SoftBank’s $60 Billion OpenAI Bet Sparks Concerns

SoftBank’s $60 Billion OpenAI Bet Sparks Concerns

From Big Take Asia by Bloomberg

May 19, 2026 · 20 min

About this episode

The episode discusses SoftBank's significant investment in OpenAI and the implications for its founder's reputation amidst growing concerns.

SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has made a $60 billion bet on OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman – a commitment that has some insiders worried. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha speaks with Bloomberg’s Min-Jeong Lee about how Son became captivated by Altman and what’s at stake for his reputation – and the company – as the AI race intensifies. We have a special Bloomberg subscription offer for podcast listeners at Bloomberg.com/podcastoffer. Read more: SoftBank Founder’s Starstruck Bet on OpenAI Raises Concern Watch, from Originals: The Troubled Saga of Masa Son's $100 Billion Fund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: K. Oanh Ha

Guest: Min-Jeong Lee

Topics covered

  • SoftBank
  • OpenAI
  • investment
  • AI race
  • reputation
  • business strategy

Keywords

  • SoftBank
  • OpenAI
  • Masayoshi Son
  • Sam Altman
  • investment
  • AI
  • business

Sponsors

Bloomberg

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: SoftBank, Bloomberg

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