SoftBank hurries to finalize the outstanding $22.5 billion debt to OpenAI by the end of the year.

SoftBank's Urgent Funding for OpenAI: Masayoshi Son is aggressively pursuing the remaining $22.5 billion SoftBank owes OpenAI, with plans to secure the funds by year-end through asset sales and margin loans, treating the deal as critical for the AI race.

Operational Changes at SoftBank: The focus on OpenAI has led to significant operational shifts, including the sale of major stakes in Nvidia and T-Mobile, a reduction in workforce, and a near halt in new investments, with Vision Fund managers concentrating solely on OpenAI-related projects.

Financial Strategies for Cash Generation: SoftBank is exploring multiple avenues to raise funds, including a delayed IPO for its PayPay unit, potential exits from Didi Global, and expanding its margin loan capacity, while still maintaining a substantial cash reserve.

OpenAI's Rising Costs and Competition: OpenAI is facing escalating costs for training and running AI models, necessitating the urgent funding from SoftBank, as competition with companies like Google intensifies, prompting a strategic shift to prioritize infrastructure development.