DigitalBridge Group is becoming SoftBank Group property in a $4 billion transaction focused on artificial intelligence infrastructure, both companies announced. The deal reflects founder Masayoshi Son’s determination to own and control the infrastructure assets that will power the next generation of AI applications.
The transaction dramatically expands SoftBank’s ownership of digital infrastructure assets, which supply the critical computing, storage, and networking capabilities for AI systems. Son has been systematically redirecting SoftBank’s portfolio toward artificial intelligence, viewing it as a once-in-a-generation technological breakthrough. The surging demand for computing resources to support AI applications has made infrastructure ownership increasingly valuable, which DigitalBridge’s portfolio represents.
DigitalBridge specializes in digital infrastructure investments encompassing datacenter facilities, telecommunications tower networks, fiber optic systems, small-cell infrastructure, and edge computing platforms. The company’s holdings include well-known businesses like Vantage Data Centers, Zayo, Switch, and AtlasEdge. Founded in 1991 as Colony Capital with a focus on traditional real estate, the firm transformed completely under CEO Marc Ganzi’s leadership, divesting legacy property investments and rebranding as DigitalBridge in 2021.
Under the ownership transfer, Ganzi will continue as CEO with DigitalBridge operating as an independently managed platform within SoftBank’s property portfolio. The value of this ownership is substantial: DigitalBridge had around $108 billion in assets under management as of September 30, positioning it among the world’s premier institutional investors focused exclusively on digital infrastructure. This adds significant property value to SoftBank’s holdings.
SoftBank’s AI infrastructure ownership extends to other major projects. The company is a principal partner in the Stargate project alongside OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX, a technology investment firm headquartered in Abu Dhabi. This collaborative initiative involves multi-billion-dollar investments in large-scale computing infrastructure designed specifically for advanced AI development. Plans include five computing centers in Texas, New Mexico, and Ohio with a total power capacity of approximately 7 gigawatts.