Softbank provides $40 billion in backing to OpenAI, sources tell CNBC

SoftBank finished his An investment of 40 billion dollars commitment to OpenAIsources told CNBC’s David Faber.

The Japanese investment giant sent between $22 billion and $22.5 billion last week, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked to remain anonymous in order to discuss details of the transaction.

SoftBank previously syndicated $10 billion and invested $8 billion in creator ChatGPT. This investment brings SoftBank’s stake in the company above 10%.

CNBC reported in February that the company was finalizing a $40 billion investment in the Sam Altman-led startup at a pre-money valuation of $260 billion.

At the time, Faber announced that the funding would be disbursed over a period of 12 to 24 months. A little money was designed to support OpenAI artificial intelligence infrastructure Stargate joint venture with Oracle and SoftBank.

Companies have spent a lot of money in recent months building infrastructure to support a frenzy for AI solutions and growing calculate needs.

OpenAI has made more than $1.4 trillion in infrastructure commitments over the next few years, including deals with chipmakers. Nvidia, Advanced microdevices And Broadcom.

Over the years, SoftBank has bet big on tech and AI companies and was an early investor in chipmaker Nvidia. On Monday, the conglomerate agreed pay 4 billion dollars for data center investment company Digital Bridge to strengthen its push in AI.

Last month, SoftBank liquidated its entire A stake of 5.8 billion dollars among the main beneficiaries of AI Nvidia.

Another source close to the decision to sell the stake told CNBC at the time that the sale, combined with other sources of liquiditywould support its OpenAI investment.

The startup, which is reportedly preparing for an IPO, has received billions of dollars in funding over the years from a tech giant. Microsoft.

Earlier this month, CNBC reported that OpenAI was exploring the potential of a An investment of 10 billion dollars Since Amazon.

Disney is also a recent donor, following a A $1 billion equity investment agreement that allows users of OpenAI’s Sora video generator to generate content with licensed characters such as Mickey Mouse.