Strategic liquidity shift fuels next-gen tech ambitions
SoftBank Group has sold 21.5 million shares of T-Mobile US, raising $4.8 billion through a high-profile block trade. This move highlights the Japanese conglomerate’s pivot from legacy telecom holdings to artificial intelligence infrastructure. As global competition intensifies in AI platforms, chips, and data centers, SoftBank is redirecting capital into bold new ventures.
The funds will support SoftBank’s AI strategy, including its growing partnerships with OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX. These alliances span Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, reinforcing the firm’s role in shaping global AI ecosystems.
From telecom equity to tech liquidity
SoftBank acquired its stake in T-Mobile during the 2020 merger between Sprint and T-Mobile. At the time, it held about 85 million shares. By offloading 21.5 million at $224 each, it unlocked significant capital while retaining its status as one of T-Mobile’s largest shareholders.
The transaction was managed by Goldman Sachs and ranks among the largest asset monetisations by a non-U.S. investor in recent years. According to SoftBank, the proceeds will fund major AI projects, including semiconductor infrastructure and cloud computing systems.
Betting big on AI infrastructure
In May 2025, SoftBank launched a multibillion-dollar partnership with OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX. Known internally as “Stargate,” the initiative will build data centers, train large language models, and optimize power use for AI operations. The total investment could exceed $500 billion over the next ten years.
SoftBank will lead the project through its Vision Fund, offering not only capital but also strategic direction. It is also working to acquire a controlling stake in Ampere Computing, strengthening its position in chip development. This would give SoftBank a competitive edge against GPU leaders like Nvidia.
In Asia, Japan and Singapore are being considered for new AI data hubs. India is expected to serve as a key site for R&D and talent development, thanks to its skilled workforce and growing digital economy.
Recycling capital to fuel innovation
SoftBank’s decision to monetize its T-Mobile stake is a masterclass in capital reallocation. The group has a history of high-stakes investing—from Alibaba to Arm Holdings—and this latest move continues that trend. Founder Masayoshi Son is deploying a classic “asset recycling” strategy: use mature investments to fund riskier, high-growth areas.
This contrasts with other tech giants who often sit on idle capital. Instead, SoftBank is pushing funds into the frontier of AI, betting that first-mover advantage in infrastructure will yield stronger long-term returns.
By doing so, SoftBank is transforming its identity—from a passive investor to an architect of the AI economy. The group is building, not just backing, the systems that will power future industries.
Asia’s AI leadership takes shape
SoftBank’s new war chest will accelerate AI infrastructure across multiple regions. In Japan, it is collaborating with OpenAI to build language models designed for Asian markets. In the Middle East, partner MGX is expected to co-invest in data centers across Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.
Oracle’s participation ensures robust cloud services, enabling startups like Applied Intuition and Perplexity AI to scale with local compliance in mind. These alliances give SoftBank strategic leverage in the global AI race.
This pivot could inspire similar moves by other major Asian investors, including Temasek and Samsung. As more institutions shift their portfolios toward AI, SoftBank is setting the pace.
A defining shift in Asia’s tech capital strategy
SoftBank’s $4.8 billion sale of T-Mobile shares signals more than just a portfolio adjustment. It reflects a deeper transformation in how Asian capital is being deployed. By moving funds from stable telecom assets into ambitious AI ventures, SoftBank is reshaping both its future and the broader innovation landscape.
With key partners and government backing, the group is poised to become a central player in global AI infrastructure. As Asia enters a new era of digital transformation, SoftBank’s aggressive strategy offers a blueprint for the region’s tech investment future.
