SoftBank is trying to finalize a $22.5 billion fund for OpenAI.

SoftBank's Accelerating Efforts for OpenAI

The Japanese technology giant SoftBank (SFTBY) is taking significant steps to strengthen its competitiveness in the artificial intelligence field. The company aims to mobilize all its resources by the end of the year to complete its $22.5 billion funding for OpenAI.

Strategic Moves for Financing

To meet its financing target, SoftBank is converting key assets into cash. So far, the company has raised significant amounts by selling Nvidia (NVDA) shares for $5.8 billion and T-Mobile (TMUS) stakes worth $4.8 billion. In addition, it has also downsized its Vision Fund team significantly.

CEO Masayoshi Son's New Strategies

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son is minimizing other investments made under the Vision Fund and requires personal approval for all deals exceeding $50 million to mitigate risks. These decisions are reshaping SoftBank's financing strategy.

Credit Options and Other Investments

SoftBank also has the option to utilize a $11.5 billion collateral loan against Arm Holdings (ARM) shares, which it has not yet used. The doubling of Arm's stock value after going public provides SoftBank with additional credit opportunities.

Developments on PayPay and DiDi Global

SoftBank continues to work on the IPO of PayPay, which has been postponed due to the U.S. government shutdown. Initially planned for this month, the IPO is now postponed to the first quarter of 2026, with expectations of generating over $20 billion in this process. Additionally, it is considering plans to divest some of its shares in DiDi Global (DIDIY).