SoftBank has partnered with OpenAI to establish a joint venture in Japan, aiming to provide AI services to corporate clients. This was announced by the CEO of the Japanese group, Masayoshi Son, according to Reuters.
The company, SB OpenAI Japan, will be owned by the American startup and SoftBank’s telecommunications division. Additionally, the Japanese group plans to pay $3 billion annually to Sam Altman’s firm for the use of its technologies.
In 2008, SoftBank assisted Apple in launching the iPhone in the Japanese market.
Earlier, Donald Trump announced $500 billion in private sector investments for artificial intelligence infrastructure. For these purposes, OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle will create a joint venture named Stargate. The Japanese company may invest $19 billion.
In January, media reported on OpenAI’s plans to close a new funding round with a valuation of $340 billion. It is expected that SoftBank will lead the round with an investment between $15 billion and $25 billion, becoming the largest investor in Sam Altman’s firm.
In December 2024, Son promised to invest $100 billion in AI infrastructure in the United States, creating 10,000 jobs.
Back in November, OpenAI allowed employees to sell shares worth $1.5 billion in a tender offer from SoftBank.