SoftBank Completes $40 Billion Funding for OpenAI, Securing Strategic AI Expansion
OpenAI has completed its $40 billion funding round, led by SoftBank and a group of co-investors including Microsoft, Coatue Management, Altimeter Capital, and Thrive Capital. The investment, finalized in December 2025, values the company at $300 billion and positions OpenAI to expand its AI infrastructure, data centers, and commercial offerings.
The funding round began in March 2025, with SoftBank initially investing $7.5 billion and syndicating another $11 billion alongside co-investors. Over the following months, the investment was structured in multiple tranches, culminating in a final $22 to $22.5 billion contribution from SoftBank in December, fulfilling its full commitment. The total capital raised in the round reached approximately $41 billion, giving SoftBank an estimated 11% stake in OpenAI.
A portion of the funds is allocated to the Stargate joint venture, a collaboration between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle aimed at scaling AI infrastructure and cloud capabilities. Microsoft continues to provide funding and technical support, enabling the company to deploy its AI solutions at a global scale. The investments reinforce OpenAI’s leadership in artificial intelligence and support commercial applications across industries.
The round also reflects the urgency among technology investors to meet the growing demand for AI computing. OpenAI has committed to over $1.4 trillion in infrastructure agreements with chipmakers such as Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom, illustrating the magnitude of its expansion plans and the scale of required computing resources.
With the $40 billion round now closed, OpenAI is well-positioned to accelerate its AI offerings, expand commercial operations, and prepare for a potential public listing. The strategic partnerships with SoftBank and other major investors provide both the capital and collaborative framework to support the company’s next phase of growth and innovation.
Sources:
CNBC
Reuters
Yahoo! Finance
A.M.
