The CNBC television channel confirmed that OpenAI is negotiating to raise up to 40 billion USD in an upcoming funding round, thereby increasing the valuation of this artificial intelligence company to 340 billion USD.
CNBC also cited two close sources, stating that SoftBank, led by the "risk-taking" billionaire Masayoshi Son, will lead this funding round, contributing between 15 to 25 billion USD. With this amount, SoftBank will surpass Microsoft to become OpenAI's leading investor.
Sources also indicated that part of the investment could be used for OpenAI's commitment to Stargate, a "super project" between SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle introduced by President Donald Trump last week. This plan calls for billions of USD to be invested in the AI infrastructure of the United States.