オプションチェーンは、SoftBank Groupの株式オプションの主要データを様々な行使価格と満期日で表示します。トレーダーはこの情報を使用して、潜在的な取引を分析し、SoftBank Groupの市場センチメントを評価します。.

SoftBank Group (OTC:SFTBY) 株価情報, オプションチェーン

SOFTBANK CP UNSP ADR

SoftBank Group

SoftBank is a Japan-based telecom and e-commerce conglomerate that has expanded mainly through acquisitions, and its key assets include a 40%-owned mobile and fixed broadband telecom operator business in Japan. It also owns 90% of semiconductor chip designer Arm Holdings following the 2023 IPO of this business, and has a vast portfolio of mainly internet- and e-commerce-focused early-stage investments. It is also general partner of the $100 billion SoftBank Vision Fund 1 and sole investor in SoftBank Vision Fund 2, both of which primarily invest in pre-IPO internet and AI companies.

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ソフトバンク (OTC:SFTBY)がパープレキシティ(Perplexity)と契約、パープレキシティ・エンタープライズ・プロ(Perplexity Enterprise Pro）の正規代理店として、7,000人のメンバーからなる営業チームを動員して日本の企業への導入を加速させる。

ソフトバンクがパープレキシティの再販契約、7,000人の営業メンバーで導入促進

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日本の投資巨大企業、ソフトバンク・グループ（OTC：SFTBY）（OTC：SFTBF）の株価が大幅に下落する中、同社は人工知能へのコミットを再確認しました。

日本通信大手ソフトバンク　株価下落も人工知能への投資拡大

SOFTBANK GRP UNSP/ADR by Softbank Group Corp

SoftBank Group Corp

SoftBank Group Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/softbank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eying an investment</a> of more than $1 trillion to create industrial parks for artificial intelligence across the U.S., Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-28/softbank-may-pledge-1-trillion-for-ai-effort-in-us-nikkei-says?sref=TBDibEcD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cites</a> a Nikkei report on Friday.
Founder and CEO Masayoshi Son will likely visit the U.S. to discuss his ideas for such industrial parks.
The factories would likely use AI-equipped robots operating autonomously due to the labor crisis.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43676475/softbank-backed-arm-holdings-155-post-ipo-surge-bolstered-by-ai-growth-and-smartphone-integration" rel="noreferrer noopener">Softbank-Backed Arm Holdings 155% Post-IPO Surge Bolstered by AI Growth and Smartphone Integration</a>
Son tapped OpenAI and Oracle Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) in January for a $100 billion joint venture to fund AI infrastructure in the U.S/, with plans to boost that to at least $500 billion for data centers and physical campuses.
OpenAI and Oracle <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44327422/softbank-to-build-676-million-ai-data-center-in-japan-linked-to-openai-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plan to begin</a> filling a new data center in Texas with AI chips from NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) to get the first facility for their $100 billion Stargate infrastructure venture up and running.
Reportedly, SoftBank may become <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44513286/softbank-may-want-to-outdo-microsoft-with-40-billion-investment-in-openais-latest-funding-round" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpenAI's top backer</a>, investing up to $25 billion, surpassing Microsoft's $14 billion stake. The deal could value OpenAI&nbsp;at $300 billion compared to its&nbsp;previous valuation of $157 billion in the October funding round.
SoftBank will commit an initial $7.5 billion to the company and $2.5 billion from an investor syndicate. The second tranche of $30 billion will include $22.5 billion from SoftBank and $7.5 billion from a syndicate.
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SoftBank Looks At Investing $1 Trillion For US AI Push With Robot-Run Industrial Parks

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) is exploring the development of its own <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/microsoft" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-performance artificial intelligence</a> platform model, Nikkei Asia <a target="_blank" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/Microsoft-mulls-developing-own-high-end-generative-AI-CEO-Nadella" rel="noreferrer noopener">cited</a> CEO Satya Nadella on Thursday.
Nadella shared plans to build its capability to complement what it had been doing with OpenAI. Microsoft plans to offer such technology through its business software lest it adds value to customers.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44515782/microsoft-halts-expansion-plans-yet-analysts-still-rank-it-among-top-investment-picks" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Halts Expansion Plans, Yet Analysts Still Rank It Among Top Investment Picks</a>
While Microsoft has been leveraging the OpenAI-developed generative AI ChatGPT technology, having its proprietary platform will make it easier to provide services optimized for its business software.
As of Thursday, OpenAI&nbsp;inched <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44513286/softbank-may-want-to-outdo-microsoft-with-40-billion-investment-in-openais-latest-funding-round" rel="noreferrer noopener">closer to&nbsp;finalizing</a> a $40 billion funding round led by&nbsp;SoftBank Group Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>).
The deal could value OpenAI&nbsp;at $300 billion compared to its&nbsp;previous valuation of $157 billion in the October funding round.
SoftBank will commit an initial $7.5 billion to the company and $2.5 billion from an investor syndicate. The second tranche of $30 billion will include $22.5 billion from SoftBank and $7.5 billion from a syndicate.
Reportedly, OpenAI and Microsoft are facing tensions in their partnership due to financial strain and rising expenses at OpenAI. OpenAI requested Microsoft for additional funding and computing power, but Microsoft has been hesitant since OpenAI's leadership changes.&nbsp;
OpenAI expects to more than triple its revenue in 2025 to $12.7 billion versus $3.7 billion in 2024. Sales are expected to proliferate to $29.4 billion in 2026. Still, OpenAI doesn't expect a positive cash flow until 2029, when it projects revenue to top $125 billion.
A lot has been brewing in the AI space. The emergence of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44511372/alibaba-strikes-back-new-ai-model-takes-on-deepseek-amid-1-trillion-tech-shakeup" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese AI startup</a>&nbsp;DeepSeek&nbsp;and claims of affordable AI models led to&nbsp;Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) losing $600 billion in market cap in&nbsp;a single day. DeepSeek's AI model fueled a domestic price war, prompting Chinese Big Tech companies to roll out affordable AI models.
Price Action: MSFT stock is up 0.40% at $391.54 at the last check on Thursday.
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Microsoft Plans Proprietary AI To Power Business Software And Reduce OpenAI Dependence: Report

ChatGPT parent OpenAI&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/openai" rel="noreferrer noopener">inched closer to</a> finalizing a $40 billion funding round as of Thursday, led by&nbsp;SoftBank Group Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) and investors&nbsp;Magnetar Capital,&nbsp;Coatue Management,&nbsp;Founders Fund, and&nbsp;Altimeter Capital Management.
Magnetar Capital could contribute up to $1 billion, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-26/openai-close-to-finalizing-its-40-billion-softbank-led-funding?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
The deal could value the company&nbsp;at $300 billion compared to its&nbsp;previous valuation of $157 billion in the October funding round.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44163030/chatgpt-parent-openais-specialized-ai-agents-could-cost-up-to-20-thousand-per-month-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">ChatGPT Parent OpenAI&#8217;s Specialized AI Agents Could Cost Up To $20 Thousand Per Month: report</a>
SoftBank will commit an initial $7.5 billion to the company and $2.5 billion from an investor syndicate. According to the report, the second tranche of $30 billion will include $22.5 billion from SoftBank and $7.5 billion from a syndicate.
SoftBank&nbsp;is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43327823/softbank-eyes-historic-25-billion-investment-in-openai-poised-to-dethrone-microsoft-as-chatgpt-parents-biggest-investor" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly negotiating an</a> investment of $15 billion—$25 billion in&nbsp;OpenAI, making it the largest investor in the&nbsp;ChatGPT&nbsp;creator. This would surpass&nbsp;Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), which has&nbsp;invested nearly $14 billion.
Reportedly, OpenAI and Microsoft negotiated to convert Microsoft&#8217;s $14 billion investment in OpenAI into equity in the AI company.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41407196/openais-for-profit-structure-adds-valuation-complexity-to-microsoft-and-other-equity-investors-repor" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reports also indicated</a> that OpenAI and Microsoft are facing tensions in their partnership due to financial strain and rising expenses at OpenAI. OpenAI asked Microsoft for additional funding and computing power, but Microsoft has been hesitant since OpenAI&#8217;s leadership changes. OpenAI&#8217;s projected computing expenses could reach $37.5 billion annually by 2029.
Separately, SoftBank has committed billions to the Stargate Project, a Texas-based joint venture with partners including OpenAI,&nbsp;Oracle Corp, and MGX.
OpenAI expects to more than triple its revenue this year to $12.7 billion. In 2024, it generated $3.7 billion in revenue. OpenAI expects sales to proliferate to $29.4 billion in 2026.
Still, OpenAI doesn&#8217;t expect to be cash-flow positive until 2029, when it projects revenue to top $125 billion as it grapples with AI development costs.
As of February, SoftBank committed&nbsp;$40 billion in OpenAI at a $260 billion valuation, CNBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/26/openai-expects-revenue-will-triple-to-12point7-billion-this-year-sources-say.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>. It expects to earmark part of the funding to OpenAI&#8217;s commitment to Stargate.
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SoftBank May Want To Outdo Microsoft With $40 Billion Investment in OpenAI's Latest Funding Round

Perplexity is intensifying competition in the artificial intelligence search market, challenging Alphabet Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) dominance. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas stated on X Tuesday that &#8220;Native transactions are the best way to go after the AdWords revenue.&#8221; He believes this approach, though complex to implement seamlessly, is <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/02/43488268/googles-gemini-ai-could-soon-include-adssundar-pichai-hints-at-future-monetization-beyond-subscriptions">crucial for competing with Google</a>.
What Happened: Srinivas announced Perplexity&#8217;s introduction of answer modes to improve its core search product for specific verticals like travel, shopping, places, images, videos, and jobs. He highlighted the travel vertical, where Perplexity now enables native hotel bookings, a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40972869/jeff-bezos-backed-perplexity-ai-in-discussion-with-marriott-and-nike-as-it-prepares-to-challenge-to">feature developed in collaboration</a> with TripAdvisor and Selfbook. 
Srinivas emphasized the importance of moving beyond text-based answers to structured responses for verticals with entities like images, videos, and transactional capabilities. &#8220;Going beyond answering a wall of text and being good at structured answers for verticals with entities like images, videos, cards with built-in commercial transactions is a necessary step for being a daily-usage product and taking on Google,&#8221; he said.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Native transactions are the best way to go after the AdWords revenue. It will take a while to get right and make it seamless. Google is positioned in an evil but legal way to claim maximum credit for any brand awareness that another platform (research or social) provides users. <a href="https://t.co/rUA7R3mEzw">https://t.co/rUA7R3mEzw</a>
&mdash; Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) <a href="https://twitter.com/AravSrinivas/status/1904652822156894335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
This development comes as Alphabet reported that its AI-powered search features are generating revenue at similar rates to traditional search results. During <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43485518/google-ais-search-revenue-matches-traditional-ads-says-alphabet-but-there-is-rising-competition-from-openai-perplexity-deepseek">Alphabet's fourth-quarter 2024 earnings call</a>, Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler stated that AI overviews are delivering revenue &#8220;at approximately the same rate&#8221; as conventional search results. 
This is significant, as search advertising remains Alphabet&#8217;s largest revenue source, generating $54 billion in the fourth quarter, a 13% year-over-year increase.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/25/03/44486235/chinas-milk-tea-chain-chagee-files-for-nasdaq-ipo-under-cha-taking-on-starbucks-in-growing-market">China&#8217;s Milk Tea Chain Chagee Files For Nasdaq IPO Under &#8216;CHA,&#8217; Taking On Starbucks In Growing Market</a>
Why It Matters: Alphabet faces growing competition from companies like OpenAI, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) with its AI-powered Bing, DeepSeek, and Perplexity. 
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai hinted at potential monetization strategies for Gemini AI, including the future integration of ads. During the earnings call, Pichai acknowledged that while the company is currently focused on subscription tiers, advertising is likely to play a <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/02/43488268/googles-gemini-ai-could-soon-include-adssundar-pichai-hints-at-future-monetization-beyond-subscriptions">role in Gemini&#8217;s monetization</a>.
Perplexity, backed by Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) founder Jeff Bezos and Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), is reportedly in talks to raise up to $1 billion in a new funding round, potentially <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44432846/backed-by-jeff-bezos-and-nvidia-perplexity-ai-eyes-18-billion-valuation-in-new-funding-rounddoubling-in-just-4-months">valuing the company at $18 billion</a>. 
Perplexity&#8217;s rapid growth has also drawn scrutiny. Media companies have accused the startup of scraping and republishing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41442679/rupert-murdochs-dow-jones-new-york-post-sue-jeff-bezos-backed-perplexity-for-copyright-infringement">content without attribution</a>. 
Alphabet stock outpaces Microsoft in growth and momentum, per <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GOOGL">Benzinga Edge Ranking</a>— For more insights, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/screener/top-momentum-stocks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sign up for Benzinga Edge</a>.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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Google's Ad Dominance Faces Challenge As Perplexity Introduces Answer Modes, Aravind Srinivas Advocates 'Native Transactions'

Alibaba Group Holding&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) Chairman Joe Tsai has expressed apprehension about a potential bubble in the AI data center construction sector. 
What Happened: At&nbsp;the HSBC Global Investment Summit&nbsp;in Hong Kong, Tsai cautioned that the rapid expansion of data centers could surpass the early demand for artificial intelligence (AI) services. He pointed out the reckless rush by tech firms, investment funds, and other entities to set up server bases from the U.S. to Asia, potentially leading to numerous projects being developed without a well-defined customer base, reported the <a href="https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3303769/some-ai-related-bets-are-speculative-and-creating-bubble-alibabas-tsai-says">South China Morning Post</a>.
&#8220;People are talking literally about $500 billion, several $100 billion [projects]. I don't think that is entirely necessary,&#8221; Tsai stated. The Alibaba Chair spoke specifically about the AI investments in the U.S.
"I start to get worried when people are building data centers on speculation,&#8221; Tsai added.
Major tech companies like&nbsp;Microsoft Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and&nbsp;SoftBank Group Corp.&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) are investing billions in AI development. Alibaba itself has plans to invest over 380 billion yuan ($70 billion) in AI&nbsp;within the next three years.
Tsai voiced concerns about projects seeking funding without first securing uptake agreements. He specifically pointed out the heavy spending by US companies like&nbsp;Amazon.com, Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>),&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), and&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) on AI infrastructure.
SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44468827/palantir-market-cap-surges-over-50-billion-in-2025-wont-be-a-seller-says-analyst-as-he-foresees-pltr-as-a-play-on-global-economy-and-ai">Palantir Market Cap Surges Over $50 Billion In 2025: Won&#8217;t Be A &#8216;Seller,&#8217; Says Analyst As He Foresees PLTR As An AI Play</a>
Why It Matters: Tsai&#8217;s concerns resonate with &nbsp;Edward Yardeni, the President of Yardeni Research who stated that the "AI bubble" <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44371661/ai-bubble-bursting-magnificent-7s-profit-margins-face-pressure-as-capital-spending-can-tumble-in-2025">could be "bursting.&#8221;</a> He stated, "The fear now is that open-source large language models (LLMs) like DeepSeek and Manus, developed in China, require much less powerful semiconductors to operate."
"If so, then AI capital spending will tumble along with the profit margins on AI systems," warned Yardeni.
In February, TD Cowen analysts noted that Microsoft is canceling some U.S. data center leases, raising concerns about potential overinvestment in AI computing capacity.
However, Goldman Sachs analysts predict that AI-related investments in chips and hardware could add $305 billion in revenue by the end of 2025. The analysts also noted that while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/03/44465542/ai-investments-set-to-power-chip-revenue-boom-adoption-rises-among-large-companies-goldman-sachs">tech giants</a> are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, leading to a significant semiconductor revenue boom, most companies are still in the early stages of adoption.
Given these factors, Tsai&#8217;s warning about a potential bubble in data center construction is significant and warrants attention from investors and tech companies alike.
Alibaba holds a momentum rating of 96.04% and a growth rating of 73.41%, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/report/BABA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga&#8217;s Proprietary Edge Rankings</a>. The Benzinga Momentum metric measures a stock's relative strength based on its price movement patterns and volatility over multiple timeframes, ranked as a percentile against other stocks. For an in-depth report on more stocks and insights into growth opportunities,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/screener/top-momentum-stocks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sign</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/screener/top-momentum-stocks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">up for Benzinga Edge.</a>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

BABA

Alibaba's Tsai Sounds Alarm On Signs Of AI Bubble In US: 'People Are Building Data Centers On Speculation'

The Osaka High Court ruled on Tuesday that Japan&#8217;s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, marking a pivotal moment for civil rights in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/japan">world&#8217;s third-largest economy</a>. 
The landmark decision aligns with four previous high court rulings, intensifying pressure on Japanese lawmakers to recognize same-sex unions, <a href="https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/03/4f73f4cbd390-update1-japan-high-court-rules-same-sex-marriage-ban-unconstitutional.html">reported</a> Kyodo News.
Three same-sex couples challenged civil law provisions that restrict marriage rights, arguing the current statutes violate constitutional guarantees of equality. While the court declined to award damages, the ruling represents a significant legal precedent in Japan, the only Group of Seven nation without legal protections for same-sex partnerships.
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Japan's Same-Sex Marriage Ban Unconstitutional Rules Osaka High Court, Piling Pressure On Lawmakers

On Monday, OpenAI rolled out updates to ChatGPT's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39493705/openai-postpones-launch-of-voice-assistant-a-month-after-scarlet-johansson-blasted-the-chatgpt-paren">voice assistant</a>, positioning itself as a serious contender against rivals like Amazon.com, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) Alexa and AI startup Sesame.
What Happened: OpenAI's Advanced Voice Mode for ChatGPT is designed to make the AI assistant more personable, responsive, and less likely to interrupt users mid-sentence.
Manuka Stratta, a post-training researcher at OpenAI, explained the changes in a video posted on YouTube.&nbsp;
&#8220;Because it interrupts you less, you&#8217;ll be able to have more time to gather your thoughts and not feel like you have to fill in all the gaps and silences all the time,&#8221; she stated.
The update improves the assistant's ability to handle real-time voice interactions, addressing a common user complaint that voice AI models often jump in too soon when users pause.
See Also: <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43772135/ex-openai-chief-scientist-ilya-sutskevers-ai-startup-valued-at-30-billion-in-latest-funding-round-report">Ex-OpenAI Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever&#8217;s AI Startup Valued At $30 Billion In Latest Funding Round: Report</a>
Free users will now be able to pause mid-conversation without being interrupted while paying subscribers — including those on the Plus, Teams, Edu, Business, and Pro plans — will receive a more advanced version.
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Why It's Important: The update comes amid growing competition in the AI voice assistant space.&nbsp;
OpenAI faces pressure from new entrants like Sesame — an Andreessen Horowitz-backed startup that went viral for its natural-sounding AI voices, Maya and Miles — and Amazon, which is preparing a large language model-powered upgrade to Alexa, <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/24/openai-says-its-ai-voice-assistant-is-now-better-to-chat-with/">noted</a> TechCrunch.
Meanwhile, SoftBank Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) is reportedly negotiating to spearhead a fresh <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43374528/softbank-may-lead-openais-40-billion-funding-round-at-a-300-billion-valuation-despite-deepseek-disruption-report">investment round for OpenAI</a>, which could bring in $40 billion. If finalized, this funding would value the ChatGPT maker at $300 billion, marking a record-setting deal for a privately held company.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

OpenAI Says It's Making ChatGPT Voice Assistant Sound More Like A Human And It Won't Interrupt As Much

Perplexity, backed by Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) founder Jeff Bezos and Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) is reportedly in talks to raise up to $1 billion in a new funding round that would value the company at $18 billion—<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42570376/jeff-bezos-backed-perplexity-raises-500-million-tripling-its-valuation-to-9-billion-as-competition-with-google-and-openai-heats-up">double its valuation</a> just four months ago.
What Happened: Perplexity is in discussions to raise between $500 million and $1 billion, reported Reuters, citing a person familiar with the matter
This comes after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41420230/jeff-bezos-backed-perplexity-aims-for-8b-valuation-in-new-funding-round-ai-fueled-google-challen">company was previously</a> valued at $9 billion in November 2024.&nbsp;
The massive jump reflects surging investor demand in AI search and agent-based technologies that can perform complex tasks on behalf of users.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It&#8217;s Important: Perplexity's rising valuation puts it closer to elite AI firms like OpenAI, which raised $6.6 billion in 2023 at a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41149788/openai-valuation-soars-to-157b-in-latest-funding-round">$157 billion valuation</a>.
However, Perplexity's rapid rise has drawn scrutiny. Media companies including Forbes, Wired, and News Corp have accused the startup of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40972869/jeff-bezos-backed-perplexity-ai-in-discussion-with-marriott-and-nike-as-it-prepares-to-challenge-to">scraping and republishing</a> content without attribution.
In response, the company has launched a publisher partnership program to work directly with news organizations.
Earlier this week, SoftBank Corp. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44370200/softbank-signs-agreement-to-resell-perplexity-enterprise-pro-deploying-7000-sales-members-to-drive-adoption-in-japan">signed an agreement</a> to become an authorized reseller of Perplexity Enterprise Pro, deploying a 7,000-member sales team to boost adoption in Japan.
Meanwhile, Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas has stated that the <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44429645/perplexity-ceo-says-app-will-make-apple-intelligence-work-amid-iphone-makers-ai-challenges">company could enhance</a> Apple Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) AI capabilities, amid criticism of Cupertino for its delayed AI initiatives.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

AAPL

Jeff Bezos And Nvidia-Backed Perplexity AI Eyes $18 Billion Valuation In New Funding Round — Doubling In Just 4 Months

Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas said on Thursday that &#8220;Perplexity will make Apple Intelligence work,&#8221; responding to a social media post suggesting the artificial intelligence startup should replace Siri on iPhones.
What Happened: The comment comes as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) faces mounting criticism over its delayed AI initiatives and reported internal turmoil surrounding its Siri virtual assistant.
Apple&#8217;s AI efforts have reached what Bloomberg&#8217;s Mark Gurman described as a &#8220;crisis&#8221; point, with key executives including CEO Tim Cook, software chief Craig Federighi, and AI lead John Giannandrea reportedly sharing blame for failing to deliver promised features. The issues coincide with Apple&#8217;s annual <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44350512/apples-ai-crisis-reaches-boiling-point-ahead-of-top-100-executive-retreat-tim-cook-and-key-execs-called-out-over-siri-failure-by-top-analyst">Top 100 executive retreat this week</a>.
The move follows admissions from Siri division senior director Robby Walker, who called the delays &#8220;ugly and embarrassing,&#8221; blaming premature marketing for <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44345486/apple-scrambles-to-fix-siris-ugly-and-embarrassing-ai-failures-after-public-missteptop-executive-admits-marketing-it-too-soon-made-things-worse">features that weren&#8217;t ready</a>.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Perplexity will make Apple Intelligence work. <a href="https://t.co/GzIrbdNczB">https://t.co/GzIrbdNczB</a>
&mdash; Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) <a href="https://twitter.com/AravSrinivas/status/1902756938078961758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/03/44426552/buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-outpaces-sp-500-with-best-2-month-run-since-2010">Buffett&#8217;s Berkshire Hathaway Outpaces S&amp;P 500 With Best 2-Month Run Since 2010</a>
Why It Matters: Meanwhile, Perplexity AI, backed by Jeff Bezos and NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), has been gaining momentum. The company recently launched an advanced assistant for Android devices and secured a major partnership with SoftBank Corp. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>), which deployed 7,000 sales team members to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44370200/softbank-signs-agreement-to-resell-perplexity-enterprise-pro-deploying-7000-sales-members-to-drive-adoption-in-japan"> drive enterprise adoption in Japan</a>.
Apple&#8217;s AI struggles have contributed to a 12.2% stock decline year-to-date, with Morgan Stanley recently lowering its price <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/03/44284821/apple-stock-takes-a-bite-out-of-investors-as-siri-fumbles-ai-race">target from $275 to $252</a>.
Despite the setbacks, Tim Cook expressed confidence in Apple Intelligence last October, stating the technology would make Apple products &#8220;profoundly different&#8221; and put users &#8220;on a different technology curve,&#8221; comparing its significance to the iPhone&#8217;s touch interface.
Apple faces intense competition in the AI space from Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), OpenAI, Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>).
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Perplexity Can Make 'Apple Intelligence Work' Says CEO Aravind Srinivas As iPhone Maker Attracts Criticism On Siri And AI Delays

Transaction Details Under the terms of the agreement, SoftBank will acquire Ampere for $6.5 billion in cash. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the second half of 2025. Ampere's headquarters will remain in Santa Clara, CA.

Reported Earlier, SoftBank Acquires Ampere For $6.5B, Taking Over Oracle And Carlyle Stakes in AI-Centric Semiconductor Firm

On Wednesday, SoftBank Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) announced that it has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/42890464/softbank-owned-arm-eyes-acquisition-of-oracle-backed-chip-designer-ampere-computing-amid-nvidias-dominance-report">acquired</a> Ampere Computing in a $6.5 billion deal, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of 2025.
What Happened: Ampere, backed by Oracle Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) and Carlyle Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CG#NASDAQ">CG</a>), designs high-performance server chips based on Arm Holdings PLC – ADR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>) architecture.
Both Oracle and Carlyle will sell their stakes as part of the transaction.
Founded in 2017 by Renee James, a former Intel Corp president, Ampere will operate as an independent subsidiary of SoftBank and retain its headquarters in Santa Clara, California.
The company currently employs around 1,000 semiconductor engineers.
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Why It's Important: The acquisition signals SoftBank's aggressive pivot toward AI infrastructure, <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43374528/softbank-may-lead-openais-40-billion-funding-round-at-a-300-billion-valuation-despite-deepseek-disruption-report">following its partnership</a> with OpenAI and involvement in the Donald Trump-backed $500 billion Stargate initiative.
The move also bolsters SoftBank's Arm ecosystem, following its $32 billion acquisition of Arm in 2016 and Arm's 2023 IPO.
SoftBank also plans to build a <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44327422/softbank-to-build-676-million-ai-data-center-in-japan-linked-to-openai-partnership">$676 million AI data center</a> in Japan. This facility is expected to support large-scale AI projects, further enhancing SoftBank&#8217;s AI ecosystem.
Earlier this week, the company also unveiled a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44398359/softbank-unveils-ai-model-to-streamline-telecom-operations">new AI model</a> designed to optimize telecom operations.
Photo by NP27 on Shutterstock.
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Masayoshi Son's SoftBank Buys Oracle-Backed Ampere For $6.5 Billion To Boost US AI Push

SoftBank Corp. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) has introduced a new<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence"> generative AI model</a> called the Large Telecom Model.
The Japanese investment firm designed LTM to improve the design, management, and functioning of cellular networks.
Built on extensive datasets from SoftBank's network and years of operational expertise, the <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250319899009/en/SoftBank-Corp.-Develops-a-Foundational-Large-Telecom-Model-LTM">LTM is set to optimize </a>telecom operations. The company intends to continue its research and development to incorporate the model into its own operations.
These AI models can accurately predict configurations for real base stations with more than 90% accuracy.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44372913/whats-going-on-with-nio-stock-today">NIO And CATL To Build China's Largest Battery Swapping</a>
This process reduces the time needed to make adjustments from days to minutes, while also minimizing human error. Furthermore, the LTM serves as the core of SoftBank's "AI for RAN" initiative, improving Radio Access Network (RAN) performance.
SoftBank&#8217;s partnership with Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) was essential in enhancing the LTM&#8217;s performance. By utilizing Nvidia&#8217;s NIM for fine-tuning, SoftBank achieved substantial improvements in key performance metrics. That includes Time to First Token (TTFT) and Tokens Per Second (TPS).
The LTM incorporates SoftBank&#8217;s extensive mobile network data, providing valuable insights and expert knowledge to solve network issues effectively.
Through fine-tuning, LTM allows the development of AI models designed for specific use cases in mobile network operations, such as optimizing new base station deployments and adjusting configurations for special events.
SoftBank&#8217;s use of Nvidia&#8217;s DGX SuperPOD for distributed training and its continued collaboration on AI inference microservices will enhance LTM&#8217;s capabilities and its potential deployment across networks.
SoftBank aims to leverage the LTM to improve operational efficiency, deliver new services, and enhance mobile network experiences. 
It is to be noted that the Trump Administration has revealed a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43139410/softbanks-role-in-500-billion-stargate-ai-venture-seen-as-major-growth-driver-analyst-says">new AI infrastructure initiative </a>in the U.S. called &#8220;Stargate,&#8221; which includes OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), and Abu Dhabi's MGX. The venture plans to invest $100 billion initially, with the potential to reach up to $500 billion over the next four years.
Price Action: SFTBF shares closed at $51.95 on Tuesday.
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Image: Shutterstock

General

SoftBank Unveils AI Model To Streamline Telecom Operations

SoftBank Corp. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) has signed an agreement with Perplexity to become an authorized reseller of Perplexity Enterprise Pro, leveraging its 7,000-member sales team to accelerate adoption across Japanese corporations.
What Happened: Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas announced the partnership Monday on X, noting that SoftBank&#8217;s decision followed internal adoption and evaluation against competing tools. This distribution agreement makes SoftBank the first authorized reseller of Perplexity Enterprise Pro and marks a significant milestone in Perplexity&#8217;s international expansion strategy.
&#8220;This partnership with SoftBank represents a key step in our global expansion strategy,&#8221; Perplexity stated in a blog post announcing the collaboration. The agreement builds upon an existing alliance between Perplexity, SoftBank, Y!Mobile, and LINEMO that began in June 2024.
Before offering Enterprise Pro to corporate clients, SoftBank implemented the solution across its internal teams over a six-month validation period. 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Softbank has signed an agreement with Perplexity to be an authorized reseller of Perplexity Enterprise Pro and deploy their 7,000-member sales team to scale Perplexity&#39;s adoption in Japan. This comes after internally adopting Perplexity and evaluating it against other tools. &#x1f1ef;&#x1f1f5; <a href="https://t.co/uY9gMEj4d6">pic.twitter.com/uY9gMEj4d6</a>
&mdash; Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) <a href="https://twitter.com/AravSrinivas/status/1901763358019482076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: The partnership emerges amid SoftBank&#8217;s aggressive AI infrastructure expansion. Last week, SoftBank announced plans to acquire Sharp Corp&#8216;s LCD factory in Osaka Prefecture for approximately $676 million to develop a large-scale AI data center <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44327422/softbank-to-build-676-million-ai-data-center-in-japan-linked-to-openai-partnership">with a 150-megawatt capacity by 2026</a>, supporting its strategic partnership with OpenAI.
SoftBank is reportedly negotiating a potential investment of $15-25 billion in OpenAI, which would make it the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44188361/nvidia-powers-openai-and-oracles-100-billion-stargate-first-ai-data-center-set-to-launch-in-texas">largest investor in the ChatGPT creator</a>, surpassing Microsoft Corp.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) $14 billion stake. The Japanese conglomerate is also participating in Project Stargate, a $500 billion joint venture with OpenAI and Oracle Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) announced by President Donald Trump in January.
By implementing Perplexity Enterprise Pro, Japanese corporations will join over 7,000 organizations currently using the platform, including NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Databricks, Stripe, Zoom, and Snowflake, collectively executing nearly 20 million queries daily.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

SoftBank Signs Agreement To Resell Perplexity Enterprise Pro, Deploying 7,000 Sales Members To Drive Adoption

On Friday, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/softbank">Japanese investment firm</a> SoftBank Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) announced an agreement with Sharp Corp to purchase land, buildings, and assets tied to Sharp&#8217;s liquid crystal panel factory in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. The acquisition, valued at approximately 100 billion yen ($676 million), is intended to support the development of a large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) data center.
SoftBank <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/14/softbank-buys-676m-old-sharp-plant-for-its-openai-collab-in-japan/?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANguFtyR8kxkqv03E8_wT4_ZWObSEOstiC8tEKfQj0SC9qJz3lLZk7RTpdS-MYa287FxHFMsK6NSQre0iWXT5RDlq0KQabodh60SbPXS4Y_NRG9wngGuS-DqLDj0l0pOhFQD9c_nCZ5DZ48b4MRlZADtrNntygLJIv3o0TOGKybj">confirmed </a>to TechCrunch that the purchase aligns with its strategic partnership with OpenAI.
SoftBank will use approximately 450,000 square meters of land and about 840,000 square meters of buildings at the Sharp Sakai Factory to build an AI data center with a 150-megawatt power capacity, aiming to begin operations in 2026, TechCruch reports.
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The company plans to expand the power receiving capacity to over 250 megawatts.
SoftBank will use this AI data center to develop generative AI and other AI-related businesses. It will also provide it to universities, research institutes, and companies to meet various external needs.
SoftBank is reportedly negotiating a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43327823/softbank-eyes-historic-25-billion-investment-in-openai-poised-to-dethrone-microsoft-as-chatgpt-parents-biggest-investor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential investment of $15 billion</a> to $25 billion in OpenAI to become the largest investor in the ChatGPT creator, surpassing Microsoft Corp&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) $14 billion.
In January 2025, President Donald Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44188361/nvidia-powers-openai-and-oracles-100-billion-stargate-first-ai-data-center-set-to-launch-in-texas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced the $500 billion</a> OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) initiative when OpenAI said Stargate would expand to as many as 10 sites. OpenAI and Oracle plan to begin filling a new data center in Texas with AI chips from Nvidia Corp to get the first facility for their $100 billion Stargate infrastructure venture up and running. 
OpenAI collaborated with Oracle on the design and delivery of the Abilene data center, and Oracle is in charge of the supercomputer being built there.
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Photo: Shutterstock

SoftBank To Build $676 Million AI Data Center In Japan, Linked To OpenAI Partnership

Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) continues to tap the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence frenzy</a>, adding Stargate as its next customer.
OpenAI&nbsp;and&nbsp;Oracle Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>)&nbsp;plan to begin filling a new data center in Texas with thousands of powerful AI chips from&nbsp;Nvidia to get the first facility for their $100 billion Stargate infrastructure venture up and running.
Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-06/openai-oracle-eye-nvidia-chips-worth-billions-for-stargate-site?srnd=phx-technology&amp;sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, that the site in Abilene will likely accommodate 64,000 of Nvidia&#8217;s GB200 semiconductors by the end of 2026.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42397333/google-quantum-ais-new-willow-chip-can-do-in-minutes-that-supercomputers-would-take-10-septillion-years" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Quantum AI&#8217;s New Willow Chip Can Do in Minutes That Supercomputers Would Take 10 Septillion Years</a>
OpenAI and Oracle plan to add the Nvidia chips to several data center halls in phases, with an initial rollout by 2025 summer, according to the report. The total planned shipments represent computing power for a single customer&#8217;s initial phases of one data center.
In January 2025, President Donald Trump announced <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43139410/softbanks-role-in-500-billion-stargate-ai-venture-seen-as-major-growth-driver-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">the $500 billion</a> OpenAI,&nbsp;SoftBank Group Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>), and Oracle initiative when OpenAI said Stargate will expand to as many as ten sites.
An OpenAI spokesperson told Bloomberg that it collaborated with Oracle on the design and delivery of the Abilene data center and that Oracle is in charge of the supercomputer being built there.
In January, Nvidia launched Digits, a desktop-sized <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42838231/jensen-huang-unveils-3000-personal-ai-supercomputer-the-size-of-a-small-book-it-runs-the-entire-nvidia-ai-stack" rel="noreferrer noopener">personal AI supercomputer</a> available in May 2025.
Reportedly, Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) is also building <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42317004/amazon-launches-ai-war-againt-nvidia-by-building-ai-supercomputers-and-servers-at-cheaper-costs" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI&nbsp;supercomputers in</a> collaboration with Anthropic, featuring thousands of Amazon&#8217;s latest AI training chip, Trainium 2.
Price Action: NVDA stock is up 0.33% at $110.93 premarket at last check Friday.
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Photo courtesy of Nvidia

Nvidia Powers OpenAI And Oracle's $100 Billion Stargate Infrastructure, First AI Data Center Set To Launch in Texas

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/openai" rel="noreferrer noopener">ChatGPT parent</a> OpenAI could charge up to $20,000 monthly for specialized AI &#8220;agents,&#8221;&nbsp;the Information <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/openai-plots-charging-20-000-a-month-for-phd-level-agents" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
The Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) backed AI startup plans to launch several &#8220;agent&#8221; products tailored for different applications, including sorting and ranking sales leads and software engineering.
OpenAI plans to charge $2,000 monthly for a &#8220;high-income knowledge worker&#8221; agent and $10,000 monthly for a software developer agent.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44140452/gm-stellantis-supplier-samsung-sdi-weighs-new-us-battery-plant-amid-trumps-ev-policy-shift" rel="noreferrer noopener">GM, Stellantis Supplier Samsung SDI Weighs New US Battery Plant Amid Trump&#8217;s EV Policy Shift</a>
OpenAI&#8217;s $20,000-per-month AI agent will likely support &#8220;PhD-level research.&#8221; Reportedly, OpenAI investor SoftBank (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) committed to spending $3 billion on OpenAI&#8217;s agent products in 2025.
OpenAI and Microsoft <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41407196/openais-for-profit-structure-adds-valuation-complexity-to-microsoft-and-other-equity-investors-repor" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly negotiated how</a> to convert Microsoft&#8217;s $14 billion investment into equity amid OpenAI&#8217;s $157 billion valuation.
Both companies enlisted financial advisors to navigate the high-stakes discussions as OpenAI transitions to a for-profit model.
OpenAI&#8217;s projected computing expenses could reach $37.5 billion annually by 2029. OpenAI, whose&nbsp;monthly revenue hit&nbsp;$300 million in August, proposed increasing the chatbot&#8217;s price by 10% in 2024 and doubling it to $44 over the next five years.
Meanwhile, in China, Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) recently <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/44040003/alibaba-expands-ai-workforce-while-deepseek-slashes-model-prices-in-market-battle" rel="noreferrer noopener">introduced 3,000 internships</a>, half of which are in AI. It committed $52.2 billion in AI and cloud investment.
Alibaba&#8217;s move coincided with Chinese AI startup&nbsp;DeepSeek&#8217;s AI model price war, offering discounted off-peak pricing for developers. Chinese tech companies like&nbsp;Alibaba and its rivals were already&nbsp;engaged in a price war&nbsp;to win market share.&nbsp;
Price Action: MSFT stock is down 1.26% at $395.97 premarket at the last check on Thursday.
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Image via Shutterstock

ChatGPT Parent OpenAI's Specialized AI Agents Could Cost Up To $20 Thousand Per Month: report

On Wednesday, the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority ruled that Microsoft Corporation's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) $13 billion investment in OpenAI does not warrant a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36151493/after-securing-a-board-seat-microsofts-openai-partnership-comes-under-the-uk-antitrust-authoritys-sc">formal merger investigation</a>.
What Happened: The CMA announced that Microsoft's investment in OpenAI does not constitute a merger, as there was no "change of control" giving Microsoft "de facto control" over the AI startup, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/8f7fcaaf-2ae0-4c2f-a016-6f51d2f83cba">reported</a> the Financial Times.
This decision follows months of scrutiny into whether Microsoft's stake in OpenAI could stifle competition in the AI market.
See Also: <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44087329/microsoft-unveils-ai-powered-dragon-copilot-to-ease-clinician-workloads">Microsoft Unveils AI-Powered Dragon Copilot To Ease Clinician Workloads</a>
The regulator pointed to "recent developments" that have reduced OpenAI's dependence on Microsoft, including its <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43400191/openais-100-billion-texas-stargate-data-center-will-reportedly-employ-just-57-people-with-57600-annual-salaries">newly formed $100 billion</a> AI infrastructure partnership with SoftBank Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>).
The CMA's executive director for mergers, Joel Bamford, cautioned that this decision "should not be read as the partnership being given a clean bill of health on potential competition concerns."
Why It Matters: The decision marks a win for Microsoft, allowing it to continue its lucrative partnership with OpenAI without immediate regulatory hurdles.
Meanwhile, it has also been reported that SoftBank is currently in discussions to spearhead a new funding round for OpenAI, aiming to raise $40 billion.
This investment could push the ChatGPT creator's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43374528/softbank-may-lead-openais-40-billion-funding-round-at-a-300-billion-valuation-despite-deepseek-disruption-report">valuation to $300 billion</a>, marking a record-breaking funding round for a private company.
Price Action: Microsoft&#8217;s stock closed Wednesday at $401.02, rising 3.19%. However, it dipped 0.25% in after-hours trading. Year-to-date, the stock is down 4.20%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Microsoft Dodges UK Competition Crackdown Over OpenAI Deal, Watchdog Director Says Partnership Doesn't Get 'A Clean Bill Of Health'

Arm Holdings&#8211;ADR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>), a subsidiary of&nbsp;SoftBank Group Corp.&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>), has entered into a $250 million agreement with Malaysia to supply chip designs and technology for the next ten years.
What Happened: &#8220;We have always wanted to move from the back-end — which is on testing and assembly — to the front-end," Malaysian Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-03-05/softbank-s-arm-inks-landmark-chip-deal-with-malaysia-video">told</a> Bloomberg Television. The government has decided to work with Arm &#8220;with the perspective of building the whole ecosystem.&#8221;
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Arm CEO Rene Haas signed a partnership agreement today.
The deal is a part of Malaysia&#8217;s ambitious strategy to shift from chip assembly to more lucrative semiconductor production. Currently, Malaysia packages about 10% of the world&#8217;s semiconductors. The country plans to use this deal to help local firms&nbsp;design their chips and&nbsp;aims to export semiconductors worth&nbsp;1.2 trillion ringgit ($270 billion)&nbsp;by 2030.
Although Malaysia is already a key center for chip testing and packaging with facilities for&nbsp;Intel Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>),&nbsp;GlobalFoundries Inc., and&nbsp;Infineon Technologies AG&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IFNNY#OTC">IFNNY</a>), it has yet to make significant strides in chip design.
Prime Minister Ibrahim told a local news portal, Selangor Journal that this partnership is key to their &#8220;Made in Malaysia&#8221; initiative. "This marks a fundamental shift in our approach to semiconductors and technology that will define our future,"&nbsp;affirmed Ibrahim. 
The country aims to establish up to 10 chip companies with a combined annual revenue of $20 billion through this partnership. The agreement could potentially increase the country&#8217;s GDP by one percentage point.
SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44136076/trump-reportedly-plans-executive-order-to-boost-us-shipbuilding-and-counter-chinas-maritime-lead"> Trump Reportedly Plans Executive Order To Boost US Shipbuilding And Counter China&#8217;s Maritime Lead</a>
Why It Matters: This deal comes on the heels of Arm&#8217;s confirmation of its central role <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43521100/arm-confirms-central-role-in-100-billion-stargate-ai-infrastructure-project-with-openai-oracle">in the $100 billion Stargate AI </a>infrastructure project with OpenAI and Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NASDAQ">ORCL</a>) in February. The company&#8217;s expanding role in AI infrastructure and strong momentum in data center deployments further underscore its value to Malaysia&#8217;s semiconductor ambitions.
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim also revealed that Arm will open its first Southeast Asian office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, aiming to extend its reach into other regional markets, including Australia and New Zealand. 
CEO Rene Haas stated that the agreement was well-positioned for success. He credited Arm&#8217;s decision to collaborate with Malaysia to the country&#8217;s decades of experience in the semiconductor industry.
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</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

IFNNY

INTC

Arm Strikes $250 Million Deal With Malaysia To Boost Chip Design And Tech Ecosystem

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) weighed investing $100 billion in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tsmc" rel="noreferrer noopener">chip manufacturing plants</a> in the U.S. over the next four years.
The Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/trump-chip-maker-tsmc-expected-to-announce-100-billion-investment-in-u-s-02a44399" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, that President Trump could make an announcement soon.
The Taiwanese contract chipmaker looks to build advanced chip-making facilities to help the U.S. consolidate its semiconductor position.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/44040003/alibaba-expands-ai-workforce-while-deepseek-slashes-model-prices-in-market-battle" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alibaba Expands AI Intern Workforce While DeepSeek Slashes Model Prices in Market Battle</a>
The chipmaker invested over $65 billion in its Arizona fabs to develop advanced chips.
The company only builds its most advanced chip-making facilities on its home soil, Taiwan. Its chips are critical for powering everything from the latest artificial intelligence systems to smartphones.&nbsp;
Since the Biden administration, the U.S. has expressed concerns about Taiwan Semiconductor's near-monopoly on advanced chip manufacturing. It has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/44052145/taiwan-semi-faces-geopolitical-strain-due-to-us-scrutiny-on-huaweis-chip-access" rel="noreferrer noopener">urging the company</a> to migrate more of its advanced production, including advanced chip packaging facilities, to the U.S.
Taiwan Semiconductor spent over $17 billion on advanced chips and packaging.
In 2025, the Trump administration announced a $500 billion <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43139410/softbanks-role-in-500-billion-stargate-ai-venture-seen-as-major-growth-driver-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">"Stargate" AI venture</a> with OpenAI, SoftBank Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>), Oracle Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), and MGX, starting with 10 Texas data centers.
Last week, U.S. chipmaker Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTC#NASDAQ">NTC</a>) launched new&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/44052935/intel-delays-28-billion-ohio-chip-plant-again-pushing-opening-to-2030-amid-financial-struggles" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel Xeon 6 processors</a> to meet the demands of AI and high-performing&nbsp;and efficient computing.
Intel's new&nbsp;ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>)&nbsp;advanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines&nbsp;are in production. Intel plans to use ASML's high NA machines for 18A chip technology to regain market share from Taiwan Semiconductor.
Price Action: TSM stock is down 1.64% to $177.56 at the last check on Monday.
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Photo by Sundry Photography on Shutterstock

Government

Regulations

ASML

Taiwan Semiconductor Weighs $100 Billion US Investment As Chip War Heats Up

A new study from UC Riverside and Caltech has found that pollution from Big Tech's data centers has cost the U.S. public health system an estimated $5.4 billion over the past five years. Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) are among the biggest contributors.
What Happened: Data centers, which power artificial intelligence models and cloud computing, consume <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/partner/commodities/24/05/38814247/ai-data-center-power-requirements-increasing-demand-for-critical-materials-like-copper-and-ur">vast amounts of electricity</a>, much of it sourced from fossil fuels.
Air pollution linked to these energy demands has been tied to increased cases of cancer, asthma, and other illnesses, researchers found, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/d595d5f6-79d1-47eb-b690-8597f09b39e7">reported</a> the Financial Times, citing the study.
In 2023 alone, public health costs from data center-related pollution were estimated at $1.5 billion, up 20% from the previous year.
Over the five years from 2019 to 2023, Google was responsible for the highest estimated health costs at $2.6 billion, followed by Microsoft at $1.6 billion and Meta at $1.2 billion.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43221770/apples-ipad-turns-15-today-heres-a-throwback-to-when-steve-jobs-explained-called-it-the-third-category-after-phones-and-notebooks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s iPad Turns 15 Today: Here&#8217;s A Throwback To When Steve Jobs Explained Called It The ‘Third Category&#8217; After Phones And Notebooks</a>
In response to the report, Google, Microsoft, and Meta pushed back on the findings, arguing that the research overestimated their pollution levels.&nbsp;
Google told the publication that the estimates "promote an inaccurate emissions estimate generated under false pretenses." Microsoft pointed to its sustainability efforts, while Meta reiterated its commitment to "net zero greenhouse gas emissions."
Google, Microsoft, and Meta did not immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga's</a> request for comments.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: The rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, fueled by Big Tech's multi-billion-dollar investments, is expected to further increase data center pollution, the report noted.
U.S. data centers accounted for 4% of the nation's electricity consumption in 2023, a figure that could rise to 12% by 2028, according to a Department of Energy-backed Berkeley Lab report.
"Unlike carbon emissions, the health impacts caused by a data center in one region cannot be offset by cleaner air elsewhere," said Shaolei Ren, associate professor at UC Riverside, underscoring the local impact of air pollution.
Ren suggested that tech companies could reduce the rising public health risk by building data centers in less populated areas. This would help minimize their impact.
Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), and Meta <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/02/43564458/big-techs-2025-ai-bill-is-320-billion-and-counting-can-investors-stomach-it">expect to spend over $320 billion</a> on AI this year, up from $151 billion in 2023 and $246 billion in 2024. Last month, OpenAI and SoftBank Group (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) also announced &#8220;Stargate,&#8221; a $500 billion AI infrastructure project in the U.S.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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