OpenAI is in talks for an investment round to raise nearly $40 billion that would value the AI startup at up to $340 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
OpenAI did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report.
SoftBank (9984.T) could invest $15 billion to $25 billion directly into Microsoft-backed (MSFT.O) OpenAI, some of which may be used to pay for OpenAI's commitment to Stargate, Reuters had reported on Wednesday, citing a person familiar with the matter.
Stargate, a joint venture by Oracle (ORCL.N), OpenAI and SoftBank, plans to invest up to $500 billion to help the U.S. stay ahead of China and other rivals in the global AI race.
SoftBank's investment would be on top of the $15 billion it has already committed to Stargate, the person had said, adding the talks are at an early stage.
OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, was valued at $157 billion in its last funding round, cementing its status as one of the most valuable private companies in the world.
