OpenAI is curbing its dependence on Microsoft by partnering with SoftBank to manage its increasing compute needs by 2030. The switch aims to lessen its current reliance on Microsoft, which provides most of its data center capacity. This strategic move follows significant investments and collaborative projects tied to Stargate.
Stargate is a joint venture led by President Donald Trump, with plans to invest up to $500 billion in AI data centers in Texas. The initiative includes not only OpenAI and SoftBank but also Oracle and Abu Dhabi’s MGX as partners. Initially, Microsoft was considered a major player, now it’s confirmed only as a “key initial technology partner”. The goal is to rely heavily on Stargate for AI model development.
By 2030, OpenAI expects to source three-quarters of its compute power from Stargate, with SoftBank contributing $30 billion of the required $40 billion funding effort. This change intends to bring OpenAI’s valuation to $260 billion, enhancing its strategic and financial stability.
The timeline for this transition coincides with Sam Altman’s wish to decrease dependency on Microsoft, which committed $13 billion to OpenAI as its biggest shareholder. SoftBank acquired a $2 billion stake in OpenAI last year, leading to broader investment considerations.
Recently, SoftBank and OpenAI have also formed a partnership to launch Cristal intelligence, a system tailored for enterprises in Japan, through SB OpenAI Japan. This venture will offer customized AI solutions designed to integrate securely with enterprise data.
