SoftBank loan signals 2026 OpenAI IPO

SoftBank secured a $40 billion unsecured loan with a 12-month term, primarily to fund its $30 billion investment in OpenAI's recent $110 billion funding round. This short repayment window suggests lenders anticipate OpenAI's highly anticipated IPO within the year, potentially providing SoftBank the necessary liquidity. The loan, provided by major financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, underscores the significant financial backing and market confidence in OpenAI's future public offering. SoftBank's total investment in the AI firm now exceeds $60 billion.