SoftBank Seeks $100 Billion From Gulf Investors to Expand Its AI Investment Strategy

SoftBank Group founder Masayoshi Son is seeking to raise as much as $100 billion from investors in the Gulf region to finance a new wave of artificial intelligence investments, according to a report by the Financial Times published on October 9, 2026. The Japanese technology investment group has reportedly held discussions with senior figures in the United Arab Emirates and potentially other Gulf countries as Son looks to secure additional capital for his ambitious AI strategy. The proposed fundraising could become one of the largest private investment initiatives focused on artificial intelligence if successful. Source: Financial Times.

The money would reportedly be used to establish a new investment fund that would acquire companies and improve their operations using AI, robotics and other advanced technologies. The fundraising plan comes as SoftBank increases its exposure to OpenAI and other AI-related businesses while navigating questions about financing costs, technology valuations and the timing of OpenAI’s potential public listing. The discussions remain preliminary, and there is no guarantee that SoftBank will secure the full amount. The company has declined to comment on the reported fundraising effort, according to Reuters. Source: Reuters.

SoftBank’s $100 Billion AI Fund Plan Explained

The proposed fund would represent another major step in Son’s strategy to position SoftBank at the centre of the global AI industry. Rather than investing exclusively in companies that develop AI models, the reported plan would focus on acquiring businesses and using advanced technology to improve how they operate.

This approach could involve deploying AI tools across business functions such as manufacturing, logistics, customer service, software development and administration. Robotics could also play a role in automating physical tasks that have traditionally required human labour.

The strategy reflects Son’s belief that AI will transform not only the technology sector but also traditional industries. Businesses that successfully integrate AI could potentially improve productivity, reduce operating costs and develop new products and services.

However, the approach also carries significant risks. Buying companies requires substantial upfront capital, and operational improvements can take years to produce measurable financial returns. The success of the proposed fund would depend on the acquisition prices, the quality of the businesses selected and SoftBank’s ability to implement AI effectively.

The reported $100 billion target is a fundraising ambition, not confirmed capital already secured. The final size, structure, investment timeline and participation of individual Gulf investors remain uncertain.

Why SoftBank Is Turning to Gulf Investors

Gulf countries have become increasingly important sources of capital for the global technology industry. Governments and sovereign wealth funds in the region are investing in AI infrastructure, digital businesses and advanced technologies as they seek to diversify economies that have historically depended heavily on oil and gas.

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a particularly active investor through organisations such as Mubadala and AI-focused investment vehicles. Saudi Arabia has also deployed substantial capital through its Public Investment Fund and other investment initiatives.

SoftBank has an established history of raising money from the region. When it launched its first $100 billion Vision Fund in 2017, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund committed $45 billion, while Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala committed $15 billion, according to reporting by The Information. Source: The Information.

The earlier fundraising demonstrated how Gulf capital could support large-scale technology investments. A new fund of comparable size could provide SoftBank with additional financial resources to pursue acquisitions and expand its AI portfolio.

For Gulf investors, the attraction lies in gaining exposure to technologies that could reshape industries worldwide. For SoftBank, the region offers potential access to investors with the financial capacity to support long-term, capital-intensive projects.

Nevertheless, the current discussions do not establish that any Gulf government or sovereign wealth fund has committed money to the proposed vehicle.

OpenAI Investment Increases SoftBank’s AI Exposure

SoftBank’s fundraising ambitions must be viewed alongside its growing investment in OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT.

Reuters reported that SoftBank completed a $30 billion investment in OpenAI in connection with the AI company’s latest fundraising round. This forms part of a broader commitment that has brought SoftBank’s reported exposure to OpenAI to nearly $65 billion. Source: Reuters.

The investment reflects Son’s conviction that advanced AI systems will become foundational technology for businesses and consumers. OpenAI’s products have helped popularise generative AI, while the company continues to invest in models, computing infrastructure and commercial services.

However, the concentration also creates financial risk. A significant portion of SoftBank’s investment strategy is tied to the future value of AI companies, particularly OpenAI. Changes in investor sentiment, revenue growth, operating expenses or the timing of a potential public listing could affect valuations and SoftBank’s financial flexibility.

The Financial Times report noted that concerns about OpenAI’s anticipated initial public offering and its revenue trajectory have contributed to questions about SoftBank’s ability to continue making large investments.

For Son, raising external capital could help expand the investment programme without relying exclusively on SoftBank’s own balance sheet. For potential investors, however, the challenge will be evaluating whether the expected returns justify the risks associated with a rapidly evolving technology market.

SoftBank Raises Billions Through Bond Markets

The proposed Gulf fundraising also comes after SoftBank accessed debt markets to support its AI investment strategy.

Reuters reported that SoftBank raised $11.1 billion through a high-yield corporate bond sale in September 2026. The financing was described as the largest high-yield corporate bond offering globally, highlighting the scale of the company’s funding requirements as it expands its AI commitments.

Borrowing allows a company to raise capital without immediately issuing additional equity, but it also creates interest and repayment obligations. High-yield debt generally carries greater financing costs because investors demand additional compensation for taking on credit risk.

SoftBank has used several methods to finance its investments, including equity investments, asset-backed borrowing and debt issuance. Its ability to continue doing so depends partly on the value of its holdings, its cash position and investor confidence in its long-term strategy.

A successful fundraising effort involving Gulf investors could provide a different source of capital for future acquisitions. However, a large new fund would not automatically eliminate SoftBank’s existing financial risks or guarantee that its AI investments will generate attractive returns.

Roze Could Play a Key Role in the Strategy

SoftBank’s robotics and physical AI business, Roze, is expected to play a significant role in the reported investment plan.

Physical AI combines artificial intelligence with systems that interact with the real world, including robots and automated machinery. Unlike software-only applications, these technologies can be used in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and other environments where physical tasks must be performed.

The reported strategy would involve using AI and advanced technologies to improve the operations of acquired businesses. Roze could potentially support that effort by providing robotics capabilities and technology for industrial applications.

SoftBank has also been exploring plans to take Roze public in the United States, according to reporting by The Financial Times. The timing and terms of any listing have not been confirmed in the available reports.

If the broader acquisition strategy proceeds, integrating robotics with AI-enabled business operations could become an important part of SoftBank’s investment thesis. Yet deploying such systems at scale can be challenging because companies must address implementation costs, workforce training, safety, reliability and integration with existing equipment.

The commercial impact will depend on whether the technology delivers measurable improvements in productivity and profitability.

Lessons From SoftBank’s Earlier Investment Strategy

SoftBank’s history demonstrates both the potential rewards and the risks of investing large sums in technology companies.

The first Vision Fund backed major businesses, including ByteDance, but also suffered high-profile setbacks. Among the most prominent was WeWork, the shared-office company that filed for bankruptcy in 2023 after years of expansion and financial difficulties.

These experiences have made investment discipline and valuation important considerations for SoftBank and its potential financial partners. Large funding pools can help companies move quickly, but they can also encourage aggressive valuations and investments that are difficult to reverse.

AI presents a different opportunity because it has applications across a wide range of industries. However, the long-term winners are not yet fully established, and intense competition could put pressure on prices, margins and returns.

Potential Gulf investors are therefore likely to weigh the opportunity to participate in AI’s expansion against the execution risks and uncertain timing of financial returns.

The Bigger Picture

SoftBank’s reported $100 billion fundraising plan highlights the growing role of sovereign wealth and institutional capital in financing the global AI race. Gulf investors are looking to diversify their portfolios and participate in transformative technologies, while SoftBank is seeking the financial resources to expand beyond its existing investments.

The proposed fund would also reflect a broader shift in AI investment: from financing model developers and computing infrastructure towards acquiring traditional businesses and using AI to improve their operations. Whether this strategy succeeds will depend on implementation, acquisition valuations and the ability to convert technological advances into sustainable earnings.

Looking Ahead

The next important development will be whether SoftBank turns its preliminary discussions with Gulf investors into formal commitments. The final amount raised, the identities of participating investors and the fund’s investment structure will determine how much additional capital becomes available to Son’s AI strategy. Until those details are confirmed, the $100 billion figure should be treated as a reported target rather than a completed transaction.

For the wider AI industry, the plan signals that competition for capital is intensifying as companies seek funding for acquisitions, infrastructure, robotics and advanced AI systems. SoftBank’s existing exposure to OpenAI and its experience with large investment funds make the initiative significant, but investors will ultimately judge it by the returns generated. The balance between ambitious technology spending and financial discipline will remain central to the outcome.