SoftBank is acquiring Ampere Computing, a Silicon Valley chip company, for $6.5 billion. Under the deal, Ampere will retain its name and headquarters in Santa Clara, California, and operate as a subsidiary of the company, SoftBank said.
Image source: Ampere Computing
«“The future of artificial superintelligence requires breakthrough computing power. Ampere’s expertise in semiconductors and high-performance computing will help accelerate this vision and strengthen our commitment to AI innovation in the U.S.,” Masayoshi Son, chairman and CEO of SoftBank, said in a statement.
Renee James, founder and CEO of Ampere, said in a statement: “With a shared vision to advance artificial intelligence, we are excited to join SoftBank Group and collaborate with its portfolio of leading technology companies.” The deal is expected to close in the second half of the year, the statement said.
SoftBank’s AI investments also include Stargate, a $500 billion joint venture with OpenAI that also includes Oracle and other investors. Announced in January, the project aims to make massive investments in U.S. AI infrastructure over the next four years.
Son, SoftBank’s CEO, was present at the White House alongside OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Oracle CTO Larry Ellison and US President Donald Trump for the project’s official announcement.