SoftBank Group is a Japanese multinational conglomerate holding company that focuses on investment management.
According to the Financial Times, sources revealed that SoftBank Group plans to establish and list in the U.S. an independent intelligent robotics and data center company named “Roze.” SoftBank aims to take Roze public this year, targeting a valuation of $100 billion. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son is spearheading this initiative, which seeks to recoup the company’s multibillion-dollar investments in artificial intelligence. SoftBank has been steadily increasing its debt, while Son endeavors to position himself as a pivotal figure in the global AI boom—having made massive investments in OpenAI.
According to Bloomberg, SoftBank Group is seeking a $10 billion margin loan secured by its stake in OpenAI, with a two-year term and an option to extend for one additional year. This move aims to fund SoftBank’s continued expansion in the artificial intelligence sector.
According to Jiji Press, SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony Group have jointly established a new company named “Japan AI Foundation Model Development,” aiming to advance the development of domestically produced AI foundation models. The company plans to assemble approximately 100 AI developers, with its president appointed from SoftBank’s executive ranks. In addition to the four founding companies, Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Mizuho Bank are also participating as investors. SoftBank and NEC will lead development efforts, while Honda will apply the outcomes in autonomous driving. Preferred Networks is also involved. The company intends to widely open access to its AI technologies to Japanese enterprises beyond its investors and expand into robotics AI. If selected by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), the company expects to receive ¥1 trillion (approximately RMB 43 billion) in government support over five years starting in fiscal year 2026.
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Foundation
Steel