Exclusive-SoftBank renews talks for $10 billion loan against OpenAI stake, adds concessions, sources say

SoftBank Group has reignited discussions with a consortium of lenders to secure a $10 billion loan, using its stake in artificial intelligence firm OpenAI as collateral. This move comes after initial attempts to finalize the loan were halted, primarily due to the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the valuation of a private company like OpenAI.

To alleviate lender concerns and facilitate the deal, the Japanese technology investment giant is reportedly offering additional concessions. SoftBank is proposing to guarantee the loan's repayment, meaning the banks would have recourse to SoftBank's own assets if the value of the pledged OpenAI shares were to decline significantly. This guarantee aims to provide a greater sense of security for the lending institutions involved.

The consortium of lenders is expected to include major financial players such as Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Mizuho Financial Group. While SoftBank and OpenAI have not commented on the ongoing negotiations, and the mentioned banks declined to provide statements, the renewed talks signal SoftBank's strong interest in leveraging its significant investment in OpenAI to access substantial capital.