SoftBank’s $100B US Pledge Will Target AI Development in 2025 and Beyond

Key Takeaways

• SoftBank plans to invest $100 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.
• The Japanese investor has already backed American AI firms, including Boston Dynamics and OpenAI.
• CEO Masayoshi Son is expected to announce the funding alongside President-Elect Donald Trump at Mar a Lago on Monday, Dec. 16.

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son is set to announce plans to invest $100 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.

As reported by CNBC, the Japanese investor will announce the funding alongside President-Elect Donald Trump at Mar a Lago on Monday, Dec. 16.

Masayoshi Son to Announce $100B US Funding

While the details remain unclear, CNBC reported that SoftBank hopes to create 100,000 jobs focused on artificial intelligence and related infrastructure through its investment.

SoftBank’s Vision Fund, which has previously backed companies like OpenAI and Nvidia, is likely to play a significant role in channeling the planned investments.

Other potential sources of funding include Arm Holdings, which SoftBank owns, or any one of dozens of other technology companies it has a stake in.

SoftBank AI Spending Spree

SoftBank has long championed AI as the cornerstone of future technological advancements and has consistently invested AI startups and established firms working on the technology.

Noteworthy investments it has made in the space include the robotics manufacturer Boston Dynamics, which it holds a 20 percent stake in.

More recently, the Japanese firm has thrown its weight behind OpenAI, contributing $500 billion to its latest funding round.

American AI Leadership

SoftBank’s latest commitment to the U.S. AI industry reflects confidence in the country’s continued leadership in the space.

At a time when Trump is maneuvering to cement American AI dominance, the symbolism of him joining Son to announce the latest investment speaks volumes.

Trump has emphasized AI’s role in escalating trade and geopolitical tensions with China. As he prepares to take office in January, Son’s latest announcement amounts to a vote of confidence in U.S. innovation and could help catalyze new breakthroughs in the ongoing AI race.