SoftBank Group (SFTBY) has approved a second payment of $22.5 billion to finish its $30 billion investment in OpenAI (PC:OPAIQ), according to a report from The Information. The approval depends on OpenAI completing a corporate restructuring that would let the AI company shift to a for-profit structure. Once this process is done, it could also set the stage for a future public offering.
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Earlier this year, SoftBank had already agreed to provide $10 billion in April and another $30 billion in December. However, the larger amount was tied to OpenAI’s ability to change its legal setup by the end of 2025. If the company does not complete that transition, SoftBank’s total investment would drop to $20 billion. The Japanese investor’s latest approval means the deal is moving forward, as long as OpenAI meets its restructuring goals.
Meanwhile, SFTBY shares rose 4.58% on Friday, closing at $78.76.
Restructuring and Valuation
OpenAI is working to become a Public Benefit Corporation, a model that balances profit aims with broader social goals. The change requires legal approval in both California and Delaware. The restructuring is vital because it allows investors such as SoftBank and Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) to expand their stakes under a clear profit-based structure.
The deal is part of a $41 billion funding round that was first announced in April. OpenAI has reached a private market valuation of around $500 billion following an employee share sale in October. The company’s annualized revenue reached about $12 billion in mid-2025, up from $3.7 billion in 2024, mainly driven by its ChatGPT subscriptions and growing enterprise use.
SoftBank’s AI Push
SoftBank’s large investment reflects its broader strategy in AI. The company’s chief executive, Masayoshi Son, has been focusing on long-term projects tied to AI infrastructure and data centers. He also supports the so-called “Stargate Project,” a $500 billion plan to build global AI systems and infrastructure.
By completing this deal, SoftBank would become one of OpenAI’s biggest shareholders. This position would place it next to Microsoft as a leading partner in the global AI space. For now, both companies are watching OpenAI’s legal transition closely, as it will decide how soon the new funding can move ahead.
SoftBank’s Technical Outlook?
SoftBank (SFTBY) is showing strong upward momentum in its daily technicals. The overall view is a Strong Buy, with most indicators pointing to the positive. The Technical Analysis Consensus also leans Buy, backed by 4 bullish and 6 neutral signals. Meanwhile, the Moving Average Consensus supports a Strong Buy, with 11 bullish readings and only 1 bearish.
