You are currently viewing SoftBank plans to list $100 billion AI and robotics company Roze in the US this year

SoftBank plans to list $100 billion AI and robotics company Roze in the US this year

Prime Highlights

  • SoftBank is targeting a $100 billion valuation for Roze, though executives acknowledge the timeline and figure could change.
  • The planned listing could help SoftBank offset its heavy investment commitments, including over $30 billion pledged to OpenAI.

Key Facts

  • SoftBank Group is a Japanese multinational conglomerate led by founder and CEO Masayoshi Son, known for large-scale technology investments through its Vision Fund.
  • ABB Robotics, which SoftBank agreed to acquire last year, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of robotics and machine automation solutions.

Background

SoftBank Group is planning to spin off and list a new artificial intelligence and robotics company in the United States as early as this year. The new entity, to be called Roze, will focus on building data centres and using robotics to improve the efficiency of AI infrastructure construction, according to sources familiar with the matter.

SoftBank founder and Chief Executive Masayoshi Son is driving the effort. Executives are reportedly targeting a valuation of around $100 billion and are aiming to complete the initial public offering within the year. Nevertheless, sources indicated that both the valuation objective and the timeframe might change, especially since some of the executives at SoftBank believed the plan was too optimistic because of the uncertainties associated with the ongoing Middle East situation.

Roze could also bundle existing energy, land, and infrastructure assets from SoftBank’s broader portfolio. The new company may additionally incorporate ABB Robotics, which SoftBank agreed to acquire last year. ABB Robotics is one of the world’s leading suppliers of robotics and machine automation solutions, and SoftBank is expected to combine its robotics hardware with AI capabilities.

The appetite of Son’s SoftBank for making investments in the field of AI has been rising significantly in recent times, with many billions of dollars being invested in the industry. There have been some investors’ worries about the funding model that SoftBank is going to use to fulfill these obligations, especially regarding its support for OpenAI, which hasn’t been profitable.

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