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SoftBank’s $2 Billion Bond Sale Marks Strategic AI Push

Arslan TabishOctober 22, 2025Last Updated: October 22, 2025

3 minutes read

SoftBank Raises $2 Billion to Boost AI Investments and Growth

SoftBank raises $1.5–$2B in bonds, €500M for AI initiatives and OpenAI investments.
SoftBank plans $30 billion investment in OpenAI by 2025 amid regulatory scrutiny.
CEO Masayoshi Son aims to make SoftBank a global AI leader within the next decade.

SoftBank Group Corp., the Japanese tech conglomerate, is once again tapping the global bond market. The company seeks to raise between $1.5 billion and $2 billion to fuel its AI initiatives. This marks SoftBank’s second bond issuance this year, highlighting its commitment to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its sizable investment in OpenAI.

SoftBank also aims to secure €500 million, or roughly $580 million, through euro-denominated bonds. A representative from the company has stated that the final bond size remains undecided. No further details about the deal were shared at this time, signaling that specifics are still under review.

SoftBank’s $500B “Stargate” Push Signals Japan’s AI Power Play

Masayoshi Son, SoftBank’s founder and CEO, has pledged up to $500 billion to fund “Stargate,” a new initiative focused on AI. Earlier this year, Son committed $30 billion to invest in OpenAI, emphasizing the company’s growing interest in AI. This move strengthens SoftBank’s position as a major player in the AI space.

The fundraising campaign is part of a broader movement among Japanese companies. These companies have sold more than $100 billion of foreign debt this year, encouraged by increased takeovers and higher yields on yen bonds. Softbank’s effort to raise additional funding indicates it wants to continue competing in an increasingly huge AI market.

The company has brought in $24 billion this year, a significant accomplishment for the conglomerate. The funds were raised by borrowing and issuing bonds, one of the biggest such efforts in SoftBank’s recent history.

SoftBank Targets $30B OpenAI Investment Amid Regulatory Pressure

On October 21, SoftBank revealed plans to finalize a $30 billion investment in OpenAI by 2025. However, the company did not provide specifics on the timeline or its current stake in OpenAI. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the company’s broader strategy with the AI startup.

In addition to the new bond issuance, SoftBank previously raised $4.2 billion through bonds in dollars and euros. The $2.2 billion portion of the bonds was issued in low-rated dollar notes, while €1.7 billion came from euro bonds. This transaction drew significant interest, with $17.3 billion in bids from investors.

SoftBank’s expanding power in the world of tech hasn’t come without challenges. Its $6.5 billion deal to acquire semiconductor designer Ampere Computing has drawn antitrust concerns. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is investigating the deal for possible market domination.

SoftBank is also in discussions to obtain a $5 billion margin loan from banks around the world. This loan, secured by shares in its chip subsidiary Arm Holdings, would be used to make additional investments in OpenAI. Margin loans enable companies to borrow against their holdings and raise additional capital for aggressive expansion, an opportunity SoftBank has seized.

CEO Masayoshi Son remains steadfast in his ambition to position SoftBank as a driving force in the AI revolution. During the firm’s annual meeting in June, Son reaffirmed his vision to transform SoftBank into a global leader in artificial superintelligence within the next decade.

The company has already raised over ¥600 billion ($4.2 billion) through yen bonds this year. This sum exceeds the combined total from many other issuers in Japan’s corporate debt market. SoftBank’s ability to gather a lot of money suggests that the company is serious about banking on artificial intelligence.

SoftBank’s future, with plans to boost investments in OpenAI and other AI companies, seems focused on technology. As the company grows, its dedication to AI, however, is apparent. In the years to come, SoftBank stands to play a critical role in determining the future of AI.

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