SoftBank could invest $500 million in OpenAI, new report says

SoftBank's Vision Fund is set to make a significant leap into the artificial intelligence space by investing $500 million in OpenAI, according to a Reuters report originally attributed to The Information. If this happens, it would be the first major investment from SoftBank in the AI company, led by Sam Altman, and will be a part of OpenAI’s ongoing funding round.

OpenAI, which became a household name after launching generative AI chatbot ChatGPT, has been at the centre of the AI boom. The company is currently raising $6.5 billion through convertible notes, a financial instrument that allows investors to convert their debt into equity at a later date. This funding round could push OpenAI’s valuation to an impressive $150 billion, though this is before the anticipated SoftBank infusion.

However, this valuation is not without challenges. OpenAI is in the process of a corporate restructuring, which is crucial to attracting future investments. Currently, the company operates under a non-profit structure, with a cap on investor profits. But recent reports suggest that OpenAI is working to transition into a for-profit entity, a move that would remove this cap and offer more flexibility to investors. This restructuring is seen as a pivotal moment for the company’s future growth and valuation prospects. The Information also reports that OpenAI is considering granting CEO Sam Altman a 7% equity stake as part of its restructuring efforts to transition into a for-profit company.

Interestingly, despite the buzz around this massive funding round, Apple has reportedly decided not to participate, according to earlier reports. Apple’s decision to step back leaves the field open for other major players, with SoftBank now seizing the opportunity.

As SoftBank looks to make its first foray into OpenAI’s ecosystem, the investment signals the company’s confidence in the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. If OpenAI succeeds in restructuring, it could unlock a new wave of investment, further pushing the boundaries of AI innovation.

(With Reuters inputs)