SoftBank Group Corp. and Its Growing Role in Artificial‑Intelligence Funding
SoftBank Group Corp. (SBI) is a Japanese holding company that operates primarily through its subsidiary SoftBank, a provider of wireless telecommunications services. In addition to its core telecom business, SoftBank invests in technology ventures and manages a portfolio of investments.
Participation in OpenAI’s $110 billion Funding Round
On 27 February 2026, SoftBank announced that it had invested in the latest funding round for the artificial‑intelligence (AI) company OpenAI. The round raised a total of US$110 billion, with Nvidia, Amazon, and SoftBank as the leading investors. The transaction values OpenAI at approximately US$730 billion, marking the largest capital raise in the company’s history.
- SoftBank’s role: The Japanese conglomerate confirmed its contribution to the $110 billion round, joining Nvidia and Amazon in providing capital to support OpenAI’s expansion of computing infrastructure and AI research.
- Strategic impact: SoftBank’s investment underscores its commitment to AI and positions the company as a key stakeholder in one of the most significant AI enterprises worldwide.
Additional AI‑Focused Initiatives
SoftBank has been actively expanding its AI footprint across multiple fronts:
| Date | Source | Key Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Feb 2026 | Boerse‑Express | SoftBank is backing a large‑scale funding round for the autonomous‑driving startup Wayve, reinforcing its AI ambitions. |
| 25 Feb 2026 | Boerse‑Express | SoftBank is advancing its AI infrastructure strategy, unveiling a 5G solution for industrial applications and new AI hardware for data centres in Japan. |
| 27 Feb 2026 | The Edge Malaysia | The $110 billion investment in OpenAI is part of a broader $730 billion valuation that will bolster the startup’s costly push for advanced computing power. |
| 27 Feb 2026 | Handelsblatt | The investment round brings SoftBank’s capital into an $840 billion valuation for OpenAI, reflecting the company’s focus on scaling AI capabilities. |
These developments illustrate SoftBank’s broader strategy to embed AI across its portfolio, from telecommunications infrastructure to automotive technology and data‑centre hardware.
Market Context
- Stock Performance: As of 23 February 2026, SoftBank’s share price stood at ¥4,096. The company’s market capitalization exceeds ¥23 trillion.
- Sector Position: SoftBank remains a significant player in the communication services sector, with a price‑earnings ratio of 6.55 and a 52‑week trading range between ¥18.76 and ¥6,923.75.
Conclusion
SoftBank Group Corp. is solidifying its position as a major investor in the AI ecosystem, exemplified by its substantial participation in OpenAI’s record funding round. Coupled with strategic investments in AI infrastructure and related technologies, SoftBank is poised to influence the trajectory of artificial intelligence development both domestically and globally.
