SoftBank’s $6.5 Billion Ampere Computing Acquisition Boosts AI and High-Performance Computing Strategy
Staff Editor SoftBank Acquires Ampere Computing for $6.5 Billion, Bolstering AI Strategy
SoftBank Group Corp. has announced its acquisition of Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion in an all-cash deal, marking a significant move in the artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing sector. The Japanese conglomerate confirmed that Ampere will retain its name and headquarters in Santa Clara, California.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating, “Ampere’s innovative technology will play a crucial role in advancing AI innovation in the United States.” The deal, which aligns with SoftBank’s commitment to AI and high-performance computing, is expected to close in the second half of the year.
This acquisition is the latest in a series of AI-focused investments by SoftBank. The company has maintained a strong relationship with Nvidia and its CEO Jensen Huang over the years, including a past investment in Nvidia that was sold in 2019. More recently, SoftBank has collaborated with Nvidia on AI supercomputing projects utilizing Blackwell chips.
SoftBank’s broader AI investment strategy includes the acquisition of Arm in 2016 and its subsequent public offering in 2023. The company has also invested in OpenAI, contributing $500 million in October, and participated in the Stargate joint venture alongside OpenAI, Oracle, and other partners to enhance US AI infrastructure.
This move represents a shift in SoftBank’s investment focus from consumer-oriented ventures to AI-centric strategies. The company’s Vision Funds, known for high-profile investments in the past, are now concentrating on AI startups. Recently, SoftBank’s second Vision Fund supported OpusClip, a generative AI video editing startup.
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, SoftBank’s acquisition of Ampere Computing signals its commitment to maintaining a leading position in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
