SoftBank plans to invest an additional $30 billion in OpenAI

SoftBank Group is in talks to invest $30 billion more in OpenAI, a significant increase in its commitment that reflects founder Masayoshi Son's ambition to play a central role in the development of artificial intelligence.

According to informed sources, the Japanese firm—already one of the biggest backers of ChatGPT's developers—is now considering additional funding for the fast-growing startup. An insider indicated that SoftBank is considering a maximum investment of $30 billion. He cautioned, however, that discussions are ongoing and the final investment amount could change.

Masayoshi Son has raised capital to increase his stake in OpenAI and invest heavily in the goal of embedding artificial intelligence in all devices. The company has sold its shares in Nvidia and the US.It recently suspended negotiations to take over data center operator Switch Inc.The Tokyo-based firm previously took an 11% stake in OpenAI and injected $22.5 billion last month.

According to sources familiar with the matter, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is in talks with top investors in the Middle East to discuss a new funding round expected to reach at least $50 billion. The ChatGPT developer aims to raise $50 billion or more in this round, valuing the company at an estimated $750 billion to $830 billion. Negotiations are still in the early stages, and the final funding amount could change, the sources said.

Although SoftBank invested early in artificial intelligence technology, it largely missed the global boom in semiconductors, server racks and other hardware built to support machine learning. Most of the capital went to a small group of chip makers, including Nvidia and TSMC.

In recent months, SoftBank has significantly increased its investment in AI. In the past year, the Tokyo-based company spent $6.5 billion to acquire US chip designer Ampere Computing LLC, and ABB Ltd.announced a $5.4 billion deal for its robotics unit.To raise part of the funding, SoftBank has acquired T-Mobile US Inc.reduced its stake in Nvidia Corp.sold its entire holding in and Arm Holdings Inc. to raise financing.took advantage of his stake in