SoftBank to Expand OpenAI Investment, Will AI Cryptos Respond?

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-01-28Last updated on 2026-01-28

Abstract

SoftBank plans to expand its investment in OpenAI, potentially increasing the AI firm's valuation to around $830 billion. This move aims to strengthen SoftBank's position in the AI sector and support OpenAI amid rising competition. Following the news, some AI cryptocurrencies, like Bittensor (TAO) and Story (IP), saw slight gains, though others declined. The overall AI crypto market cap rose slightly to $18.09 billion. However, the market remains volatile due to factors like global trade uncertainty and gold's rally to record highs, which is attracting safe-haven investors. Official details of SoftBank's additional investment have not yet been publicly confirmed.

SoftBank will reportedly expand its investment in Sam Altman-led OpenAI to strengthen its position in the AI race. AI cryptocurrencies have, so far, responded positively to this development; however, there are multiple factors, like Gold prices, that could eventually cause a surge or decline in their values.

SoftBank and OpenAI

SoftBank earlier announced concluding investments worth $41 billion. That was in December 2025, and according to a report by Reuters, the Japanese conglomerate will expand its holdings in the AI firm with more investments. SoftBank’s stake, based on December’s investment, is at 11%.

The investment is estimated to take OpenAI’s valuation to approximately $830 billion. It could be a part of a funding round that could raise almost $100 billion.

This comes under the objective of SoftBank looking to strengthen its ranks in the AI segment. Another reason is the rising cost for OpenAI amid stiff competition against Alphabet’s Google.

Reaction of AI Cryptos

Several AI cryptos have noted a surge in their respective values. Bittensor (TAO) has jumped slightly by 0.05% in the last 24 hours to trade at $234.53. Story (IP) has soared by 2.80% during the same timeline and is now exchanging hands at $2.18.

The collective market cap of the AI crypto segment is $18.09 billion, up by 0.31% when the article is being drafted. The collective trading volume is also up by 4.61%. Notably, multiple top AI cryptos have also lost their values, like NEAR, ICP, and RENDER.

What’s Next for the AI Segment?

The information about SoftBank’s further investment in OpenAI is yet to be made public, according to the same report by Reuters. AI cryptos could continue to experience fluctuations, considering the global crypto market is volatile amid the rising international trade uncertainty and Gold’s rally.

For a quick reference, Gold has just set a new record high of $5,224.95 per ounce despite the dollar’s decline to a near 4-year low. US President Donald Trump, when asked about the USD’s plunge, said that the currency’s value was great.

Gold, seeing record-highs in recent days, is giving investors an opportunity to seek a safe haven in the precious metal. Trump was last seen threatening South Korea with additional tariffs and picking JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon for a lawsuit. These two scenarios, out of many more, are fueling uncertainty across the globe.

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