SoftBank Weighs $100 Billion AI-Robotics Spinout for Potential U.S. IPO

SoftBank Group is reportedly exploring the creation and U.S. listing of a standalone artificial intelligence and robotics company, potentially valued at around $100 billion, according to a report by the Financial Times.

The proposed entity—tentatively named “Roze”—would focus on building large-scale AI data centers and deploying robotics to improve the efficiency of infrastructure construction. The initiative is being driven by SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son, who has significantly expanded his investments in artificial intelligence in recent years.

Ambitious AI Expansion Strategy

The planned spinout reflects SoftBank’s broader push to position itself as a dominant player in AI infrastructure, particularly in the United States. The company is targeting an initial public offering as early as this year, though both the timeline and valuation remain subject to change.

The new company is expected to combine several of SoftBank’s existing assets, including energy, land, and infrastructure holdings. It may also incorporate capabilities from ABB Robotics, a global leader in automation and robotics solutions that SoftBank agreed to acquire.

By integrating robotics hardware with advanced AI systems, Roze aims to streamline and accelerate the construction of data centers—critical infrastructure underpinning the rapid growth of AI technologies.

Funding Questions and Investor Concerns

While SoftBank has committed tens of billions of dollars to AI ventures, including a major investment in OpenAI, some investors have expressed concerns about how the company will finance its expanding ambitions. OpenAI remains unprofitable, raising questions about the sustainability of such large-scale commitments.

The potential IPO of Roze could help offset some of these financial pressures. SoftBank has reportedly pledged more than $30 billion to OpenAI, and a successful public listing could provide additional capital to support ongoing investments.

Broader AI Infrastructure Push

SoftBank has already taken steps to strengthen its presence in the U.S. AI ecosystem. It partnered with OpenAI, Oracle, and others on the Stargate project, a planned $500 billion initiative to expand AI data center capacity across the United States.

In parallel, the company is advancing its own infrastructure efforts, including a large-scale data center project in Ohio.

Financial Performance

SoftBank recently reported a $2.4 billion gain in its Vision Fund for the December quarter, driven in part by valuation gains linked to its OpenAI investment, which helped offset losses in other portfolio companies.

Shares of SoftBank were slightly lower on Thursday but have risen more than 18% year-to-date.