Softbank Group Corp. In order to finance investment in the US artificial intelligence, people who know the issue have been reported, an effort that will be the highest borrowing in dollars the company has ever received.

The Loan-Group would last about 12 months, according to sources, who asked not to be named. Talks with banks are in the early stages and the details may change in the coming weeks, they added.

Softbank’s spokesman refused to comment.

The technology colossus is looking for funding as it explores ways to develop a $ 500 billion artificial intelligence project in the US, while seeking ambitious projects in the areas of robotics and semiconductors. The Japanese company works with Openai, Oracle Corp. and Abu Dhabi’s MGX at Stargate AI, a database promised by US President Donald Trump.

The Loan-Bridge can help Softbank lead a $ 40 billion funding round in Openai, sources said. The move values ​​the creator of Chatgpt at $ 300 billion, while this funding tour will be the largest of all time. The Stargate Initiative aims to support the widespread use of OpenAI services.

Big bet

These increased financing needs could cause financial pressure on Softbank, two rating agencies warned on Tuesday.

Japan’s credit rating agency has changed the prospect of softbank evaluation to a negative from a constant due to the uncertainties associated with artificial intelligence. Similarly, S&P Global Ratings said that the company’s “massive” investment in Openai will aggravate its financial position in the next six months to one year, adding that its approach to financial management is “aggressive”.

The founder and chief executive of Softbank Masayoshi Son has often used creditors for big loans to fund large bets to reinvent the company and consolidate his legacy. Group’s subsidiaries include Japan’s third largest wireless communication provider, Softbank Corp, and the Operator of the Popular Message Exchange application, LY Corp. It also holds a control rate of the UK -based ARM Holdings PLC semiconductor, as it aims to become a global power in the field of artificial intelligence.

The previous SoftBank funding record was a $ 10 billion loan it received in 2021, guaranteeing its shares at Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. At least 14 banks had been involved in lending, Bloomberg News said. In 2017, the company received 2.65 trillion ¥ yen ($ 17.7 billion) against higher secure bonds for refinancing loans that supported the US Sprint market in 2013 and ARM in 2016.