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SoftBank Seeks $100 Billion from Middle Eastern Investors for AI-Refined Acquisitions
Key points
- SoftBank seeks $100 billion from Gulf investors.
- Fund will acquire companies, integrate AI/robotics.
- Roze, SoftBank's AI division, to play a key role.
- SoftBank has $65 billion invested in OpenAI.
New Fund for AI-Driven Acquisitions
Masayoshi Son, founder of SoftBank, is reportedly seeking up to $100 billion from Middle Eastern investors to establish a new investment fund. This fund will focus on acquiring established companies and then enhancing their operations through the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics. This strategy differs from SoftBank's previous investment vehicles, which primarily funded technology companies directly.
Strategic Shift in Investment Model
The proposed fund aims to improve the value of acquired businesses by introducing advanced technologies, a novel approach to generating returns from AI. Son has engaged with influential investors in the United Arab Emirates to secure the necessary capital. The initiative comes amidst concerns regarding SoftBank's existing $65 billion investment in OpenAI and its delayed initial public offering.
Role of Roze and OpenAI Context
SoftBank's robotics and physical AI division, Roze, is expected to play a significant role in transforming the acquired companies. Son also plans to eventually take Roze public. While the fund's establishment and financing are not guaranteed, SoftBank continues its aggressive AI expansion, with its substantial investment in OpenAI remaining a central part of its strategy. SoftBank's financial health is closely tied to OpenAI's valuation, despite the latter not yet being highly profitable.
Historical Ties with Middle Eastern Investors
SoftBank has a history of securing significant financing from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala were key participants in SoftBank's original $100 billion Vision Fund in 2017. Vision Fund 1 has generated approximately $29 billion in investment gains, while Vision Fund 2, which holds the OpenAI investment, has generated $20.5 billion as of June. Abu Dhabi has also expanded its AI investments through entities like MGX and G42.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is seeking up to $100 billion from Gulf investors to create a new fund. This fund would acquire established companies and integrate AI and robotics to improve their operations and value, representing a new investment model for SoftBank.