SoftBank is working to finalize a $22.5 billion funding deal with OpenAI by the end of the year. CEO Masayoshi Son is selling significant stakes in other companies, including Nvidia and T-Mobile, to raise the necessary funds, while also planning a public offering for its payments app, PayPay.

Masayoshi Son of SoftBank aims to partner with the Trump administration to create manufacturing facilities across the U.S., funded by Japanese investments from a recent trade deal. These facilities would focus on AI infrastructure and be constructed on federal land, with operations expected to start in 2026.

OpenAI is trying to raise up to $100 billion to support its growth in a cooling AI market, potentially valuing the company at $830 billion. The fundraising is in early stages, with uncertainty around investor demand and the timeline for completion. SoftBank has pledged $30 billion, while OpenAI explores further investment opportunities, including a possible IPO.

Masayoshi Son sold SoftBank's entire $5.8 billion stake in Nvidia to invest heavily in AI initiatives, including a $30 billion commitment to OpenAI. This move follows a history of risky bets and significant losses, raising questions about his current strategy and market insights. Analysts suggest the sale is not a rejection of Nvidia but a repositioning for future growth.

SoftBank finalized its $40 billion investment in OpenAI, increasing its stake to about 11%. The funding includes a recent $22 billion tranche, aimed at supporting OpenAI's AI infrastructure and various projects, including a joint venture with Oracle. OpenAI is also preparing for an IPO and has attracted significant investment from Microsoft and Amazon.

SoftBank is negotiating to invest up to $30 billion more in OpenAI, increasing its already significant stake in the AI startup. OpenAI is looking to raise as much as $100 billion, which could value the company at around $830 billion. SoftBank currently holds an 11% share after a previous $22.5 billion investment.

SoftBank Group plans to lay off nearly 20% of its Vision Fund employees as part of a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence investments. This move, driven by founder Masayoshi Son's vision for high-risk, high-reward projects, follows a strong quarterly performance for the fund, supported by gains in public holdings.

The $500 billion Stargate project, announced by SoftBank and OpenAI at a White House event, is struggling to launch as the companies clash over key partnership terms. Originally aiming for rapid expansion, the initiative has now scaled back plans to construct a single data center by the end of the year, likely in Ohio.