SoftBank plans $40 billion investment in OpenAI, valuing it at $260 billion, sources say

SoftBank is nearing a $40 billion primary investment in OpenAI, valuing the AI company at $260 billion pre-money and $300 billion post-money, according to CNBC’s David Faber. Payments are expected over the next 12-24 months, starting as soon as this spring. SoftBank also has the option to syndicate up to $10 billion of the total amount.

If completed, this investment would make SoftBank the leading backer of OpenAI, surpassing Microsoft. OpenAI was last valued at $157 billion by private investors in October 2024. The deal, which initially anticipated a $340 billion valuation, is now expected to settle closer to $300 billion.