SoftBank is trying to secure one of its biggest financing deals yet to back a large-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure venture in the United States. The project, known as “Stargate,” involves partnerships with OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX and intends to establish expansive data centers tailored to AI applications. Despite the collaboration, SoftBank remains the lead financier and is reportedly requesting a $16.5 billion bridge loan to initiate the project. If approved, the loan would be the Japanese conglomerate’s largest U.S. dollar-denominated facility and reflects the company’s broader commitment to scaling AI and robotics capabilities across American industries.
SoftBank’s financing plans mark a significant escalation from its previous initiatives in the AI space. In 2023, the company invested in regional AI startups and explored semiconductor partnerships, but Stargate represents a more centralized and capital-intensive approach. The project’s first proposed facility, a 500,000-square-foot data center in Abilene, Texas, would serve as a core infrastructure node. The broader strategy includes building multiple such centers and potentially supporting OpenAI’s record-setting $40 billion funding round.
What is Stargate and how is SoftBank involved?
Described as a multi-phase AI infrastructure program, Stargate is aimed at building large, U.S.-based data centers optimized for artificial intelligence workloads. The initiative is being developed in coordination with OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX, although SoftBank is taking the financial lead. The project was first revealed in early 2025 by former President Donald Trump and has since become a focal point of SoftBank’s U.S. investment ambitions.
What are the funding conditions tied to OpenAI’s structure?
The full funding of OpenAI’s $40 billion round is conditional upon the company converting into an independent for-profit entity by the end of 2025. If this restructuring does not occur, various reports suggest a significant reduction in investment. According to sources, the total funding could be limited to $20 billion or, under another scenario, cut by $10 billion. These stipulations are critical to the financing structure of Stargate as OpenAI’s participation influences the deployment of capital across associated infrastructure elements.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son previously announced plans to invest $100 billion in the U.S. over four years, with expectations to generate 100,000 jobs in AI-related fields. This vision appears to have expanded considerably. A more recent plan indicates a projection of up to $1 trillion in AI investments, including the development of robotic systems to support industries facing labor shortages. These efforts reflect a strategic pivot toward automation and infrastructure as integral parts of the U.S. economic fabric.
“My confidence level on the economy of the United States has tremendously increased with his victory,”
said Masayoshi Son, referring to Donald Trump’s 2024 election win.
“President Trump is a double-down president. I’m going to have to double down.”
His comments highlight political influence on SoftBank’s investment trajectory, especially in light of Trump’s backing of Stargate’s objectives.
SoftBank’s increasing focus on AI and robotics in the U.S. represents a significant shift from its earlier technology portfolio, which included heavy stakes in companies like ARM and WeWork. Stargate, however, aligns with global trends where tech giants and investment firms are intensifying efforts in AI infrastructure. While the project’s scale and funding requirements are ambitious, its success remains closely tied to regulatory changes, OpenAI’s internal restructuring, and broader economic factors. The rapid pace at which the company has moved to secure financial backing suggests a strong commitment but also exposes it to execution risks.
