SoftBank eyes listing new AI and robotics firm Roze in the U.S., FT reports
CANADA – 2025/08/07: In this photo illustration, the SoftBank Group (Soft Bank) logo is seen on a smartphone screen. (Photo Illustration: Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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SoftBank Group plans to launch and list a standalone AI and robotics company in the US earlier this year, the Financial Times reported reported on Thursday.
The new entity, to be called “Roze,” will focus on building data centers and using robotics to improve the efficiency of AI infrastructure construction, according to the report, which cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
SoftBank founder and Chief Executive Masayoshi Son continues this effort; executives are reportedly targeting a valuation of around $100 billion and aiming to pursue an initial public offering this year.
However, the report noted that the valuation target and timeline could change, and that the plans were considered ambitious by some SoftBank executives, due in part to uncertainties arising from the conflict in the Middle East.
Son’s appetite for AI risk is growing, with tens of billions of dollars committed to the sector in recent years. But investors have expressed concerns about how SoftBank will finance these investments, particularly its support for unprofitable OpenAI.
The proposed listing could help offset some major commitments, including more than $30 billion committed to OpenAI.
Roze may also reportedly combine SoftBank’s ABB Robotics, along with existing energy, land and infrastructure assets in SoftBank’s portfolio. agreed to buy last year.
ABB Robotics is one of the world’s leading suppliers of robotics and machine automation solutions and is expected to integrate SoftBank’s robotics hardware with artificial intelligence capabilities.
Representatives for SoftBank did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC.
Son’s AI ambitions are increasingly focused on the US, and the company is already positioning itself as a major financier of American AI infrastructure.
Early last year, SoftBank partnered with OpenAI, Oracle and others on the Stargate project, a planned $500 billion investment to build AI data center capacity across the country.
The conglomerate is also working rapidly to build its own data centers, including a large-scale project in Ohio.
SoftBank reported $2.4 billion in gains on its Vision Fund in the December quarter as gains tied to its OpenAI investment helped offset losses on some other bets.
The firm was trading 0.9% lower on Thursday and is up more than 18% this year.
