SoftBank Group is reportedly planning to create and list a new artificial intelligence and robotics company, named 'Roze,' in the United States as early as this year, according to the Financial Times and reported by CNBC World [1]. The new entity will focus on building data centers and leveraging robotics to enhance the efficiency of AI infrastructure construction [1]. SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son is leading the initiative, with the company targeting an ambitious valuation of approximately $100 billion for Roze and aiming for an initial public offering within the year, though both the valuation and timeline are subject to change due to uncertainties such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East [1].
Roze is expected to consolidate existing energy, land, and infrastructure assets from SoftBank's portfolio, as well as ABB Robotics, which SoftBank agreed to acquire in the previous year [1]. ABB Robotics is recognized as a leading supplier of robotics and machine automation solutions, and SoftBank plans to integrate its hardware with advanced AI capabilities [1]. The proposed listing of Roze could help SoftBank offset significant financial commitments, including more than $30 billion invested in OpenAI, which remains unprofitable [1].
SoftBank's AI ambitions have increasingly shifted toward the U.S. market, with the company already positioning itself as a major financier of American AI infrastructure [1]. In early 2025, SoftBank partnered with OpenAI, Oracle, and others on the Stargate project, a planned $500 billion investment to expand AI data center capacity across the United States [1]. The conglomerate is also rapidly developing its own data centers, including a large-scale project in Ohio [1].
Financially, SoftBank posted a $2.4 billion gain in its Vision Fund during the December quarter, with gains from its OpenAI investment helping to offset losses in other areas [1]. Despite these positive developments, SoftBank's shares were trading 0.9% lower on Thursday, though the stock remains up more than 18% for the year [1].
CONCLUSION
SoftBank's reported plans for a $100 billion U.S. IPO of its new AI and robotics spinout, Roze, signal a major strategic push into the American AI infrastructure market. The move could help the company manage its substantial AI investments and further solidify its position as a leading player in the sector. Market reaction has been mixed, with shares slightly down on the day but up significantly year-to-date.