SoftBank Group is reportedly moving at full speed to meet a massive $22.5 billion funding commitment to OpenAI before the end of the year, according to people familiar with the matter. The accelerated timeline underscores founder Masayoshi Son’s renewed conviction that artificial intelligence will define the next era of global technology dominance.

A Strategic Bet on Artificial General Intelligence

The investment is widely viewed as a cornerstone of SoftBank’s long-term vision centered on artificial general intelligence (AGI). By backing OpenAI at this scale, SoftBank aims to position itself at the heart of AI model development, infrastructure expansion, and enterprise adoption—areas expected to reshape industries from finance and healthcare to robotics and manufacturing.

Funding Structure and Capital Mobilization

Sources suggest SoftBank is actively exploring multiple funding routes, including internal cash reserves, asset-backed financing, and potential participation from strategic partners. The group has also been reshuffling parts of its portfolio, signaling a willingness to prioritize AI investments over slower-growth assets.

OpenAI’s Growing Capital Appetite

OpenAI’s rapid expansion has fueled demand for unprecedented levels of capital. Training next-generation models, securing specialized AI chips, building global data centers, and competing with rivals such as Google DeepMind, Anthropic, and Meta require tens of billions of dollars annually. SoftBank’s commitment could significantly strengthen OpenAI’s ability to scale faster than competitors.

Market Implications for the AI Ecosystem

If completed on schedule, the deal could rank among the largest private technology investments in history. Analysts believe it may trigger a ripple effect across global markets, encouraging sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors, and tech giants to deepen their exposure to AI-focused ventures.

SoftBank’s Comeback After Past Volatility

The move also marks a potential turning point for SoftBank, which has faced criticism in recent years over high-profile investment losses. Masayoshi Son has framed AI as a once-in-a-century opportunity, and this aggressive OpenAI funding push reflects his belief that scale and speed are essential to winning the AI race.

What Comes Next

While final terms and timelines remain fluid, insiders say SoftBank is determined to close the funding by year-end. The outcome could redefine both SoftBank’s legacy and OpenAI’s trajectory—cementing their roles as central players in the rapidly evolving AI economy.