SoftBank shares surge nearly 20% driven by OpenAI and SB Energy IPO plans

Odaily reported that SoftBank Group shares surged nearly 20% in early Tokyo trading, boosted by news that OpenAI plans to file an IPO application. On the same day, SB Energy — a second company invested by SoftBank that develops energy infrastructure for data centers — announced it would confidentially file a U.S. IPO registration statement. SoftBank has close capital ties with OpenAI, holding approximately 13% of its shares, with cumulative investments of about $64.6 billion through its Vision Fund. According to insiders, OpenAI plans to submit its IPO application within the coming weeks, targeting a listing in autumn this year. (Jin Shi)