Overview

• SoftBank confirmed a plan to reduce Vision Fund’s global workforce by about 20%, marking the unit’s third layoff round since 2022.
• The reorganization shifts effort toward large AI initiatives such as the proposed $500 billion Stargate U.S. data‑center network with OpenAI, which Reuters reports has encountered delays.
• The fund will keep making new investments, but remaining staff will prioritize AI infrastructure and foundation models after a quarter showing its strongest results since June 2021, helped by Nvidia and Coupang.
• Reported headcount figures vary, with Reuters citing 44 employees on the website while other outlets report roughly 282 staff as of March, and news reports suggest the cuts could exceed 50 roles.
• SoftBank has poured multi‑billion dollars into OpenAI, invested $9.7 billion via Vision Fund 2 over the past year, acquired chip firms Graphcore and Ampere, taken stakes in Intel and Nvidia, raised $7.8 billion by selling part of its T‑Mobile stake, and holds about ¥4 trillion in cash.