SoftBank in talks to buy stake in ​OpenAI-backed 1X at $6 billion valuation

SoftBank is in talks to buy a majority stake in OpenAI-backed humanoid robot developer 1X Technologies in a deal that would value ‌the ⁠startup at ⁠about $6 billion, The Information reported on Wednesday, citing people with knowledge of the deal.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the report. SoftBank Group and ​1X did not ⁠immediately respond ‌to Reuters requests ​for ​comment.

The talks are ongoing, ⁠and the terms could change, the ​report said.


OpenAI and 1X last year discussed the possibility of the ChatGPT-maker acquiring 1X, the report added.

OpenAI invested in 1X in 2023 through ‌its OpenAI Startup Fund, alongside Tiger Global and a ​group ​of Norway-based ⁠investors.

The 1X deal builds on SoftBank's broader push into robotics, following its agreement last year to acquire Swiss engineering group ABB's robotics business for $5.4 billion.

(Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)