Softbank plans $100B investment in US AI infrastructure by 2028

On December 16, Softbank Group CEO Masayoshi Son revealed that the company would be investing $100 billion in the United States to build artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.

The announcement was made at President-elect Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump stated that this investment would create 100,000 jobs related to AI, although specific details on the job creation remain unclear.

During the announcement, Son and Trump joked about increasing the initial investment amount, with Son referring to Trump as a "great negotiator" and promising to "try and make it happen."

Son and Trump have a long-standing relationship, having previously collaborated in 2016, when Softbank pledged $50 billion for U.S. infrastructure with the goal of creating 50,000 jobs.

While it remains unclear if these jobs were realised, a CNBC report confirmed that the funds were disbursed by 2020.

Under Trump’s second administration, Softbank is expected to face fewer restrictions in terms of foreign trade and investment.

Trump has vowed to streamline banking regulators and fast-track investments over $1 billion, potentially easing environmental impact regulations.

The announcement comes at a time when Softbank is experiencing a resurgence.

The firm, which lost nearly 99% of its value during the dot-com bubble, has recovered significantly, in part due to strategic AI investments, such as its $1.5 billion stake in OpenAI in November 2024.

Despite setbacks, including significant losses from WeWork, Softbank currently holds around $175 billion in assets.

The full $100 billion investment is expected to be completed by 2028, according to Son and Trump.