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SoftBank US Investment Pledge of $100 Billion Announced at Trump Event

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Lauren Miller

December 16, 2024 - 19:17 pm

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SoftBank US Investment Pledge of $100 Billion Announced at Trump Event

SoftBank US investment of $100 billion, announced at a Trump event, focuses on AI, semiconductors, and infrastructure, creating 100,000 jobs.

SoftBank US investment made headlines after President-elect Donald Trump announced that SoftBank Group Corp. pledged a massive $100 billion investment in the United States. Trump, alongside SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, delivered the news during an event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

The pledge signals confidence in the future of the US economy and reflects Son’s optimism about growth under Trump’s leadership. Trump praised the commitment, calling it a “demonstration of confidence in America’s future” and a crucial step toward revitalizing domestic investment.

SoftBank US Investment Focuses on Job Creation and Infrastructure

One of the most significant components of the SoftBank US investment is its focus on job creation and infrastructure growth.

  • 100,000 Jobs: The plan promises to create 100,000 new jobs over the next four years.

  • Target Industries: The investment will primarily focus on:

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  2. Data Centers

  3. Semiconductors

  4. Energy Infrastructure

This aligns with Son’s long-term vision of advancing AI technologies and expanding infrastructure to support emerging technologies across the United States.

SoftBank’s Commitment to Artificial Intelligence

Masayoshi Son has repeatedly emphasized artificial intelligence as the driving force behind the next technological revolution. The SoftBank US investment includes significant funding for AI ventures.

SoftBank has already invested $500 million in OpenAI and plans to increase its position with an additional $1.5 billion tender offer. Son described AI as a transformative technology capable of reshaping industries, making it a central component of SoftBank’s long-term investment strategy.

Trump’s Economic Policies Fuel SoftBank US Investment

The SoftBank US investment reflects how Trump’s economic policies are attracting global investors:

  • Corporate Tax Cuts: Trump’s promise to cut corporate tax rates has incentivized companies to invest in the United States.

  • Deregulation: Trump aims to streamline regulatory processes, particularly for billion-dollar projects, ensuring faster approvals for critical investments.

  • Focus on Manufacturing: Trump’s administration seeks to transform the United States into a “manufacturing superpower” by encouraging foreign and domestic investments.

Karoline Leavitt, Trump’s spokeswoman, emphasized the significance of the SoftBank US investment, stating, “This is President Trump delivering on his promise to the American people.”

SoftBank’s Track Record of US Investments

This is not Son’s first major commitment to the United States. In 2016, SoftBank pledged $50 billion to create 50,000 jobs, aligning with Trump’s economic goals during his first term.

The investment came through SoftBank’s Vision Fund, which poured billions into US-based companies like:

  • Uber Technologies

  • DoorDash

  • WeWork

However, not all investments succeeded. WeWork’s bankruptcy and other challenges highlighted the risks of large-scale venture capital strategies. Despite past setbacks, SoftBank remains committed to expanding its presence in the US market.

Economic Impact and Funding for SoftBank US Investment

Analysts have questioned how SoftBank will finance the $100 billion pledge.

  • As of September, SoftBank had $25 billion in cash and equivalents.

  • Much of the funding is expected to come from SoftBank’s 90% ownership stake in Arm Holdings Plc, which recently went public. Arm’s market capitalization now exceeds $160 billion, providing SoftBank with significant resources to meet its investment goals.

SoftBank shares rose 3.3% following the announcement, marking a 55% year-to-date gain in Tokyo trading.

SoftBank US Investment: What It Means for the Future

The SoftBank US investment marks one of the largest foreign investment pledges since Trump’s reelection. It demonstrates confidence in America’s economic growth and reflects the global importance of the United States as a hub for innovation and infrastructure development.

While questions remain about how much of the pledge includes new capital, the focus on AI, data centers, and energy infrastructure signals long-term benefits for US job creation and technological advancement.

Trump’s policies continue to attract international investors, and SoftBank’s commitment reinforces America’s position as a key player in the global economy.