Why Nvidia’s Jensen Huang regrets ignoring advice from Japan’s 2nd richest man Son, who championed giants like Gates, Jobs

In a significant move for Japan’s technological landscape, SoftBank Group Corp’s telecom division has announced a partnership with Nvidia Corp to develop the nation’s most powerful AI-driven supercomputer. This advanced system will leverage Nvidia’s latest Blackwell-designed chips, intended to support a wide array of local services. This new supercomputer, to be built using Nvidia’s DGX B200 platform, combines high-performing computer processors with AI accelerator chips, promising extensive capabilities for artificial intelligence applications in Japan.

Nvidia and SoftBank’s Announcement at AI Summit

This collaboration was unveiled at Nvidia’s AI Summit in Tokyo, where Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and SoftBank’s founder Masayoshi Son shared the stage for a fireside chat. During the event, Huang acknowledged Son’s long history of identifying and supporting influential technology leaders and innovations over the past several decades. “Softbank has always picked a winner -- Bill Gates, Steve Jobs…” said Huang, emphasizing Son’s unique ability to back transformative companies early on.

A History of Strategic Partnerships

Huang praised Son’s role in shaping global tech trends, noting, “Masa is the only entrepreneur… who has selected the winner and partnered with the winner in every single generation.” He highlighted Son’s key role in bringing iconic figures and firms to Japan, including Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Apple’s Steve Jobs. Son’s investments and partnerships have left a profound mark on Japan’s tech sector, including early support for Alibaba, a leading player in China’s cloud industry.

Reflecting on SoftBank’s history with Nvidia, Huang reminded the audience that SoftBank was once Nvidia’s largest shareholder, with a 4.9% stake until 2019, valued at approximately $178 billion today. Son’s reaction to this reminder, playfully resting his head on Huang’s shoulder, drew laughter from the audience. “It’s okay. We can cry together. Could you imagine? If today you are the largest shareholder…” said Huang, concluding the moment with a lighthearted embrace.

Nvidia CEO’s Regret Over Declining Son’s Offer

Huang also shared a personal regret about a past business decision. He revealed that Son, foreseeing Nvidia’s future potential, had offered him financial backing to acquire the company. “Your journey of suffering will continue for some time because you are inventing this future,” Son had told Huang. Son had then proposed, “Let me give you the money to buy Nvidia. All of it.” Huang admitted that he now regrets declining Son’s offer, calling it “a great idea.”

Expanding AI Initiatives Globally

Nvidia’s recent events in India and Japan underscore its vision of an industrial revolution driven by AI. These initiatives aim to broaden AI applications to national infrastructures and reduce Nvidia’s dependency on U.S.-based clients. This collaboration with SoftBank positions Japan to be at the forefront of AI-driven advancements and further cements Nvidia’s role in leading global AI deployment.