SoftBank's Masayoshi Son seeks $100 billion for AI bets

SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is seeking up to $100 billion from investors in the Gulf region to fund more AI investments. In recent weeks, he has discussed the plan with senior figures, including from the UAE.

He has already invested $65 billion in OpenAI. With OpenAI delaying its IPO and reporting lower revenue than disclosed, some investors worry SoftBank has too much at stake in AI.

The new money would fund a vehicle that buys companies first, then uses AI and other tech to improve them. SoftBank also raised over $11 billion from junk bonds last month, with yields up to 9.75%.

SoftBank shares are up 25% this year but down more than 30% from their June peak. Analysts warn its heavy bets are tied to OpenAI, so a value drop could trigger a "quite serious" chain reaction.