SoftBank Group is reportedly preparing to launch one of the most ambitious technology spin-offs in recent years, with plans to create a standalone artificial intelligence and robotics company that could be valued at up to $100 billion in a potential U.S. public listing.

The proposed entity, expected to be named “Roze,” reflects founder Masayoshi Son’s growing conviction that AI infrastructure—not just software—will define the next phase of global technological dominance.

A $100 Billion Bet on AI Infrastructure

According to reports, SoftBank’s new venture will focus on building next-generation data centers while integrating robotics to streamline construction and operational efficiency. The goal is to significantly reduce the cost and time required to deploy AI infrastructure at scale, a critical bottleneck as demand for computing power surges globally.

Executives are targeting a valuation of around $100 billion for the spin-off, positioning it among the largest AI-focused listings ever. The IPO could take place as early as this year, although timelines remain fluid given market conditions and geopolitical uncertainty.

The move signals a strategic shift toward vertically integrated AI ecosystems—combining hardware, automation, and computing infrastructure into a single platform.

Strategic Assets and Robotics Integration

The new company is expected to consolidate several of SoftBank’s existing assets, including land, energy resources, and infrastructure capabilities. A key component will be the integration of ABB Robotics, a global leader in industrial automation that SoftBank agreed to acquire.

By combining ABB’s advanced robotics systems with AI-driven optimization, SoftBank aims to automate large parts of data center construction and maintenance. This could give the company a competitive edge in an industry where speed, efficiency, and scalability are becoming decisive factors.

Massive AI Investments Raise Stakes

SoftBank has already committed tens of billions of dollars to artificial intelligence, with a significant portion directed toward OpenAI. The company’s financial exposure to AI continues to grow, raising questions among investors about funding strategies and long-term returns.

The proposed IPO could help offset some of these commitments, including more than $30 billion pledged to OpenAI. By spinning off a high-value entity, SoftBank may unlock liquidity while maintaining strategic control over key AI infrastructure assets.

Its Vision Fund recently posted a $2.4 billion gain in a single quarter, driven largely by AI-related investments, signaling early returns on its aggressive strategy.

U.S. Becomes the Core of AI Expansion

SoftBank’s AI ambitions are increasingly centered in the United States, where it is positioning itself as a major backer of large-scale infrastructure projects. The company is already involved in the “Stargate” initiative—a planned $500 billion collaboration alongside Oracle and OpenAI to build advanced AI data centers across the country.

In parallel, SoftBank is accelerating development of its own facilities, including a major data center project in Ohio designed to support high-performance AI workloads.

This U.S.-focused strategy reflects both the scale of demand for AI computing and the availability of capital, partnerships, and regulatory support.

Risks, Challenges, and Market Uncertainty

Despite the bold vision, the plan is not without risks. Internal discussions reportedly highlight concerns about execution complexity, capital intensity, and the uncertain macroeconomic environment. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, could also impact investor sentiment and IPO timing.

Additionally, while AI demand is booming, monetization models—especially for infrastructure-heavy investments—remain under scrutiny. Investors are increasingly focused on profitability timelines, not just growth potential.

SoftBank’s shares were slightly lower following the report but remain up more than 18% year-to-date, reflecting continued investor interest in its AI-driven strategy.

A Defining Moment for AI and Capital Markets

If executed successfully, the Roze spin-off could become a landmark event in global capital markets, rivaling some of the largest tech IPOs in history. It would also reinforce a broader industry trend: the convergence of AI, robotics, and physical infrastructure as the foundation of future innovation.

Bottom Line

SoftBank’s planned $100 billion AI and robotics spin-off underscores the scale of opportunity—and risk—within the rapidly evolving AI economy. By doubling down on infrastructure and automation, the company is betting that the next wave of technological growth will be built not just on algorithms, but on the physical systems that power them.

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