SoftBank Races to Fulfill $22.5 Billion OpenAI Funding Commitment by Year-End

SoftBank Races to Fulfill $22.5 Billion Funding Commitment to OpenAI by Year-End

Tokyo | December 22, 2025 — Japan’s technology investment giant SoftBank Group is moving aggressively to fulfill its $22.5 billion funding commitment to OpenAI before the end of 2025, according to people familiar with the matter. The effort underscores SoftBank’s growing conviction that artificial intelligence will define the next era of global technology and economic growth.

The funding pledge, one of the largest single investments ever made in the AI sector, was personally championed by SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son, who has repeatedly described artificial intelligence as the core driver of future innovation. Sources say Son has placed this commitment above most other investment priorities, narrowing SoftBank’s focus almost entirely on AI-related assets.

To secure the massive capital required, SoftBank has accelerated the sale of key holdings. In recent months, the group sold its entire stake in Nvidia, valued at approximately $5.8 billion, capitalizing on strong market conditions. It also offloaded shares worth around $4.8 billion in T-Mobile US, significantly boosting its cash position. These moves were specifically aimed at ensuring sufficient liquidity to meet the OpenAI deadline.

In addition to asset sales, SoftBank is exploring other financing options. The company holds a substantial stake in Arm Holdings, which analysts believe could be used as collateral to secure margin loans if additional funding is required. Sources indicate SoftBank remains prepared to monetize non-core assets should market conditions demand further action.

For OpenAI, the funding is strategically critical. In 2025, the company reached an estimated valuation of nearly $300 billion, reflecting investor confidence in its expanding influence across AI research, enterprise software, and large-scale computing infrastructure. OpenAI continues to invest billions of dollars into advanced data centers, next-generation AI models, and specialized hardware to support rising global demand.

Industry experts note that competition in the AI sector is intensifying rapidly, with companies racing to secure capital, computing power, and talent. SoftBank’s backing provides OpenAI with a significant advantage at a time when AI development costs are escalating and long-term infrastructure commitments are becoming essential.

SoftBank’s strategy also carries geopolitical significance. Strengthening OpenAI’s financial position reinforces the company’s leadership in the global AI race, particularly as competition intensifies between U.S. and Chinese technology ecosystems. Analysts view the investment as a calculated move to position SoftBank at the center of AI’s global expansion.

Ultimately, meeting the $22.5 billion commitment by year-end represents a defining test for SoftBank’s AI-first vision. If successful, the deal could reshape the balance of power in the technology sector and further accelerate OpenAI’s role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence worldwide.