Core Viewpoint - SoftBank Group is increasing its investment in OpenAI, aiming to become a "platform provider" that generates revenue through AI infrastructure, despite the lack of a clear path to profitability in AI-related businesses [2][4]. Investment Strategy - SoftBank Group plans to invest an additional $22.5 billion in OpenAI in December, bringing its total investment to $34.7 billion, making it the largest shareholder with an approximate 11% stake [5]. - The investment has already yielded significant returns, with SoftBank reporting an investment gain of 21.567 trillion yen from its investments in OpenAI during the April to September period [4]. Collaboration and Future Plans - SoftBank is collaborating with OpenAI on the "Stargate" project, which involves building large data centers across the U.S., and is also supporting OpenAI in semiconductor and energy supply [4][7]. - The company is also planning to acquire semiconductor firms and establish its own power supply system to support AI development [7]. Market Position and Competition - OpenAI is preparing for an IPO, with its valuation potentially reaching $1 trillion, which could further increase the value of SoftBank's holdings [5]. - Despite the optimistic outlook, there are concerns about OpenAI's ability to maintain its leading position in the face of competition from companies like Google, Amazon, and emerging Chinese firms [9]. Leadership Vision - SoftBank's CEO Masayoshi Son believes that the global AI market, estimated at around 600 trillion yen, will be shared among a few key players, with SoftBank and OpenAI positioned at the core [7]. - The company is also investing in robotics, having announced an 800 billion yen acquisition of ABB's robotics business, which is seen as a strategic move to enhance its capabilities in AI and robotics integration [7].
软银集团押注AI,对OpenAI出资比例将达11%