In a strategic move to strengthen its position in artificial intelligence infrastructure, SoftBank Group Corp. has announced the acquisition of semiconductor designer Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion. This acquisition signals SoftBank’s aggressive expansion into the AI industry, building on previous investments aimed at advancing next-generation computing technologies.
Strengthening SoftBank’s AI Ambitions
Ampere Computing, headquartered in Silicon Valley, specializes in high-performance data-center processors powered by Arm Holdings’ technology. These processors are designed to deliver optimal performance and efficiency for AI-driven applications, cloud computing, and large-scale data processing.
The acquisition, scheduled to close in the second half of 2025, will see Ampere become a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank while continuing to operate under its existing brand name. Analysts predict that this move will significantly bolster SoftBank’s AI infrastructure capabilities, particularly as demand for powerful data-center solutions continues to grow.
Masayoshi Son, SoftBank’s chairman, described the acquisition as a crucial step in the company’s pursuit of Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) — a futuristic concept that envisions AI surpassing human intelligence. “Ampere’s innovative processors are key to unlocking new dimensions in AI computing,” Son stated. “This acquisition will accelerate our vision of intelligent systems capable of redefining industries and advancing global technology.”
Ampere’s Role in the Expanding AI Ecosystem
Founded in 2017, Ampere Computing has quickly established itself as a leader in producing energy-efficient processors that excel in handling data-intensive workloads. By focusing on cloud-native processing capabilities, Ampere has developed solutions ideal for modern data centers and emerging AI platforms.
Ampere’s partnership with Arm Holdings has enabled it to develop processors that rival traditional x86 architecture designs, emphasizing scalability and power efficiency. These qualities have made Ampere a critical player in the evolving AI landscape, especially as data centers require more efficient hardware to manage growing demands.
SoftBank’s acquisition of Ampere is expected to enhance its influence in the semiconductor market, complementing the group’s earlier $32 billion purchase of Arm Holdings in 2016. Arm’s technology forms the backbone of billions of devices worldwide, and integrating Ampere’s high-performance chips will strengthen SoftBank’s AI-driven infrastructure ambitions.
Expanding AI Investments and Collaborations
The Ampere acquisition is just one piece of SoftBank’s broader AI strategy. In recent months, SoftBank has intensified its investments in AI initiatives, including a $500 billion commitment to the Stargate initiative — a U.S.-based project aimed at developing AI data centers capable of handling unprecedented computing loads.
Additionally, SoftBank has announced plans to invest $40 billion in OpenAI, one of the world’s leading AI research organizations. These moves demonstrate SoftBank’s commitment to building a powerful ecosystem that supports the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.
“We are constructing the technological foundation needed for the next generation of AI,” Masayoshi Son emphasized. “Ampere’s processors, alongside our partnerships with Arm Holdings and OpenAI, will form a critical pillar in achieving our vision.”
Future Outlook and Industry Impact
SoftBank’s acquisition of Ampere Computing is widely seen as a calculated move to capitalize on the growing need for advanced data-center technology. With AI models requiring increasingly complex infrastructure to train and deploy effectively, SoftBank’s strategy aims to fill this demand with cutting-edge processor technology.
Industry experts believe this acquisition could place SoftBank at the forefront of AI innovation, particularly as companies worldwide race to develop faster and more efficient hardware solutions. By integrating Ampere’s specialized processors into large-scale AI systems, SoftBank is positioning itself as a major player in the global AI race.
As the deal progresses, industry leaders will be closely watching how SoftBank leverages Ampere’s capabilities to push the boundaries of AI development and expand its influence in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.