SoftBank Group has approved the release of a $22.5 billion second installment to finalize its planned $30 billion investment in OpenAI, according to a report from The Information. The decision underscores the Japanese conglomerate’s deepening commitment to artificial intelligence and positions the deal as one of the largest single investments ever made in the sector.
The approval, confirmed on October 25, 2025, comes with conditions. SoftBank’s board stipulated that OpenAI must complete a corporate restructuring that would pave the way for a potential initial public offering (IPO). The restructuring is expected to transition OpenAI into a for-profit entity with a governance model more aligned to large-scale capital markets.
SoftBank initially committed $10 billion to OpenAI earlier this year, with the remaining $22.5 billion forming part of a broader $41 billion funding round announced in April. If completed, the investment would value OpenAI at approximately $500 billion in private markets, cementing its status as one of the most valuable AI companies globally.
SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son has long championed artificial intelligence as the cornerstone of the group’s future strategy. He has previously described OpenAI as a company with the potential to become “the most valuable in the world,” reflecting his conviction that AI will reshape industries from finance to healthcare.
The investment comes at a time of heightened competition in the AI sector, with major technology firms and sovereign wealth funds racing to secure stakes in leading developers. Analysts note that SoftBank’s move not only strengthens its portfolio but also signals confidence in OpenAI’s ability to scale its technologies and commercialize its products.
However, the deal also raises questions about governance and concentration of influence in the AI industry. Critics argue that such massive investments could consolidate power in the hands of a few corporations, potentially limiting transparency and accountability in the development of transformative technologies.
For OpenAI, the funding provides significant resources to expand infrastructure, research, and global deployment of its models. For SoftBank, it represents a high-stakes bet on the future of artificial intelligence — one that could define the group’s trajectory for decades to come.
Softbank-ceo-Masayoshi-Son-Picture-by-Tradersunion
Sources: The Information; Reuters; U.S. News; Moneycontrol; Cryptopolitan.
