Archive · 9 Oct 2026
SoftBank Reportedly Seeks $100 Billion Gulf Funding for AI
A report says SoftBank leader Masayoshi Son is talking with investors in the Gulf about raising as much as $100 billion.
The money could go into a fund that buys companies.
The fund would then try to help those companies use AI and other advanced technology.
The plan is still being discussed, and it is not known whether all the money will be raised or when investing might begin.
SoftBank recently completed a $30 billion investment in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT.
It also raised $11.1 billion by selling bonds last month.
SoftBank has not publicly commented on the reported plan, and Reuters has not independently verified it.
Financial Times reports that SoftBank chief Masayoshi Son is seeking up to $100 billion from Gulf investors.
The proposed fund would acquire businesses and use AI and other advanced technologies to improve their operations.
Son reportedly held discussions in recent weeks with senior Gulf figures, including in the United Arab Emirates.
SoftBank recently completed a $30 billion investment in OpenAI and raised $11.1 billion through a bond sale last month.
The fundraising plan remains unconfirmed; Reuters has not independently verified it, and SoftBank has not commented publicly.
- Who
- SoftBank chief executive Masayoshi Son and potential Gulf investors
- What
- A reported effort to raise up to $100 billion for a fund to acquire businesses and improve their operations using AI and other advanced technologies
- When
- Discussions reportedly took place in recent weeks
- Where
- The Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates
- Why
- To finance a new wave of AI-related investments and apply advanced technologies to businesses
Potential opportunity
Uncertainty
Scope of the proposed fund
Potential opportunity
The fund could let SoftBank invest in businesses and use AI and other advanced technologies to improve how they operate.
Uncertainty
The strategy and potential applications are not confirmed, and the report does not identify specific targets.
Fundraising prospects
Potential opportunity
Gulf capital could provide another source of financing for SoftBank's AI ambitions.
Uncertainty
The fundraising remains at the discussion stage; it is unknown whether the full amount will be raised or when investing could start.
- Reported fundraising target
- Up to $100 billion
- Reported source of capital
- Gulf investors
- Proposed fund strategy
- Acquire companies and improve their operations using AI and other advanced technologies
- OpenAI investment
- SoftBank announced completion of a $30 billion investment
- Bond sale
- SoftBank raised $11.1 billion last month through a high-yield corporate bond sale
- Verification status
- The fundraising report has not been independently verified by Reuters; SoftBank has not publicly commented
- Plan status
- Reportedly at the discussion stage; timing and whether the full amount will be raised are unknown