SoftBank (SFTBY) (JP:9984) is reportedly planning to create and list an AI and robotics company called Roze in the U.S. The move is mainly driven by SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son’s strong push into artificial intelligence (AI). According to the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the matter, Roze could be listed as early as this year, with executives at SoftBank eyeing a valuation of up to $100 billion.
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For context, SoftBank Group is a Japanese investment holding company led by Son, focused on technology, telecom, and global innovation investments. It is best known for backing major tech and AI companies through its Vision Fund.
Masayoshi Son Doubles Down on AI Ambitions
SoftBank’s founder Son, is pushing ahead with his ambitious AI plans. The report further stated that he wants to list the group this year as he seeks to balance large spending commitments across the conglomerate, including major investments in OpenAI.
The Japanese group is also planning to hold an analyst day at a data center in Texas in July to promote the IPO. However, it has not yet decided how much of Roze it will sell. Historically, SoftBank has kept majority control in companies it takes public. For instance, it still owns nearly 90% of UK chip designer Arm Holdings (ARM), which went public in 2023.
Not an Easy Road Ahead
Even though Son remains confident, some within SoftBank Group are cautious about both the valuation and the IPO timing, citing global political and economic uncertainty.
There is also added pressure from the possibility of multiple large IPOs hitting the U.S. market around the same time, including potential listings of SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI, which could reduce investor appetite for new deals. At the same time, some executives see the $100 billion valuation goal as aggressive because it relies on fast growth in data center operations. Moreover, the company was already nearing its leverage limits and may need to sell or monetize assets soon to sustain its current level of spending.
Overall, the risks are increasing for Son, who has built his reputation on making SoftBank Group a key player in AI.
Is SoftBank a Good Stock to Buy?
The company’s Tokyo-listed shares fell 1.35% in today’s trading session.
According to TipRanks, 9984 stock has a Hold consensus rating based on two Buys, one Hold, and one Sell assigned in the last three months. At ¥4,810, SoftBank’s share price target implies a growth rate of over downside of 7% on the current trading level.
