears central to its repositioning strategy.

The race is on: This high-profile return comes at a pivotal moment in the AI race. As rivals like Anthropic and Google DeepMind vie for dominance, SoftBank’s investment may help OpenAI further accelerate growth, talent acquisition, and global expansion. Neither SoftBank nor OpenAI has commented on reports of the deal; however sources say it could close within weeks.