Yazılar

SoftBank and OpenAI to Build AI Data Center in Japan

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SoftBank is set to transform a former Sharp LCD panel plant in Osaka, Japan, into a state-of-the-art AI data center in collaboration with OpenAI, the U.S.-based creator of ChatGPT, according to a Nikkei report. The project, expected to cost around 100 billion yen ($677 million), will repurpose the closed factory and surrounding land for cutting-edge AI operations.

The new data center is slated to begin operations in 2026 and will become one of Japan’s largest facilities, with an impressive power capacity of 150 megawatts. This venture aims to commercialize OpenAI’s advanced AI agent model in Japan, allowing for the training of the model using client companies’ data and providing customized AI agents for specific needs.

The total investment in the project could reach as high as 1 trillion yen ($6.77 billion), signaling the significant scale and ambition behind the partnership. The collaboration reflects SoftBank’s ongoing commitment to leading in the AI space and OpenAI’s growing influence in the global AI landscape.

Neither SoftBank nor OpenAI has responded to requests for comment from Reuters at the time of the report.

Terabase Energy Secures $130 Million to Expand Solar Technology Deployment

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Terabase Energy, a company specializing in solar technology, announced on Thursday that it has raised $130 million in funding, led by SoftBank, to scale its operations and expand the deployment of its solar technology for large projects. This funding round is the largest in the company’s history, bringing its total funding to $200 million. While the company did not disclose its valuation during this round, the investment highlights strong investor confidence in its future.

Despite solar and energy storage accounting for 84% of new electricity generation capacity added to the U.S. power grid in 2024, the sector is facing challenges due to new U.S. energy policies that continue to support fossil fuels. Additionally, venture funding in the U.S. has been relatively quiet in early 2025, with a few AI-focused companies capturing most of the spotlight.

Terabase Energy’s platform collaborates with solar power plant developers, engineers, and construction firms, streamlining processes through workflow digitalization and automation. The company plans to use part of its new funding to enhance its robotics-assisted assembly line, Terafab, designed to alleviate “bottlenecks in construction speed and workforce limitations.”

In addition, Terabase operates PlantPredict, a solar modeling software, and Construct, a construction management platform. Kentaro Matsui, managing partner at SoftBank Global Advisers, highlighted that the surge in energy demand, particularly from AI data centers, underscores the need for scalable and sustainable solutions.

SoftBank, which is known for financing early-stage technology companies, also supported Terabase through its Vision Fund 2. Other existing investors in the company include Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Fifth Wall, SJF Ventures, and EDP Ventures.

GoTo Achieves First Full-Year Profit, Targets Strong Growth in 2025

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Indonesia’s largest tech conglomerate, PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia (GoTo), has reported its first-ever full-year underlying profit and forecasted significant growth for 2025. The company, which operates in ride-hailing, food delivery, logistics, and financial services, expects a sharp increase in its core earnings (adjusted EBITDA) next year.

Financial Milestones

  • 2024 underlying profit: 327 billion rupiah (~$20 million), reversing a 3.67 trillion rupiah loss from the previous year.
  • 2025 adjusted EBITDA forecast: 1.4 trillion to 1.6 trillion rupiah (~$85-97 million), signaling a sharp profitability surge.
  • Financial technology segment: Earnings soared 70% in 2024, driven by GoPay’s expanding user base and growing loan book.

CEO’s Outlook

GoTo Group CEO Patrick Walujo attributed the strong performance to rising user numbers and growing demand across its digital services. “We saw a significant increase in our user numbers throughout the year and expect this to continue into 2025,” he stated.

Merger Speculation

Amid industry consolidation rumors, GoTo was linked to a potential merger with Southeast Asian rival Grab. While the company denied any active talks, Walujo signaled openness to deals that enhance shareholder returns in the long term.

Backed by SoftBank Group and Singapore’s GIC, GoTo continues to solidify its position as a dominant player in Southeast Asia’s digital economy, with a strong focus on profitability and expansion in 2025.