Japanese conglomerate SoftBank is investing $2 billion in Intel, buying about 2% of the company’s outstanding shares at $23 per share. The move makes SoftBank the chipmaker’s fifth-largest shareholder and sent Intel stock up nearly 6% in after-hours trading.
The investment is seen as a vote of confidence in Intel, which has struggled to capitalize on the AI-driven semiconductor boom dominated by Nvidia. Intel shares lost 60% of their value last year, though they are up 18% so far in 2025.
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who took over in March after Pat Gelsinger’s exit, welcomed the support, noting his long relationship with SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son. Tan has been under pressure to stabilize Intel’s foundry business, which has yet to secure major customers despite heavy investment.
Intel remains central to U.S. technology policy as the only American company capable of producing the most advanced chips. Reports suggest the U.S. government is considering taking an equity stake in Intel as part of efforts to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
SoftBank’s latest move expands its footprint in the global chip industry. The group previously acquired Arm for $32 billion in 2016, now valued near $150 billion, and announced earlier this year it would acquire Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion. Son has also tied SoftBank to major AI projects, including President Trump’s Stargate initiative and a record $40 billion investment in OpenAI.
“This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role,” Son said.
