SoftBank Spins Off AI Robotics Company Roze, Targets $100B U.S. IPO

Overview

SoftBank Group is spinning off a new AI and robotics company called Roze and planning to take it public in the United States, targeting a valuation of approximately $100 billion. Founder and CEO Masayoshi Son is personally driving the initiative, with a listing targeted for the second half of 2026, though insiders note it could slip to 2027 depending on market conditions.

Business Model

Roze's core proposition is using autonomous robots to build and operate AI data centers, reducing the time, cost, and human labor required to construct AI infrastructure. The company is expected to incorporate ABB Robotics, one of the world's leading suppliers of industrial robotics and automation, which SoftBank agreed to acquire last year. Roze could also bundle existing energy, land, and infrastructure assets from SoftBank's portfolio into a comprehensive AI infrastructure platform.

Timeline and Preparation

• SoftBank plans an analyst day at a Texas data center in July to build investor interest ahead of the IPO.
• KPMG has been retained to prepare financials and required public offering documents.
• Some internal executives are skeptical of both the $100 billion valuation target and the 2026 timeline.

Market Reaction

SoftBank shares rallied approximately 7% on reports of the Roze IPO plans. The move positions Roze at the intersection of three high-demand sectors in 2026: AI, robotics, and data center infrastructure.

Source: TechCrunch, CNBC