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SoftBank in Talks to Lead OpenAI Funding Round at $300 Billion Valuation

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SoftBank Group is in negotiations to lead a funding round for OpenAI, which could raise up to $40 billion, placing the artificial intelligence developer’s valuation at $300 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. This potential round, which could set a record for a private company’s single funding round, is in the wake of growing competition from Chinese startup DeepSeek. DeepSeek’s new, affordable AI model has disrupted expectations about the costs of developing and deploying AI.

As part of the funding, SoftBank has valued OpenAI at $260 billion, a significant increase from its valuation of $150 billion just a few months ago. This funding is expected to be in the form of convertible notes, and similar to OpenAI’s previous round, it is contingent upon restructuring the company to remove control from its non-profit arm.

Leading the round would be a bold move for SoftBank, which has roughly $30 billion in cash to invest. While neither SoftBank nor OpenAI has commented on the discussions, it is believed that SoftBank could contribute between $15 billion and $25 billion directly into OpenAI. This money may also go towards OpenAI’s commitment to Stargate, a joint venture with Oracle and SoftBank aimed at helping the U.S. maintain a competitive edge in the global AI race, with plans for up to $500 billion in investments.

Despite the funding talks, DeepSeek’s low-cost AI model has raised concerns within the AI sector. The startup, using Nvidia H800 chips, developed its DeepSeek-V3 model for less than $6 million, spurring questions about whether OpenAI and other labs can retain their dominance as competition intensifies from more affordable alternatives.

 

Trump Media Expands into FinTech with Truth.Fi Amid Crypto Surge

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Truth Social’s parent company, Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), has announced the launch of Truth.Fi, a financial services and FinTech brand, as it seeks to capitalize on the booming cryptocurrency market.

Key Highlights:

  • Truth.Fi Launch & Market Reaction:
    • TMTG’s board has approved the launch of Truth.Fi, expanding its financial services footprint.
    • The announcement sent shares soaring over 11% in early trading.
  • Investment Strategy:
    • The board authorized a $250 million investment through Charles Schwab to diversify cash holdings.
    • Assets will be allocated across ETFs, separately managed accounts (SMAs), Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies.
  • Political & Market Context:
    • The move follows Donald Trump’s return to the White House and the election of pro-crypto lawmakers.
    • Trump has championed digital assets, aiming to establish the U.S. as the “crypto capital of the planet.”
  • Implementation & Future Plans:
    • SMAs will be developed with Charles Schwab, which will advise on investment strategy.
    • Truth.Fi products and services are set to roll out in 2025, pending regulatory approvals.
  • Expanding Business Ventures:
    • TMTG has also entered the streaming industry with Truth+ Streaming, launched last year.
    • The company reported a $19 million Q3 loss in 2023, attributed to legal fees and streaming costs.

TMTG’s move into FinTech and cryptocurrency aligns with its broader strategy of leveraging political momentum to expand its digital footprint.

Trump Announces $500 Billion AI Investment with OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle

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President Donald Trump unveiled a major artificial intelligence initiative on Tuesday, with OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle teaming up to form a joint venture called Stargate. The venture aims to invest $500 billion into AI infrastructure, marking a significant step forward in the development of AI technologies.

Key Points:

  • Joint Venture Stargate: OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle have joined forces to create Stargate, a collaborative venture that will focus on enhancing AI infrastructure. The $500 billion investment is set to drive advancements in AI technology and its applications across various industries.
  • Trump’s Support: President Trump expressed his commitment to facilitating the venture through emergency orders, aiming to streamline processes and provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the project.
  • Strategic Significance: This investment marks a significant development in the growing AI sector, as these major players look to capitalize on the increasing demand for artificial intelligence capabilities. The collaboration between tech giants OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle is expected to shape the future of AI innovation.