SoftBank in talks to borrow $16 billion to fund AI, The Information reports

 

SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son is reportedly planning to borrow $16 billion to fund investments in artificial intelligence (AI), according to a report by The Information on March 1, citing sources familiar with the situation. The Japanese conglomerate may also borrow an additional $8 billion in early 2026, the report added.

Earlier this year, Reuters mentioned that SoftBank was in talks to invest as much as $25 billion in OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, as the company continues to expand its footprint in the AI space.

In addition to this, SoftBank has already committed $15 billion to Stargate, a joint venture involving Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank. The investment is part of a broader strategy to contribute up to $40 billion towards both Stargate and OpenAI. As part of the funding, SoftBank has been exploring borrowing up to $18.5 billion backed by its publicly traded assets.

Stargate, the venture formed between Oracle, OpenAI, and SoftBank, is dedicated to ensuring that the U.S. remains at the forefront of AI technology, particularly in competition with China and other global players. The initiative was first announced at the White House in January by U.S. President Donald Trump, SoftBank's Son, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison.

Additionally, as AI continues to mature, the strategic partnerships and investments from industry leaders like SoftBank, Oracle, and OpenAI could spark breakthroughs across a wide array of sectors, from healthcare and finance to education and transportation, offering transformative possibilities for businesses and consumers alike.