Overview

SoftBank Group Corp. is a Japanese multinational holding company headquartered in Tokyo. Founded by Masayoshi Son in 1981, SoftBank is one of the world’s largest technology investors, with a portfolio spanning AI, robotics, telecommunications, and fintech.

AI Investment Strategy

SoftBank has emerged as a major investor in AI companies and infrastructure:

  • OpenAI: Lead investor in The Deployment Company (10B valuation)
  • Vision Fund: $100B+ investment vehicle for global tech companies
  • AI Infrastructure: Significant investments in AI data centers and semiconductors

Key People

  • Masayoshi Son: Founder and CEO, driving SoftBank’s AI investment thesis
  • Known for bold, large-scale technology bets

Recent Activities

Noetra Physical AI Consortium (July 2026)

OpenAI Investment (May 2026)

  • Lead investor in OpenAI’s “The Deployment Company”
  • $4B+ funding commitment
  • Part of 19-investor consortium including bain-company and TPG

Sources