SoftBank discusses raising up to $100 billion for AI investments

SoftBank Group is discussing raising up to $100 billion from Gulf investors to support artificial intelligence investments, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the talks.

According to the newspaper, the Japanese group’s chief executive Masayoshi Son has held discussions in recent weeks with senior figures in the region, including the United Arab Emirates. The sources cautioned that the talks might not produce an agreement.

The Financial Times linked the potential funding to plans to acquire companies and improve their operations through AI and other technologies. The report concerns possible financing for that strategy rather than an announced completed transaction.

The discussions come as SoftBank expands its AI investments, including participation in OpenAI financing. The figure of up to $100 billion represents a fundraising goal under discussion. It does not mean the money has already been secured or allocated to particular acquisitions.