SoftBank (SFTBY) Stock Rises 7% as $100B AI Venture Roze Plans 2026 IPO

Key Highlights:

• SoftBank stock rose 7% following news of its $100 billion AI robotics project, Roze, and a projected 2026 IPO.
• Roze focuses on developing data centers operated by robots, utilizing automated server management and advanced infrastructure designs.
• Market sentiment was bullish as SoftBank increases its stake in the growing demand for AI infrastructure and large-scale computing.
• The initiative underscores the rising global competition in AI hardware, where data centers are increasingly viewed as vital strategic assets.

(SeaPRwire) –   Shares of SoftBank Group rallied 7% following reports that the Japanese investment firm is launching Roze, a major AI and robotics venture, with plans for a potential public offering by 2026.

The project, which could reach a valuation of approximately $100 billion, represents one of SoftBank’s most significant efforts to date to capture the rapidly growing market for AI infrastructure and automation.

The stock’s performance reflects investor optimism regarding companies positioned at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and large-scale computing. As global demand for AI surges, SoftBank’s strategy appears focused on deriving value from the physical systems—specifically data centers—that support AI at scale, rather than relying solely on software.

Market Response to Roze

SoftBank shares saw a sharp increase after reports indicated the company plans to spin off Roze as an independent AI and robotics entity. Investors reacted favorably to the scale of the project, particularly the $100 billion valuation target and the possibility of a U.S. listing as early as 2026.

SoftBank Group Corp., SFTBY

The market movement signals renewed faith in SoftBank’s long-term AI roadmap, despite broader tech sector volatility. Analysts observe that investors are increasingly favoring companies with tangible exposure to AI infrastructure over those focused purely on software speculation.

The Vision for Robot-Operated Data Centers

At the heart of the Roze initiative is the transition toward automated, robot-managed data centers. SoftBank has been working on technologies aimed at minimizing human intervention within high-density server environments.

SoftBank reportedly weighs $100 billion valuation for new AI and robotics spinout in potential U.S. IPO https://t.co/ASYIjYHc5q

— CNBC International (@CNBCi) April 30, 2026

These initiatives include experimental server racks that eliminate traditional cabling, enabling robotic systems to install and swap computing hardware. The company is currently testing these systems at its Hokkaido Tomakomai AI Data Center in northern Japan to evaluate the automation technology under real-world conditions.

This strategy aligns with SoftBank Robotics’ broader goal of orchestrating automation systems rather than just building robots, with a focus on integrated workflows across both hardware and software.

$100B Valuation Goal

The projected $100 billion valuation for Roze highlights SoftBank’s belief that AI infrastructure will become a premier sector in the global technology market.

SoftBank leadership is reportedly targeting this valuation as part of a wider effort to expand its footprint in AI computing infrastructure. The move also underscores the increasing capital requirements of AI development, where competitive advantages are shifting toward physical assets like large-scale data centers.

The venture is closely linked to the broader AI vision of SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son, which encompasses significant investments in global AI projects and infrastructure financing. The firm is also engaged in major data center development projects in the United States, further cementing its position in the foundation of AI computing.