SoftBank Group Corp. aims to increase its stake in OpenAI by acquiring up to $1.5 billion in shares from the startup’s employees, according to people familiar with the matter. The Japanese company will make a tender offer for the stock,

The Japanese bank is keen to increase its stake in the AI market leader, which is also backed by Microsoft.

SoftBank invests $1.5 billion in OpenAI, offering $210 per share to employees. This deal aligns with Vision Fund 2’s AI focus and OpenAI’s profit-driven strategy.