SoftBank and OpenAI Negotiate Unprecedented Investment Deal

According to Odaily, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are engaged in negotiations for a groundbreaking deal in terms of scale and structure. The discussions are taking place in two phases. Initially, SoftBank plans to conduct an exclusive funding round, committing up to $40 billion to OpenAI. SoftBank is not expected to provide the entire amount alone and has the option to invite other partners to participate in this funding round. A source familiar with the plan stated that OpenAI has the authority to approve or reject new investors. This funding round is anticipated to value OpenAI at $260 billion. In the second phase, SoftBank intends to invest approximately $15 billion to $20 billion initially in Stargate. OpenAI has agreed to match SoftBank's investment in this infrastructure project, regardless of the amount SoftBank contributes. Three informed sources revealed that partners, including Abu Dhabi's state fund MGX and Stargate equity investors, plan to make further investment decisions after observing the project's progress. Both OpenAI and SoftBank have declined to comment on the matter.