Which major tech firms are partnering with SoftBank on the new AI fund?

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Apple and Microsoft are partnering with SoftBank on the new AI fund.

Apple and Microsoft are among the major tech firms collaborating with SoftBank Group on a new US$108 billion investment fund aimed at accelerating the artificial intelligence revolution. This initiative marks a significant move by SoftBank to continue its strategy of investing in leading technology companies.
Investment Fund Details and Participants

The newly announced fund, referred to as Vision Fund 2, is positioned as the successor to SoftBank's original Vision Fund. SoftBank Group itself is committing US$38 billion to this venture. Beyond Apple and Microsoft, other confirmed investors include Foxconn, a consortium of Japanese banks, Standard Chartered, and the National Bank of Kazakhstan. The fund's stated objective is to "facilitate the continued acceleration of the AI revolution through investment in market-leading, tech-enabled growth companies."
Strategic Alliances and Cloud Integration

Reports indicate that Microsoft's involvement includes an understanding to encourage the approximately 75 companies within the new fund's portfolio to migrate to Microsoft's cloud platform. This suggests a strategic alignment where SoftBank's investments could potentially drive business towards Microsoft's services, reinforcing the symbiotic nature of these partnerships.
Evolution of SoftBank's Investment Strategy

SoftBank has transitioned from its origins as a software company to a prominent investment firm, largely driven by the success of its first Vision Fund. The first fund, which notably received substantial backing from Saudi Arabia, invested in numerous high-profile tech startups. The announcement of Vision Fund 2 did not explicitly mention Saudi Arabia as an investor, although earlier reports had suggested potential negotiations. This shift in investor composition reflects the evolving landscape of global investment and SoftBank's strategic adjustments.

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Which major tech firms are partnering with SoftBank on the new AI fund?

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