SoftBank Completes $30 Billion Investment in OpenAI

SoftBank Group has completed the final tranche of its planned $30 billion investment in OpenAI, marking the completion of one of the largest individual corporate investments in the artificial intelligence sector. The Japanese conglomerate announced that it transferred the final $10 billion on October 1, completing a three-part investment announced earlier in 2026. The funding forms part of OpenAI’s massive latest fundraising round, which secured about $122 billion in commitments and valued the company at approximately $852 billion.

The investment was made through SoftBank Vision Fund 2, with the three tranches each worth $10 billion. The first tranche was completed in April, the second in July and the final tranche in October. Following the latest payment, SoftBank said its cumulative investment in OpenAI has reached approximately $64.6 billion, giving the Japanese company an ownership interest of about 13%. This makes SoftBank one of OpenAI’s largest financial backers as it continues to expand its involvement in the global AI industry.

SoftBank also revealed that it had secured financing to support its OpenAI investment. The company raised $11.1 billion through a senior bond offering in September, with the proceeds helping fund the final investment tranche. SoftBank had previously secured a $40 billion bridge facility in March to support its investments in OpenAI and other corporate purposes. After completing the OpenAI investment, the company canceled the remaining $10 billion of undrawn capacity and said all borrowings under the bridge facility had been repaid.

The investment underscores founder Masayoshi Son’s strategy of making artificial intelligence a central part of SoftBank’s future. The company has increased its exposure to AI infrastructure, computing and technology companies while working closely with OpenAI on large-scale AI projects. OpenAI’s latest fundraising was anchored by SoftBank alongside Amazon and Nvidia, providing the company with substantial capital for computing infrastructure, research and the development of increasingly capable AI systems.

SoftBank’s completed investment also highlights the enormous amount of capital now flowing into the AI sector. OpenAI’s latest financing and SoftBank’s growing stake demonstrate how major technology and investment companies are committing billions of dollars to AI development and infrastructure. With SoftBank’s cumulative OpenAI investment now at $64.6 billion, the company has established itself as one of the most significant financial supporters of OpenAI, although the long-term returns from the investment will depend on OpenAI’s future business performance and valuation.