SoftBank's AI Data Center Expansion Strategy
Main Take
SoftBank's $41 billion investment in OpenAI solidifies its commitment to AI infrastructure. The acquisition of DigitalBridge for $4 billion aims to enhance SoftBank's data center capabilities, crucial for running advanced AI models. This strategy reveals a growing trend: major players are racing to build the backbone for next-generation AI services, ensuring they are not left behind in the AGI race.
The Story So Far
SoftBank is making headlines with its aggressive investment strategy in AI. The company recently finalized a staggering $41 billion investment in OpenAI, acquiring an 11% stake. This deal, completed on December 31, 2025, marks one of the largest private capital raises in history and underscores SoftBank's ambition to lead in the AI space.
The journey began earlier in 2025 when SoftBank announced its commitment to OpenAI, with the final tranche of $22.5 billion closing just before the new year. This funding is not just about equity; it’s a strategic move to secure a foothold in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Alongside this, SoftBank is also set to acquire DigitalBridge Group for $4 billion, a deal announced on December 29, 2025. This acquisition aims to leverage DigitalBridge’s extensive data center and connectivity assets, which are essential for scaling AI capabilities and supporting the development of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI).
The implications of these moves are significant. By enhancing its data center capabilities, SoftBank is positioning itself as a key player in the AI infrastructure race. This trend highlights a broader dynamic where tech giants are investing heavily in the necessary infrastructure to support advanced AI applications. As companies like SoftBank ramp up their investments, the competition to develop and deploy next-generation AI services will intensify.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on how quickly SoftBank can integrate DigitalBridge’s assets and what innovations emerge from this enhanced infrastructure. The stakes are high, as the race to AGI accelerates and the demand for robust AI services grows. Expect to see more partnerships and investments in AI infrastructure as companies scramble to secure their place in this transformative market.
Who Should Care
Expect increased competition in AI infrastructure investments.
Watch for accelerated advancements in AI capabilities due to enhanced resources.
Prepare for more robust AI tools as infrastructure improves.
Related Articles (7)
SoftBank boosts OpenAI with $41B bet for 11% AGI stake
SoftBank completed a $41 billion multi‑tranche investment in OpenAI, giving it roughly an 11% stake, according to a January 1, 2026 report by Italian outlet FIRSTonline that cites SoftBank and Reuters. The final $22–22.5 billion tranche closed at the end of December 2025, valuing OpenAI at around $260 billion pre‑money.
SoftBank completes $41bn OpenAI investment, lifts stake to 11%
SoftBank Group announced on December 31, 2025 that it has completed an additional $22.5 billion investment in OpenAI, bringing its total commitment to $41 billion. The deal raises SoftBank’s aggregate ownership in OpenAI to about 11%, with the rest of the round filled by $11 billion from third‑party co‑investors.([group.softbank](https://group.softbank/en/news/press/20251231?utm_source=openai))
SoftBank to acquire DigitalBridge for $4B to scale AI data centers
SoftBank Group announced on December 29, 2025 that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire DigitalBridge Group in an all‑cash deal valuing the digital infrastructure investor at about $4 billion. Follow‑up coverage on December 30 emphasized that SoftBank aims to use DigitalBridge’s data center and connectivity portfolio to underpin its expanding AI and Artificial Super Intelligence strategy.
SoftBank completes $40B OpenAI funding to fuel AGI push
SoftBank Group has finished wiring its full $40 billion investment into OpenAI, according to a Reuters report on December 30, 2025. The funding, originally agreed in March, cements one of the largest private capital raises in history and deepens Masayoshi Son’s bet on AI infrastructure and models.
SoftBank $4B DigitalBridge buy turbocharges global AI data centers
SoftBank Group said on December 30 (China time) it will acquire U.S. digital infrastructure investor DigitalBridge for $4 billion in cash at $16 per share. The deal, framed as a push to build next‑generation AI data centers, is expected to close in the second half of 2026 pending approvals.
SoftBank Group buys DigitalBridge for $4bn to scale ASI data centers
SoftBank Group said it has agreed to acquire US digital infrastructure investor DigitalBridge in a deal valuing the company at about $4 billion, paying $16 per share for all outstanding common stock. The acquisition, announced on December 29 and detailed in Japanese coverage on December 30, 2025, is aimed at strengthening SoftBank’s next‑generation AI data center and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) platform ambitions.([group.softbank](https://group.softbank/news/press/20251229?utm_source=openai))
SoftBank acquires DigitalBridge in $4B AI data center push
SoftBank Group announced on December 29 it will acquire U.S.-listed digital infrastructure manager DigitalBridge for $16 per share, valuing the deal at about $4 billion. The acquisition, expected to close in the second half of 2026, is framed as a cornerstone of SoftBank’s plan to build out global data center and connectivity capacity for next‑generation AI services.([group.softbank](https://group.softbank/en/news/press/20251229?utm_source=openai))
Discussion
Advances AGI Timeline
This trend may accelerate progress toward AGI
SoftBank's $41 billion investment in OpenAI solidifies its commitment to AI infrastructure. The acquisition of DigitalBridge for $4 billion aims to enhance SoftBank's data center capabilities, crucial for running advanced AI models. This strategy reveals a growing trend: major players are racing to build the backbone for next-generation AI services, ensuring they are not left behind in the AGI race.
Timeline
4 eventsSoftBank to acquire DigitalBridge for $4B
The confirmed acquisition of DigitalBridge by SoftBank for $4 billion is a key development in the expansion of AI data centers.
SoftBank acquires DigitalBridge for $4B
The acquisition of DigitalBridge by SoftBank for $4 billion is a significant move to enhance its AI data center capabilities.
SoftBank Group buys DigitalBridge for $4bn
This acquisition is a strategic step for SoftBank to scale its AI data center operations, marking a notable investment in digital infrastructure.
SoftBank to acquire DigitalBridge for $4B
The acquisition of DigitalBridge for $4 billion is a major strategic move to enhance SoftBank's AI data center capabilities.