In its latest push into A.I. and semiconductors, SoftBank yesterday (Aug. 18) announced a $2 billion investment in Intel. The Masayoshi Son -led conglomerate purchased shares at a slight discount—$23 each—giving it about a 2 percent stake in the struggling U.S. chipmaker.

There's renewed focus on AI hardware, increasing holdings in Nvidia and TSMC in the March quarter despite critics warning of a bubble and oversupply risks.

Beleaguered chip manufacturer Intel will receive a much-needed $2 billion capital injection from the Japanese venture capital giant, SoftBank Group, a move that signals the latter's increasing desire to attain a foothold in the bourgeoning semiconductor industry, reported Reuters on Tuesday.

SoftBank announces its intention to purchase up to $2 billion worth of Intel common shares, investment into advanced semiconductor manufacturing in the US.

Intel Corp. (INTC) stock surged nearly 5.5% in extended trading on Monday after the struggling chipmaker announced that the company struck a deal with Masayoshi Son-led SoftBank (SFTBY) regarding a $2 billion strategic investment.

SoftBank will invest $2 billion into Intel as the struggling chipmaker pulls back on spending and lays off thousands of workers. In an announcement, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son said the investment aligns with the firm’s belief that “advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States.”

PayPay has filed for a US listing that could value Japan’s ubiquitous payments company at more than $10bn and help fund some of owner SoftBank’s massive bets on artificial intelligence.