SoftBank triples Nvidia stake to $3B as AI bets gain momentum

SoftBank Group Corp. is deepening its investment in the artificial intelligence ecosystem by increasing its stakes in key players such as Nvidia Corp. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), signaling founder Masayoshi Son’s ongoing commitment to AI infrastructure [1]. Regulatory filings show that SoftBank’s holdings in Nvidia grew from $1 billion to $3 billion between the previous quarter and March 2025. The company also added $330 million in TSMC shares and $170 million in Oracle Corp. [1].

While SoftBank’s Vision Fund has sold nearly $2 billion in public and private assets in the first half of 2025, it is not under pressure to monetize further, according to a source familiar with the fund’s operations. A SoftBank representative declined to comment [1]. The Vision Fund, which has endured significant losses in the past, is now playing a role in helping the company rebalance its portfolio and focus on high-value technology assets [1].

Son’s strategic emphasis on AI is centered on Arm Holdings Plc, which he is building into a broader portfolio. Arm, based in Cambridge, UK, designs chips used in mobile and increasingly in server applications, allowing SoftBank to position itself upstream in the semiconductor supply chain [1]. Richard Kaye of Comgest Asset Management, a long-time SoftBank investor, noted that the company could establish itself as a key provider of AI semiconductor technology without manufacturing chips itself [1].

Analysts have highlighted the significance of SoftBank’s investments in Nvidia and TSMC. Ben Narasin, founder of Tenacity Venture Capital, likened Nvidia to the "picks and shovels" for the AI gold rush. He suggested that SoftBank’s ownership could grant the firm greater access to Nvidia’s chips, potentially allowing it to bypass some of the traditional bottlenecks in the industry [1].

Nvidia’s market value has surged by approximately 90% since early April, while TSMC has risen by over 40%. These gains have helped offset some of SoftBank’s earlier missteps, including the sale of a 4.9% stake in Nvidia in 2019. That stake would be worth over $200 billion today [1]. SoftBank’s renewed interest in the company represents a calculated effort to re-enter the AI space during a period of explosive growth.

The company is also pursuing large-scale partnerships to strengthen its AI ambitions. These include a $500 billion data center project with OpenAI, Oracle, and the Abu Dhabi-backed MGX fund, as well as discussions for a $1 trillion AI manufacturing hub in Arizona involving TSMC and other partners [1]. Son has described his goal as becoming the leading platform in artificial super intelligence [1].

Investors appear supportive of these bold moves, with SoftBank shares hitting a record high last month. The company is also acquiring U.S. chipmaker Ampere Computing LLC for $6.5 billion and has pledged a $30 billion investment in OpenAI [1]. These transactions are seen as strategic plays to ride the momentum of U.S. startups and secure a stronger position in the global AI landscape.

However, regulatory challenges persist. SoftBank’s planned purchase of Ampere is currently under investigation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Son, who has previously faced obstacles with U.S. regulatory approvals, is reportedly leveraging his relationship with Donald Trump and arranging meetings with White House officials [1].

Looking ahead, SoftBank is expected to report a return to net income in the June quarter, according to analysts. The company has already raised $4.8 billion by selling part of its T-Mobile stake and has a net asset value of ¥25.7 trillion as of March 2025, giving it ample capital for further investments [1].

Source: [1] SoftBank stakes in Nvidia, TSMC show Son’s focus on AI gear (https://fortune.com/asia/2025/08/05/softbank-stakes-nvidia-tsmc-oracle-ai-masayoshi-son/)