$4 Billion Investment Merges DigitalBridge with SoftBank’s AI Vision

A $4 billion investment is merging DigitalBridge Group with SoftBank Group’s artificial intelligence vision, the companies jointly confirmed. The transaction reflects billionaire Masayoshi Son’s strategy of integrating specialized infrastructure companies into his broader vision for AI technology development.
The merger provides SoftBank with substantially integrated digital infrastructure capabilities, which supply the essential computing, storage, and networking functions for AI applications. Son has been orchestrating a comprehensive vision for artificial intelligence that requires coordinated infrastructure investments. The explosive growth in demand for computing resources to support AI systems aligns perfectly with DigitalBridge’s portfolio, creating natural integration opportunities.
DigitalBridge invests across critical digital infrastructure categories including datacenters, cell tower networks, fiber systems, small-cell infrastructure, and edge computing facilities. The portfolio features prominent companies like Vantage Data Centers, Zayo, Switch, and AtlasEdge. Originally established as Colony Capital in 1991 with a traditional real estate focus, the company transformed completely under CEO Marc Ganzi’s direction, divesting legacy property investments and rebranding as DigitalBridge in 2021.
Following the merger into SoftBank’s vision, Ganzi will continue as CEO with DigitalBridge operating as a separately managed platform. The integration potential is substantial: DigitalBridge had approximately $108 billion in assets under management as of September 30, making it one of the largest dedicated investors in digital infrastructure. This creates significant opportunities for integration with SoftBank’s other AI initiatives.
SoftBank’s AI vision encompasses multiple major projects. The company is a principal partner in the Stargate project alongside OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX, a technology investment firm based in Abu Dhabi. This collaborative initiative involves multi-billion-dollar investments in large-scale computing infrastructure designed specifically for advanced AI development. The roadmap includes five computing centers in Texas, New Mexico, and Ohio with a total power capacity of approximately 7 gigawatts.