Intel has received a $2 billion capital injection from Japanese tech investor SoftBank Group, providing a major boost to the struggling U.S. chipmaker amid its turnaround efforts.
The equity investment, announced on Monday, comes as Intel seeks to recover from management missteps that have left it with a diminished presence in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence chip market. SoftBank’s stake will make it one of Intel’s top-10 shareholders, acquiring just under 2 percent of the company through a primary issuance of common stock at $23 per share, Reuters news report said.
Who are main investors in Intel?
As of August 19, 2025, Intel Corporation’s largest shareholders are predominantly institutional investors. BlackRock holds approximately 390.5 million shares, representing about 8.92 percent of the company, making it the largest shareholder. Vanguard Group follows closely with 385.9 million shares, or 8.82 percent.
State Street Corporation owns around 203.6 million shares, equating to 4.70 percent. Other significant institutional stakeholders include Fidelity Concord Street Trust, Amundi, and Theofanis Kolokotrones, each holding substantial positions.
Furthermore, discussions are underway for the U.S. government to potentially acquire a 10 percent stake in Intel by converting some or all of the company’s Chips and Science Act grants into equity, which could make the government Intel’s largest shareholder.
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan expressed enthusiasm about strengthening the company’s partnership with SoftBank, highlighting their shared focus on emerging technologies, innovation, and promoting U.S. leadership in technology and manufacturing.
“This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role,” SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son said in a statement. The investment does not include a board seat for SoftBank, nor does it involve any commitment to purchase Intel chips.
Intel has faced significant financial headwinds, recording an $18.8 billion annual loss in 2024 — its first since 1986. The SoftBank funding provides critical support for Intel’s efforts to stabilize its finances, accelerate AI-focused chip development, and modernize domestic semiconductor production.
The deal also aligns with SoftBank’s AI strategy, which includes a $30 billion investment in ChatGPT maker OpenAI and leadership in the $500 billion Stargate U.S. data center project, a joint initiative with OpenAI and Oracle. As part of this project, Taiwan’s Foxconn plans to manufacture data center equipment at its former electric vehicle factory in Ohio, now acquired by SoftBank.
Following the announcement, Intel shares surged 5.6 percent in after-hours trading, while SoftBank’s shares dropped more than 5 percent on Tuesday. The investment is expected to strengthen Intel’s competitive position in AI and advanced semiconductor manufacturing and bolster investor confidence in the company’s turnaround strategy.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
