SoftBank Lines Up $40 Billion to Back OpenAI’s AI Future

SoftBank is planning a huge loan that could reach $40 billion, aiming to boost its stake in OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT. The move would be one of the biggest dollar‑only borrowings in the company’s history and is intended as a short‑term bridge, lasting roughly twelve months. Several large banks are expected to underwrite the deal, with JPMorgan Chase among the four lenders involved. This step follows OpenAI’s recent $110 billion funding round, which saw Amazon, Nvidia and SoftBank itself invest heavily. That injection pushed OpenAI’s value to about $730 billion, making it one of the most valuable private tech firms ever. SoftBank already owns roughly 11 % of OpenAI, giving it a significant influence in the company’s direction.The loan talks are still underway and terms may change before any final agreement is reached. While SoftBank’s representatives have not commented, the plan signals a strong belief that the AI sector is still in its early growth phase and that OpenAI will play a central role. If the financing goes through, it would underscore SoftBank’s commitment to AI and could help position OpenAI for a future public offering that might value the company at around $1 trillion, according to earlier reports. The move reflects SoftBank’s strategy of backing bold technology bets after a period of less successful investments.