SoftBank's $1.5 billion investment in OpenAI signals major AI industry shift

In a significant move within the AI sector, SoftBank is set to invest up to $1.5 billion in OpenAI, the organization behind the renowned ChatGPT. This investment will be executed through a tender offer, allowing current and former OpenAI employees to sell their shares. This strategic decision positions SoftBank as a leading player in the rapidly expanding AI industry, where OpenAI's valuation has soared to $150 billion.

This investment aligns with SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son's vision to establish the company at the forefront of AI advancements. The tender offer values the shares based on OpenAI's recent funding round, in which SoftBank's Vision Fund had already contributed $500 million. With this investment, SoftBank is poised to become one of OpenAI's largest investors. Microsoft remains OpenAI's most significant backer.

Overall, SoftBank's $1.5 billion investment in OpenAI marks a pivotal moment in the AI industry, highlighting the intensifying race among major corporations to lead in AI innovation and development.

By Orkhan Mammadov