SoftBank Group is engaged in talks to increase its ownership of OpenAI by up to $30 billion, according to people familiar with the discussions. The conversations are active and the eventual terms could still be revised, officials close to the matter said.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has been pursuing a substantial fundraising initiative. Reports indicate the firm is seeking as much as $100 billion in fresh capital in a single round that, if completed, could place the company's valuation at as much as $830 billion.
SoftBank is already among the largest shareholders in the AI developer. Its stake grew to about 11% in December after the group committed $22.5 billion earlier in the fundraising process, those familiar with the situation said.
Beyond direct equity commitments from existing investors, OpenAI is also evaluating other paths to liquidity and capital. The company is weighing a potential initial public offering while simultaneously engaging with a range of prospective backers, including Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds and venture-capital investors.
The discussions between SoftBank and OpenAI are described as ongoing, and observers close to the talks emphasize that arrangements could be modified before any deal is finalized. No definitive agreement has been announced, and the outcome of the broader capital-raising effort remains uncertain.
Contextual notes:
- SoftBank’s additional investment consideration would represent a further deepening of its exposure to OpenAI beyond the $22.5 billion commitment that increased its stake to around 11% in December.
- OpenAI’s target of up to $100 billion in new funding is the stated ambition for the current fundraising effort, with a potential company valuation cited at up to $830 billion if the round completes as described.
- Conversations about a possible IPO and outreach to Middle Eastern sovereign funds and venture-capital firms are part of OpenAI’s stated efforts to secure a broader investor base.