SoftBank's $30B bet on OpenAI hinges on major restructuring

Business Oct 26, 2025

SoftBank just agreed to invest another $22.5 billion in OpenAI, wrapping up its part in a massive $41 billion funding round that was announced in April.
This brings SoftBank's total commitment to $30 billion (including $10 billion from April 2025).
But there's a catch: OpenAI has to finish some major restructuring before the money actually lands.

The $20 billion safety net

OpenAI needs to switch to a for-profit model by the end of 2025 if it wants all the funding.
If they don't pull it off, SoftBank's investment could shrink to $20 billion instead.
So, these internal changes are key for OpenAI's future—and its bank account.