SoftBank’s planned joint venture with OpenAI to provide AI services for Japanese corporate clients has been delayed, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The venture, first announced in February by SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, was scheduled to launch in summer 2025.

Preparations are taking longer than expected, and an update is now expected in November, the source said.

SoftBank said preparations are proceeding, but did not share further details.

OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The venture will be owned by OpenAI and a company established by SoftBank and its domestic telecom unit.

Junichi Miyakawa, CEO of SoftBank’s telecom business, previously cited July-end as the target date, with product offerings still under discussion.

🔗 Source: Reuters

Recent SoftBank developments