DigitalBridge Group’s extensive datacenter portfolio is joining SoftBank Group in a $4 billion transaction aimed at capitalizing on artificial intelligence infrastructure demand. The deal announcement reflects billionaire Masayoshi Son’s strategic focus on controlling the physical assets that enable AI technology deployment.
This acquisition dramatically increases SoftBank’s presence in digital infrastructure, which supplies the essential computing, networking, and storage capabilities for AI systems to function. Son has been reshaping SoftBank’s investment portfolio around artificial intelligence, recognizing the unprecedented value creation opportunity created by the technology. The explosive growth in demand for computing resources to support AI applications has made infrastructure assets increasingly valuable, which DigitalBridge’s portfolio comprehensively addresses.
DigitalBridge invests across critical digital infrastructure categories including datacenter properties, telecommunications towers, fiber optic networks, small-cell wireless systems, and edge computing facilities. The company’s holdings include well-known entities like Vantage Data Centers, Zayo, Switch, and AtlasEdge. Founded in 1991 as Colony Capital with a concentration on traditional real estate, the firm underwent a complete strategic transformation under CEO Marc Ganzi’s direction, divesting legacy property investments and rebranding as DigitalBridge in 2021.
Marc Ganzi will continue serving as CEO following the transaction, with DigitalBridge maintaining operational independence as a separately managed platform. The scale of what SoftBank is acquiring is substantial: DigitalBridge managed around $108 billion in assets as of September 30, making it one of the largest dedicated investors in digital infrastructure globally. This established platform gives SoftBank immediate access to substantial datacenter assets and specialized expertise.
SoftBank’s AI infrastructure strategy extends beyond DigitalBridge. The company is a founding partner in the Stargate project, working alongside OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX, an investment firm headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Stargate represents a multi-billion-dollar commitment to building large-scale computing infrastructure optimized for advanced AI development. Current plans include five new computing sites in Texas, New Mexico, and Ohio designed for approximately 7 gigawatts of combined power capacity.