SoftBank considers issuing $10-20 billion in bonds to refinance OpenAI investments

SoftBank Group is in discussions with investment banks to issue bonds valued between $10 billion and $20 billion, potentially starting as early as September. The bonds, denominated in US dollars and euros, aim to refinance loans tied to its investments in OpenAI. Part of the proceeds will be used to repay a $4 billion bridge loan obtained earlier this year for the OpenAI investment. The scale, timing, and structure of the bond issuance are still under review, with the final plan subject to adjustments. SoftBank has been actively expanding its investments in artificial intelligence, with OpenAI considered a core asset in its AI strategy. The company previously arranged a large-scale financing plan to support its OpenAI investment, including the $4 billion bridge loan. The potential bond issuance highlights SoftBank's strategy to optimize its funding structure for AI investments through long-term debt, allowing continued investment in AI firms while reducing short-term financial pressure. As global tech giants intensify their focus on AI infrastructure and ecosystems, significant capital investment in the field is driving companies to explore diverse financing options.