OpenAI will reportedly close its SoftBank-led $40 billion round soon

While you’re busy enhancing your images with ChatGPT’s new image-generation capabilities, OpenAI is making big moves in the funding world. The company is on the verge of finalizing a substantial $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank, as reported by Bloomberg.

According to the report, other investors such as Magnetar Capital, Coatue Management, Founders Fund, and Altimeter Capital Management are also in talks to participate in the round, with Magnetar potentially contributing $1 billion.

Bloomberg mentioned that SoftBank is set to initially invest $7.5 billion, with an additional $2.5 billion coming from an investor syndicate. The report also stated that a second round of funding is expected later this year, where SoftBank will invest an additional $22.5 billion, with $7.5 billion more from syndicated investors.

In their previous funding round in October 2024, OpenAI raised $6.6 billion led by Thrive Capital at a $157 billion valuation. Bloomberg’s latest report indicates that this new mega round will propel the company to a staggering $300 billion valuation.