OpenAI is planning to shift its computing needs from Microsoft to SoftBank, marking a major transformation in its infrastructure strategy over the next five years. The AI giant anticipates that by 2030, three-quarters of its data center capacity will come from Stargate, a project expected to be largely financed by SoftBank, one of OpenAI’s latest financial backers.
SoftBank, one of the world’s largest technology investors, is set to invest $15 billion in a digital AI infrastructure expansion project announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
This move signals OpenAI’s gradual pivot away from Microsoft, its largest shareholder. However, the company still intends to maintain spending on Microsoft-owned data centers in the coming years. During this period, OpenAI’s overall costs are projected to rise significantly. According to The Information, OpenAI is expected to burn through $20 billion in cash by 2027, a substantial increase from the reported $5 billion in 2024.
In recent weeks, OpenAI and SoftBank also revealed plans to establish a joint venture to sell AI services to Japanese businesses. As part of the agreement, SoftBank will integrate OpenAI’s technology across its group companies and is expected to pay $3 billion annually for the services.
Source: Bloomberght/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök