SoftBank to Invest $2B in Intel Amid US Semiconductor Push

Japan-based tech investor SoftBank Group announced it will invest $2 billion in Intel, as the US government reportedly considers taking a 10 percent stake in the struggling US chipmaker.

The move reflects SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son’s ongoing strategy of deepening investments in the United States. “This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will continue to grow in the US, with Intel playing a key role,” Son said in a joint statement with Intel. SoftBank will pay $23 per share for Intel common stock.

The investment comes as the Trump administration weighs a roughly 10 percent stake in Intel to support the company and strengthen the US semiconductor sector.

Since Trump’s return to power, Son has announced other major US investments, including his leading role in the $500-billion Stargate project to build AI infrastructure alongside Oracle and OpenAI. Son unveiled the Stargate initiative at the White House in January, alongside the US president and other investors.

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said the deal highlights the company’s close ties with SoftBank, calling it “a company at the forefront of emerging technology and innovation that shares our commitment to advancing US technology and manufacturing leadership.”

Trump previously urged Tan, a Malaysian-born tech veteran, to resign amid national security concerns over links to Chinese firms. However, last week he praised Tan, calling his rise “an amazing story” and promising his cabinet would work with him on recommendations.

Intel, once a dominant force in Silicon Valley, has seen its global influence challenged by Asian rivals TSMC and Samsung, which lead the custom semiconductor market. Analyst Sharon Chen of Bloomberg Intelligence described SoftBank’s investment as “small” but suggested it could signal broader ambitions in the semiconductor sector.