SoftBank has completed a $40 billion investment commitment to OpenAI, a person familiar with the matter told CNBC’s David Faber.
The Japanese investment giant ended up transferring between $22 billion and $22.5 billion last week, according to a source who requested anonymity to discuss details of the transaction.
SoftBank previously syndicated $10 billion and invested $8 billion in the ChatGPT maker. With this investment, SoftBank’s stake in the company will exceed 10%.
CNBC reported in February that the company was finalizing a $40 billion investment in the Sam Altman-run startup at a pre-money valuation of $260 billion.
At the time, Faber reported that the funds would be disbursed over 12 to 24 months. Some funding was to go to support OpenAI’s joint venture with artificial intelligence infrastructure Stargate. oracle And Softbank.
In recent months, companies have spent heavily on building infrastructure to support the AI solution craze and growing computing needs.
OpenAI has committed more than $1.4 trillion in infrastructure over the next few years, including contracts with chipmakers. Nvidia, advanced micro device and broadcom.
SoftBank has invested heavily in technology and AI companies over the years, including an early investment in semiconductor manufacturing giant Nvidia. On Monday, the conglomerate agreed to pay $4 billion to a data center investment company. digital bridge This is to strengthen the promotion of AI.
Last month, SoftBank liquidated its entire $5.8 billion stake in the chipmaker and major AI beneficiary. Nvidia.
Another person familiar with the stock sale move told CNBC at the time that the sale would support investment in OpenAI along with other funding sources.
The startup, which is reportedly preparing for an IPO, has received billions of dollars in funding from tech giants over the years. microsoft.
Earlier this month, CNBC reported that OpenAI was exploring potential investments of more than $10 billion from the United States. Amazon.
disney It is also the latest backer of OpenAI’s video generator Sora, following a $1 billion equity investment deal that allows users to generate content featuring licensed characters such as Mickey Mouse.
