SoftBank is seeking to raise $100 billion from Middle Eastern investors to launch a new fund. Unlike previous vehicles, this fund aims to acquire established companies and integrate artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance their operational efficiency and market value.
Masayoshi Son has held discussions with senior figures in the United Arab Emirates to secure the capital. The company's robotics and physical AI division, Roze, is expected to support these business transformations. Son also plans to eventually take Roze public at a significant valuation.
The company's financial strategy remains aggressive despite risks. SoftBank has already invested $65 billion in OpenAI. As of June, the company reported a net asset value of ¥72.3 trillion, or $456.57 billion, with a loan-to-value ratio of 13 percent.
SoftBank has a history of securing capital from the Middle East, including contributions from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala for the 2017 Vision Fund. Recently, the firm raised over $11 billion through a junk bond issuance with yields of 9.75 percent.
