OpenAI is raising $40 billion in funding from SoftBank Group at a valuation of $300 billion to advance AI research and expand its computational infrastructure. The new round, led by SoftBank, would nearly double the company's valuation, which was previously valued at $157 billion after a $6.6 billion funding round in October. OpenAI plans to use the funds to deliver powerful tools for 500 million weekly ChatGPT users and partner with Oracle on the Stargate project, a network of data centers aimed at powering AI workloads in the US. The company must transition to a for-profit structure by year-end to secure the full funding.
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/04/01/openai-to-raise-40-billion-to-boost-ai-effortsOpenAI has finalized a funding round worth $40 billion from SoftBank Group Corp. and other investors at a valuation of $300 billion, making it the largest financing round in history, according to research firm PitchBook.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/private-equity/openai-finalizes-40-billion-funding-at-300-billion-valuationOpenAI's lower-cost R1 model has gained popularity due to its affordability and flexibility, prompting CEO Sam Altman to acknowledge the need for change. In response, OpenAI will host developer events starting in San Francisco to gather feedback and refine its open AI model. The company is experiencing record growth, with one million users joining ChatGPT's image-generation features within an hour of their release. To support this growth, OpenAI is finalising a historic $40 billion funding round led by Japan's SoftBank Group, the largest investment in startup history.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1297107-openai-shifts-strategy-plans-to-launch-open-ai-modelOpenAI is shifting its focus after recognizing the demand for open-source AI models. CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the company's decision to change course, citing the need to adapt to market trends. OpenAI plans to engage with developers through events in San Francisco and other regions, gathering feedback on its transition. The company has experienced rapid growth, with millions of new users joining ChatGPT after its image-generation feature launch. This growth has strained OpenAI's GPU infrastructure. To address this, the company is finalizing a record-breaking $40 billion funding round led by Japan's SoftBank Group.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/597964-openai-to-shift-to-open-ai-modelOpenAI is shifting its strategy to build a more open generative AI model, following growing competition from Chinese rival DeepSeek and Meta's Llama models. This move comes after criticism from former investor Elon Musk, who wants OpenAI to return to its open-source roots. The decision is partly driven by pressure from large companies and governments concerned about data security, which can be addressed by letting developers download and modify the technology for their own purposes.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/04/01/openai-to-pursue-human-level-machine-intelligence-with-us40b-from-historic-softbank-led-deal/171547OpenAI is shifting its strategy to build a more open generative AI model, marking a departure from its previous stance on closed models. This move comes as the company faces competition from Chinese rival DeepSeek and Meta's Llama models, which offer greater control and data security for developers. OpenAI's decision follows criticism from former investor Elon Musk, who has urged the company to return to its open-source roots. The shift is likely driven by pressure from large companies and governments concerned about data security, as well as the success of Meta's Llama models, which have reached one billion downloads.
https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3304648/openai-build-open-ai-model-it-faces-competition-meta-and-chinas-deepseek?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionOpenAI has decided to shift its strategy from closed, proprietary models to more open-source ones, following pressure from large companies and governments concerned about data security. This move comes after Meta's Llama models and DeepSeek's models gained popularity by allowing companies to download and modify the technology for their own purposes. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman cited the success of its latest image-generation features in ChatGPT as a reason for the change, which added one million users in just one hour. The decision is seen as a strategic shift for OpenAI, which has previously been critical of open models, and may be influenced by former investor Elon Musk's calls to return to an open-source, safety-focused approach.
https://www.firstpost.com/tech/openai-raises-40-billion-valued-at-300-billion-in-historic-funding-round-13876137.htmlJapan's state-backed venture Rapidus Corp. began adjusting chipmaking equipment to test production of advanced semiconductors by the end of April, aiming to mass produce AI components using 2-nanometer processes in 2027, comparable to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s capabilities.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/rapidus-prepares-advanced-fabrication-line-for-ai-chips-gambitOpenAI has raised $40 billion in funding from SoftBank Group, valuing it at $300 billion, making it the largest capital-raising session for a startup. The investment will support AI research and development, enabling advancements in scientific discovery, personalized education, human creativity, and artificial general intelligence (AGI) that can benefit humanity.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/04/01/companies/openai-softbank-fund/