SoftBank seeks up to $100B from Gulf backers to fuel AI plans
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son is reportedly in talks with Middle Eastern investors to raise as much as $100 billion. The funds would support a vehicle that acquires companies and applies AI and advanced technology to improve their operations. SoftBank's AI and robotics unit Roze is expected to play a major role, and the company has already committed $65 billion to OpenAI.
Masayoshi Son, SoftBank's founder and CEO, is reportedly negotiating with Middle Eastern backers, including parties in the UAE, to raise as much as $100 billion. The Financial Times says no deal is assured and no specific investors were identified. The proposed vehicle would purchase businesses and deploy AI and advanced technology to upgrade their operations.
SoftBank's AI and robotics arm, Roze, would likely be central to the effort, and the company intends to list it publicly. This potential raise follows SoftBank's $65 billion commitment to OpenAI. Gulf states are already increasing AI investments, with G42 and MGX among active UAE players. Son previously worked with Mubadala and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund on the first Vision Fund in 2017.
If completed, this fund could reshape how acquired firms adopt automation, affecting employees, customers, and smaller competitors. Gulf investors may gain more influence over global AI development, while SoftBank could accelerate consolidation. Roze's possible listing may draw public-market scrutiny. Benefits may include efficiency and capital, but risks could include job displacement, market concentration, and reduced transparency.