AI Infrastructure Investment is taking center stage as SoftBank announces plans to acquire DigitalBridge Group in a $4 billion deal, marking a major step in its push to strengthen its position in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem. The acquisition highlights SoftBank’s growing focus on the infrastructure that powers AI, from data centers to high-capacity networks.
The deal, confirmed by both companies, will see SoftBank take control of DigitalBridge, a leading investor in digital infrastructure assets. The move aligns with SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son’s long-term vision of building the backbone for next-generation AI technologies, which require massive computing power and reliable digital connectivity.
DigitalBridge operates across critical infrastructure segments including data centers, cell towers, fiber networks, small-cell systems, and edge computing platforms. Its portfolio includes well-known assets such as Vantage Data Centers, Zayo, Switch, and AtlasEdge. These assets are considered essential for supporting large-scale AI workloads and cloud-based services.
SoftBank’s acquisition comes at a time when global demand for AI computing capacity is surging. From generative AI models to advanced analytics and automation, companies are racing to secure the hardware and network capabilities needed to stay competitive. By acquiring DigitalBridge, SoftBank gains direct exposure to the infrastructure layer that underpins this transformation.
Founded in 1991 as Colony Capital, DigitalBridge initially focused on real estate investments. Under the leadership of CEO Marc Ganzi, the firm shifted its strategy toward digital infrastructure and rebranded in 2021. Since then, it has rapidly expanded its presence across data centers, fiber networks, and telecom assets, positioning itself as a key player in the digital economy.
As part of the deal, Ganzi will continue to lead DigitalBridge as a separately managed platform. This ensures continuity in operations while allowing SoftBank to leverage DigitalBridge’s expertise and global footprint. As of September 30, DigitalBridge managed approximately $108 billion in assets, making it one of the largest dedicated investors in digital infrastructure worldwide.
The acquisition fits neatly into SoftBank’s broader AI strategy. Masayoshi Son has repeatedly described artificial intelligence as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Over the past year, SoftBank has increased its investments in AI-related ventures, infrastructure, and partnerships, positioning itself as a central player in the evolving AI ecosystem.
SoftBank is also a major participant in the Stargate project, a large-scale AI infrastructure initiative involving OpenAI, Oracle, and Abu Dhabi-based investor MGX. The project aims to build massive computing facilities across the United States to support advanced AI models and applications. Plans include the development of multiple data centers in Texas, New Mexico, and Ohio, with a combined power capacity of around 7 gigawatts.
These investments reflect a broader industry shift. As AI models grow more complex, the need for high-performance computing, reliable power supply, and low-latency connectivity has become critical. Companies are increasingly realizing that owning or controlling infrastructure is just as important as developing software or algorithms.
For SoftBank, the DigitalBridge acquisition also helps diversify its portfolio while strengthening its exposure to long-term growth sectors. Infrastructure assets offer stable returns and are expected to see sustained demand as AI adoption accelerates across industries such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and entertainment.
Market analysts view the move as a strategic bet on the future of AI rather than a short-term financial play. With competition intensifying among tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, access to scalable infrastructure could become a decisive advantage in the race to dominate artificial intelligence.
At the same time, the deal signals SoftBank’s confidence in the global digital economy, despite economic uncertainty and tightening investment conditions. By doubling down on infrastructure, the company is positioning itself at the foundation of the next wave of technological growth.
As AI continues to reshape industries and redefine how businesses operate, investments like this highlight the growing importance of the physical backbone that supports digital innovation. SoftBank’s move to acquire DigitalBridge underscores a clear message: the future of AI will be built not just on algorithms, but on the infrastructure that powers them.
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