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Market Watch

Masayoshi Son

Chairman, President & CEO, SoftBank Group Corp

Birth DetailsAugust 11, 1957 | Kyushu, Japan

NationalityJapanese

LeagueEntrepreneur

EducationBachelor’s Degree in Economics, University of California, Berkeley

Net Worth$41.8 billion (As of March 26, 2021)

Masayoshi Son's Assets:

SoftBank Group Corp

Masayoshi Son's Journey so far ...

One of Masayoshi Son's early ventures was a multilingual translation device which he invented along with a group of friends while attending college in America. Sharp Corporation purchased the device for around $1 million
Son created SoftBank after returning from America. Found in September 1981, the firm initially operated as a software distributor and computer magazine publisher
His stint in the telecom business began in the late ‘80s when he offered users a system that would let them choose the operator offering the cheapest rates, thus posing a challenge to NTT which dominated the market at the time
Son has been a believer in the potential of Internet-based companies for a long time. During the dot-com boom of the ‘90s, he invested heavily in online start-ups - in fact, he reportedly owned 25% of the Internet at the time and acquired the nickname ‘Mr Internet'
It has also been stated that towards the end of the ‘90s, his net worth was rising by $10 billion per week and for three days he remained richer than Bill Gates
However, during the dot-com bust in the early 2000s, he lost billions (reportedly, $70 billion paper wealth). Many of his investments including Kozmo and Webvan went down but some like Yahoo Japan and Alibaba paid off and he, somehow, survived the crash
He soon entered the telecom business. In 2006, he acquired Vodafone Japan for $17.5 billion
Around that time, Son's firm also bagged a deal from Apple to become the sole distributor of iPhone 3Gs in Japan
In 2011, his company started providing broadband Internet services
In 2012, he bought a majority stake in Sprint for $20.1 billion
Under Son's leadership, SoftBank established the Vision Fund -- a $100 billion private equity investment fund -- in 2017. Some of the investments made using this fund include Uber, DoorDash, Slack, Mapbox and WeWork. Son has also invested in several Indian start-ups such as Oyo, Paytm, Ola, Grofers, Lenskart, etc. through this fund
In 2017, he acquired some robotics companies which also included Boston Dynamics
Today, Son has investments in around 1,000 Internet-based companies and owns 27% of SoftBank. He is also the 2nd richest person in Japan, succeeded only by Tadashi Yanai of UNIQLO
In 2011, following the aftermath of the worst tsunami and earthquake that Japan had ever seen, Son donated $125 million to help the victims, and also announced that he would give away his salary - till his retirement - to organisations that help such victims

Before you go ...

SoftBank is short for 'Bank of Software'
Born to a Korean immigrant family in Japan, Masayoshi Son had to face rampant discrimination while growing up which prompted his family to change their last name
Son considers McDonald Japan's founder, Den Fujita, an idol and was advised by him to study in the United States
His list of friends includes Bill Gates, Larry Ellison, Rupert Murdoch, Tadashi Yanai, Steve Jobs
He owns some high-end real estate in Japan as well as in America. While his Tokyo home is worth $45 million, he has a sprawling estate in California for which he coughed up $117.5 million

Last Updated: 26/03/2021

Masayoshi Son News

Gautam Adani becomes Asia's richest person again; overtakes Mukesh Ambani, Softbank's Masayoshi Son
Gautam Adani has regained the title of Asia’s richest person after a rally in Adani Group stocks lifted his net worth to $89.2 billion. The surge helped him overtake Mukesh Ambani and SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son, with key Adani stocks gaining strongly and extending their sharp 2026 rally.
How Larry Ellison, Masayoshi Son, Michael Saylor AI crypto billionaires reshaping legacy wealth in 2026 markets shift?
Oracle’s AI cloud surge, SoftBank’s OpenAI-backed rebound, and MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy reflect a new billionaire era. Over $1 trillion in combined market influence is being restructured through technology bets. These high-volume SEO trends highlight AI investment boom, crypto treasury models, and tech mogul comeback stories redefining global markets today. Investors now watch these moves closely as legacy wealth transforms into future-focused digital power.
SoftBank overtakes Toyota as Japan's most valuable company
Fueled by its significant stake in AI powerhouse OpenAI, SoftBank Group has surged past Toyota to become Japan's most valuable company. The tech investor's market capitalization soared following founder Masayoshi Son's announcement of a massive 75-billion-euro investment in French AI infrastructure, underscoring the booming demand for artificial intelligence technology.
SoftBank set to dethrone Toyota as Japan’s most valuable company
Shares of the Masayoshi Son-led technology group climbed as much as 10% in Tokyo trading Monday, as AI-related shares climbed across the region. SoftBank shares have been gaining since news broke that two high-profile portfolio companies - OpenAI and SB Energy Corp. - were preparing for potential US listings.
SoftBank's OpenAI-related debt in focus as another strong quarter expected
SoftBank anticipates a strong quarterly profit, largely driven by its significant investment in OpenAI, whose valuation has surged. However, concerns are mounting over the substantial debt SoftBank is accumulating to fund these commitments, leading to a negative credit outlook from S&P Global Ratings.
Softbank's Son weighs up to $100 billion investment in France: Bloomberg News
Softbank's Son weighs up to $100 billion investment in France, Bloomberg News reports
SoftBank plans to list AI and robotics firm Roze in US, FT reports
SoftBank Group is set to make waves in the U.S. technology landscape with its groundbreaking AI and robotics initiative, Roze. With an eye on reaching a staggering $100 billion valuation, the company plans to potentially go public this year. This ambitious strategy, helmed by CEO Masayoshi Son, aims to balance hefty investments, including commitments to OpenAI.
Infosys Q4 profit spikes; Flipkart mulls separate app for Minutes
Infosys closed FY26 with strong numbers aided by ⁠a pickup ⁠in demand from its banking, energy and communication segments. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.
SoftBank lenders ask more banks to join $40 billion OpenAI loan
SoftBank is seeking additional banks to join a $40 billion loan backing its OpenAI investment, a significant test of investor confidence in its AI strategy. This debt-fueled push, alongside over $30 billion already invested in OpenAI and its Arm Holdings stake, has raised concerns about SoftBank's liquidity and credit quality, prompting a negative outlook from S&P Global Ratings.
Arm CEO Haas in line to lead much of parent SoftBank's international business: Report
Arm's CEO, Rene Haas, is set to head a significant portion of SoftBank's international operations. This move is aimed at bolstering SoftBank's ambitious AI chip strategy, known as Project Izanagi. Haas will also continue his leadership role at Arm. This development comes as SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son intensifies his focus on artificial intelligence investments.
Travis Kalanick says ‘Masa money’ was ‘easy’ and ‘too loose’ during SoftBank’s hyper-funding era
Kalanick, who raised billions for Uber himself amid SoftBank’s aggressive 2017 investment spree, contrasted this with his own stealth approach at Atoms (formerly CloudKitchens), where internal drive replaced public hype. “You’re not caring what others think. You get internally fulfilled with building,” he said.
SoftBank’s $30 billion OpenAI bet spurs S&P credit outlook cut
The revised outlook follows SoftBank’s decision last month to deepen its investment in the ChatGPT maker after already injecting more than $30 billion into OpenAI and funding other artificial intelligence ventures.
SoftBank posts fourth straight quarterly profit of $1.6 billion on OpenAI gains
Japan's SoftBank Group said on Thursday it logged a net profit of 248.6 billion yen ($1.62 billion) in the October-December quarter, boosted by the rising valuation of its investment in OpenAI.
US Stocks Today | SoftBank posts fourth straight quarterly profit of $1.6 billion on OpenAI gains
Japan's SoftBank Group said on Thursday it logged a net profit of 248.6 billion yen ($1.62 billion) in the October-December quarter, boosted by the rising valuation of its investment in OpenAI.
SoftBank earnings set for OpenAI boost, with focus on future funding
SoftBank invested more than $30 billion in the ChatGPT-maker in 2025, bringing its ownership to around 11%, and is in talks to invest an additional up to $30 billion in the U.S. firm's latest funding round, Reuters reported last month. Due to its heavy exposure to OpenAI, the Japanese investment firm is increasingly seen as a publicly traded proxy for the U.S. firm, with growing concentration risk and worries over the potential impact on its financial position, analysts said.
SoftBank in talks to invest up to $30 billion more in OpenAI: Report
SoftBank is ⁠in discussions to invest up to an additional $30 billion in OpenAI, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
SoftBank cuts Ola Electric stake to 13.5% amid continued investor sell-offs
SoftBank has cut its stake in Ola Electric to 13.53% after selling shares over recent months. The offloading comes as major investors trim stake amid regulatory pressure, rising competition and operational challenges. Ola’s market share and valuation also dropped sharply over the past year.
Wealth quote of the day by SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son: “The greatest risk is not ....” — The Masa Wealth Rule: move with conviction, and money will chase you
Wealth quote of the day by SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son "Life is short. I will regret if I don’t act boldly when I am young. The greatest risk is not taking any risk at all." In the high-stakes world of global finance, Masayoshi Son remains the ultimate disruptor. As of early 2026, the SoftBank founder has moved his firm into "total offense" mode. He argues that the world is transitioning from simple automation to Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). This shift is expected to create a wealth gap unlike anything seen in the industrial revolution. Son’s mantra for 2026 is clear: speed is more important than caution.
Larry Ellison, not Elon Musk, was the tech titan who defined 2025
Larry Ellison, not Elon Musk, has emerged as 2025's most newsworthy tech titan. His Oracle Corp. is central to the AI boom, announcing a $500 billion AI infrastructure plan and a massive $300 billion deal with OpenAI. Ellison's aggressive data center expansion, despite initial cash flow challenges, positions Oracle as a key player in the AI revolution.
SoftBank eyes data center group switch as Masayoshi Son hunts for AI
The Japanese company has held discussions with Switch leadership and has been conducting due diligence on the closely held company, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. SoftBank also has been in advanced talks on a potential purchase of one of Switch’s main private equity backers, New York-listed investment firm DigitalBridge Group Inc., Bloomberg News reported last week.
SoftBank, Nvidia looking to invest in Skild AI at $14 billion valuation, sources say
Japan's SoftBank Group and Nvidia are in talks to invest in Skild AI, in a more than $1 billion funding round that could value the maker of foundation models for robots at around $14 billion.
Softbank's Son says super AI could make humans like fish, win Nobel Prize
SoftBank chief Masayoshi Son told South Korea’s president that future artificial super-intelligence could be thousands of times smarter than humans — leaving people “like fish” by comparison. He joked AI might even win a Nobel Prize in Literature. Son said ASI wouldn’t threaten humans, though President Lee admitted the idea was unsettling.
SoftBank’s Masayashi Son ‘cried’ about Nvidia stake sale to fund AI bets
SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son expressed regret over selling Nvidia shares, stating the capital was needed for significant AI investments, including a major bet on OpenAI. He dismissed concerns about an AI investment bubble, arguing that AI's potential to generate substantial global GDP justifies the spending.
SoftBank tanks 10% after $5.8-bn Nvidia stock sale
SoftBank has sold its entire stake in chip giant Nvidia for $5.8 billion. This move aims to generate cash for significant artificial intelligence investments. These include the ambitious US megaproject Stargate. SoftBank is a key investor in OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. The company reported a substantial profit increase in its latest quarter.
AI stock boom delivers bumper quarter for Japan's SoftBank
Japan's SoftBank Group reported a significant surge in net profit for the second quarter, more than doubling to 2.5 trillion yen. This boom is attributed to the soaring AI-related share prices, particularly its investment in OpenAI. The tech giant also sold $5.8 billion worth of Nvidia shares, amidst growing concerns of a market bubble fueled by AI optimism.
Ambani’s ten-paisa and Son’s $200 million: InMobi’s Naveen Tewari shares how two meetings shaped India’s first unicorn
Naveen Tewari, co-founder of InMobi, reflects on transformative moments that shaped his career. His first significant interaction with Mukesh Ambani opened his eyes to thinking big and operating on a grand scale. A subsequent meeting with Masayoshi Son catalyzed SoftBank's inaugural investment in an Indian startup, culminating in a remarkable $200 million agreement.
Even after strongest quarterly performance since June 2021, SoftBank to layoff 20% of its Vision Fund team
SoftBank Vision Fund layoffs 2025: SoftBank Group is reducing its Vision Fund workforce by 20%. This decision comes after the fund reported its best quarterly results in over three years. The company is shifting its strategy towards large-scale artificial intelligence investments. SoftBank aims to build an ecosystem for future AI adoption. It will focus on chips, data centers, and models.
SoftBank Vision Fund to lay off 20% of employees in shift to bold AI bets, source and memo say
SoftBank Group is set to reduce its Vision Fund team by nearly 20% globally, redirecting resources towards Masayoshi Son's ambitious AI ventures in the U.S. This shift marks a return to Son's high-risk, high-reward investment strategy, focusing on AI infrastructure and foundation models. The move follows the Vision Fund's strongest quarterly performance since June 2021.
SoftBank pares stake in Ola Electric to 15.7%
Masayoshi Son-led SoftBank Group is the second-largest shareholder in the Bengaluru-based electric scooter maker after founder Bhavish Aggarwal. The price at which the shares were sold was not disclosed.
SoftBank concedes Stargate Project with OpenAI needs more time
SoftBank's ambitious Stargate AI project is facing unexpected delays. The $500 billion collaboration with OpenAI is taking longer than expected. SoftBank is working to build consensus with partners like Oracle and MGX. Concrete negotiations for the first Stargate datacenter site are expected soon. Market volatility and trade policy uncertainties are contributing to the slowdown.
SoftBank builds Nvidia, TSMC stakes under Masayoshi Son’s focus on AI gear
At the heart of SoftBank’s AI ambitions is chip designer Arm Holdings Plc. Son is gradually building a portfolio around the Cambridge, UK-based company with key industry players, seeking to catch up after largely missing a historic rally that’s made Nvidia into a $4 trillion behemoth and boosted its contract chipmaker TSMC near a $1 trillion value.
Masayoshi Son and Sam Altman see no end to AI demand and scaling
Masayoshi Son and Sam Altman anticipate a tidal wave of demand for AI technologies. To fuel this growth, they are enhancing computing infrastructure significantly. The ripple effects of AI breakthroughs could lead to the creation of numerous job opportunities. Self-evolving robotics are on the horizon, promising enhanced functionality.
Masayoshi Son hints at succession plan while chasing AI ambition
Son said he plans to hold SoftBank’s reins another ten years, but added he has several candidates for its next chief in mind from within the technology group. The candidates work alongside the billionaire every day, although he hasn’t disclosed who they are to anyone, the 67-year-old said during a general shareholders’ meeting in Tokyo on Friday.
SoftBank aims to become leading 'artificial super intelligence' platform provider
The technology investment group has returned to making the aggressive investments that made Son's name and fortune, such as an early bet on Alibaba, but at times spectacularly backfired, like failed shared office provider WeWork. SoftBank's mammoth investments related to artificial intelligence in 2025 include acquiring U.S. semiconductor design company Ampere for $6.5 billion and the underwriting of up to $40 billion of new investment in ChatGPT maker OpenAI.
Exclusive: SoftBank eyeing buyout deals in India to push AI-led IT, BPO operations
SoftBank is considering acquiring Indian IT and BPO firms to integrate AI, moving beyond its traditional investment approach. It aims to enhance these firms with AI, driving efficiency and revenue growth. While a deal with AGS Health didn't materialize, SoftBank is exploring other opportunities, aligning with its global AI infrastructure initiatives like The Stargate Project and Cristal Intelligence.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son pitches $1 trillion US AI hub to TSMC and Trump team: Report
SoftBank officials have spoken with US federal and state government officials to discuss possible tax breaks for companies building factories or otherwise investing in the industrial park, including talks with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Bloomberg said.
Softbank's Son proposes US-Japan sovereign fund
Son has discussed the plan with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, although it hasn't been formally proposed, the report said. The joint fund would likely need about $300 billion in initial capital, with significant leverage, to be effective, one person told the FT.
SoftBank to raise $4.1 billion in retail bond issuance
It is SoftBank's largest ever bond issuance and the proceeds will be used to redeem existing bonds and to cover a portion of the outstanding payment on the acquisition of shares of chip designer Arm from its Vision Fund investment vehicle in August 2023, a SoftBank spokesperson said.
Japan's Softbank Group seen booking $1.5 billion quarterly profit
SoftBank expects a 234 billion yen profit, driven by gains in telecom shares and Swiggy's strong debut. Analysts debate whether AI investments will boost or hurt SoftBank's financial outlook.
SoftBank, OpenAI joint venture to offer AI for companies: Masayoshi Son
Japan's SoftBank Group will form a joint venture with US tech giant OpenAI to offer advanced artificial intelligence to businesses, SoftBank chief executive Masayoshi Son announced on Monday.
OpenAI seeking $40 billion in new fundraising round: Report
Japan's SoftBank is leading the investment round and is in talks to invest $15-25 billion in the deal that would make it the ChatGPT-maker's biggest financial backer. The reports came after Chinese startup DeepSeek sparked panic this week with a powerful new chatbot developed at a fraction of the cost of its US competitors, dealing a blow to markets.
SoftBank in talks to lead OpenAI funding round at $300 billion valuation, sources say
SoftBank Group is negotiating to lead a $40 billion funding round for AI developer OpenAI, which could value the company at $300 billion. This move comes as competition heats up with Chinese startup DeepSeek's low-cost AI model. The investment is expected to involve convertibles and is contingent on OpenAI restructuring away from its non-profit status.
The Trump effect: How his first week in office feels like a throwback to his first term
Donald Trump’s first week of his second term has been marked by bold actions, including pardoning January 6 rioters, revoking security for former officials, and swiftly implementing policy changes. His more organised approach contrasts with his familiar combative style, as he pushes for an oil-driven economy and battles legal challenges. Amid tensions with tech billionaires and misleading statements, Trump’s presidency promises to ignite debates on executive power and the future of U.S. democracy.
Why Elon Musk is fuming over Donald Trump’s $500 billion AI Stargate Project
A new $500 billion AI initiative, Stargate, was announced by US President Donald Trump, SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle, promising to create over 100,000 jobs. However, Elon Musk’s doubts about the project's funding and his ongoing rivalry with OpenAI’s Sam Altman sparked public disputes. As questions about the future of artificial general intelligence (AGI) persist, experts remain divided on the project's long-term impact on society and geopolitics.
Satya Nadella definitely has the money: Musk continues attack on Stargate project
This follows Musk’s social media banter where he said SoftBank and OpenAI, which committed $100 billion to the Stargate project, do not have the financial resources. Stargate, a $500 billion initiative, will build AI infrastructure across the US. The alliance of tech giants will have SoftBank and OpenAI as the lead partners, and Oracle and MGX as equity investors.
Sam Altman vs Elon Musk: OpenAI CEO dismisses Musk's claims about Stargate AI project having 'no money'
Musk had said earlier that the Stargate Project, an initiative to build AI infrastructure across the US, with Masayoshi Son taking the role of chairman, doesn't have funds. "Wrong, as you surely know. want to come visit the first site already under way?" Altman said in a post.
What is Stargate? The $500 billion AI project approved by Trump 2.0 to beat competitor China
President Donald Trump has announced the Stargate initiative, a significant collaboration involving OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, with an initial investment of $100 billion. The project aims to enhance the U.S. in artificial intelligence, create over 100,000 jobs, and counter China’s AI advancements.
SoftBank, OpenAI launch $500 billion AI infrastructure project, Masayoshi Son named chairman
The investment brings together an alliance of tech giants. While SoftBank and OpenAI are lead partners—with SoftBank handling financials and OpenAI managing operations—Oracle and MGX have also joined as equity funders. The project maintains OpenAI's existing partnership with Microsoft, with the company set to increase its use of Azure cloud services. Meanwhile, Nvidia will build on its longstanding collaboration with OpenAI dating back to 2016.
Trump announces $20 billion US investment by Emirati businessman
President-elect Donald Trump announced a $20 billion data centre investment in the US by Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani's DAMAC Properties. The investment, linked to AI, cryptocurrency, and the digital economy, follows a similar $100 billion pledge by Japanese investor Masayoshi Son. The deal highlights the potential for profit among Trump’s wealthy business partners.
Softbank eyes $100 billion investment in US projects over next 4 years
Trump announced the planned investment Monday at his Mar-a-Lago resort with Son at his side, along with Howard Lutnick, head of investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and Trump's pick for commerce secretary.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son unveils $100 billion US investment plan
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son will invest $100 billion in the US. The investment will create 100,000 jobs. It will focus on artificial intelligence. Earlier, Son also visited India and he met with Prime Minister Modi and entrepreneurs. The Japanese investor reported a nearly $8 billion profit for the July-September quarter, its highest in over two years.
SoftBank CEO to announce $100 bln investment in US during visit to Trump, CNBC reports
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son is set to announce a $100 billion investment in the U.S. over four years, focusing on artificial intelligence and related infrastructure, during a joint event with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
New guidelines on India's laptop import policy still under deliberation: Piyush Goyal
Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India's laptop import guidelines are under deliberation by the Ministry of Electronics and IT, with import authorisations valid until December 2024. He highlighted India's rising exports, expected to exceed $800 billion in 2024-25, and praised SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son's plans to boost investments, reflecting global confidence in India's growth story.
Masayoshi Son’s vision for India; Stellaris’ $300-million fund
Happy Thursday! SoftBank's Masayoshi Son outlined plans to make India a global chip hub, during his India visit. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Masayoshi Son outlines vision to make India global chip capital
SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and portfolio founders and CEOs on Wednesday as part of his ongoing India visit. In one-on-one conversations with several Indian entrepreneurs from SoftBank’s portfolio, Son said he plans to make India the chip capital of the world amid the artificial intelligence (AI) boom.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son meets InMobi's Naveen Tewari to explore potential AI, consumer tech collabs
In 2011, the Japanese firm made a landmark investment of USD 200 million in InMobi, marking its first venture into the Indian market. Glance is a platform developed by InMobi that enhances the smartphone user experience by providing personalised content directly on the lock screen.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son in India; Ola Electric shares surge
SoftBank chief Masayoshi Son met portfolio executives during his India visit. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
OpenAI allows employees to sell shares worth $1.5 billion to SoftBank
Employees have until December 24 to decide whether to participate in the newly disclosed tender offer. The deal was reportedly driven by SoftBank's billionaire founder and CEO Masayoshi Son, who pressed for a larger stake in the startup after putting $500 million into OpenAI’s last funding round.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son engages with portfolio executives in India; PM meet on agenda
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son's India visit includes meetings with PM Modi and Mukesh Ambani, highlighting India's importance. Son's trip follows SoftBank's strong earnings, boosted by Indian IPOs like FirstCry and Ola Electric. SoftBank anticipates more Indian IPOs, with OfBusiness expected next year, solidifying India as a top-performing market.
SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son to meet Indian PM Modi
SoftBank's billionaire founder Masayoshi Son will meet Indian PM Narendra Modi, after discussing AI opportunities with Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries chairman.
Why Nvidia’s Jensen Huang regrets ignoring advice from Japan’s 2nd richest man Son, who championed giants like Gates, Jobs
SoftBank is set to build Japan's most powerful AI supercomputer. It will use Nvidia's new Blackwell design chips. The supercomputer will support various local services. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Softbank founder Masayoshi Son made the announcement. They reminisced about their past dealings. Son had offered to help Huang buy Nvidia. Huang now regrets not taking the offer.
SoftBank expected to book $1.87 billion profit on IPOs
Analysts are also looking out for signs of new investment momentum driven by SoftBank's robust balance sheet and management's bullish stance on artificial intelligence (AI).
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son says artificial super intelligence to exist by 2035
Artificial super intelligence will be 10,000 times smarter than a human brain and will exist by 2035, SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son said in a conference in Saudi Arabia.
SoftBank plunges 19%, its biggest drop since 1998 IPO; $2.6 bn wiped off Masayoshi Son’s fortune
Shares were down 8% Friday in Tokyo. Over two days, the technology conglomerate is down roughly 14%. Even after the recent plunge, Son is up about $2.7 billion from the $11.3 billion he began the year with, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
SoftBank chief Masayoshi Son pitches a new path for self-driving cars
Most driverless car projects today rely on high-definition maps to help vehicles navigate, but these maps can become outdated, and vehicles are restricted to operating only in certain areas. Son is pitching a model in which cars can navigate -- potentially anywhere -- using a powerful AI computer system that would guide vehicles through everything they encounter on roads. That system would need to be trained using massive amounts of data.
SoftBank trades above record-high close in win for Masayoshi Son
SoftBank's shares surge on AI and chip investments, led by Masayoshi Son's strategic moves with key partnerships and focus on energy-efficient architecture. Despite market volatility and past setbacks, the company remains a prominent player in the global tech landscape.
SoftBank to back AI startup Perplexity at $3 billion valuation
SoftBank's AI investments, especially in Perplexity AI at $3 billion, signify a strategic shift towards innovative technologies, including the 'answer engine' concept, amidst Masayoshi Son's ambitious AI vision.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son talks up artificial super intelligence ambitions
"SoftBank Group has done many things until now that have all been a warm up for my great dream to realise artificial intelligence," Son told shareholders at the group's annual general meeting.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son: will ramp up US power business for generative AI
Japan's SoftBank Group will ramp up its power generation business primarily in the United States to supply power to generative artificial intelligence projects worldwide, founder Masayoshi Son said on Thursday.
Elliott rebuilds stake in SoftBank and pushes for $15 billion buyback: Report
SoftBank Group's shares surged to a three-year high after activist investor Elliott Management proposed a $15 billion buyback. CEO Masayoshi Son's confidence in the strategy was highlighted. The financial boost was attributed to the success of British chip-designer Arm Holdings.
Elevation Capital’s massive gamble on Paytm backfires
The Ravi Adusumalli-led fund’s 15% stake in One 97, which was valued at about Rs 6,100 crore when the post-IPO lock-in expired in November 2022, had shrunk by nearly 40% to Rs 3,800 crore at the end of trading on Thursday.
SoftBank stock rises on CEO's plan for $100 billion chip project
Shares in the Tokyo-based tech investor gained as much as 3.2% after Bloomberg News reported the 66-year-old billionaire is seeking funding for a foray into AI chips to compete with Nvidia Corp. The project, code-named Izanagi, would is aimed at building an AI chip venture that would complement Arm Holdings Plc, the chip design company in which SoftBank holds a majority stake.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son is seeking about $100 billion for AI chip venture
The AI chip venture is code-named Izanagi. Masayoshi Son envisions creating a company that can complement chip design unit Arm Holdings Plc and allow the billionaire to build an AI chip powerhouse.
SoftBank sees new-found caution as secret weapon in AI arms race
The Vision Fund unit made just 29 new and follow-on investments in all of 2023 out of more than 300 companies it studied. The October-to-December quarter was the unit's most miserly since 2017, with SoftBank saying the funds made $100 million in new investments, a drop from the heady days of 2021, when they spent $20.9 billion in April-June alone.
SoftBank offloads another 2% stake in Paytm
Earlier in February last year, SoftBank held a 13.24% stake in fintech major Paytm and has continued to dilute its stake through the course of last year. After the latest sale, SoftBank now holds a 5.06% stake in One 97 Communications, the parent entity that operates the Paytm brand.
Meet Alex Clavel, a US dealmaker behind SoftBank's investing cleanup
After years of executive departures and soured bets, including a $16 billion investment in co-working space firm WeWork, 49-year-old Alex Clavel is Masayoshi Son's top lieutenant leading SoftBank's attempt at a turnaround.
WeWork saga cost Masayoshi Son $11.5 billion and his credibility
Son overrode his lieutenants’ objections and handed WeWork founder Adam Neumann billions of dollars from both SoftBank Group Corp. and the Vision Fund, lifting the co-working office space’s valuation to an astronomical $47 billion in early 2019. Just months later, investors balked at the deep losses and conflicts of interest WeWork’s IPO filings revealed.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son says AI will surpass human intelligence in a decade
It will affect every industry, from transportation and pharmaceuticals to finance, manufacturing, logistics and others, and the companies and people that work with AI will be the leaders in the next 10 to 20 years, Son said.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son says artificial general intelligence will come within 10 years
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son predicts that artificial general intelligence (AGI), which surpasses human intelligence, will be achieved within 10 years. Son believes that AGI will be 10 times more intelligent than the sum total of human intelligence. He highlighted the rapid progress in generative AI, stating that it has already exceeded human intelligence in certain areas.
OpenAI, Jony Ive, SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son in talks to build ‘iPhone of AI’: report
While discussions are on, a report in the Financial Times states that it would take months for a joint venture to be formally announced.
SoftBank seeks OpenAI tie-up as Masayoshi Son plans deal spree after Arm IPO
SoftBank is looking for deals in artificial intelligence, including a potential investment in OpenAI, after the blockbuster listing of its Arm unit, the Financial Times reported on Saturday.
SoftBank left millions on the table to engineer a win for Masayoshi Son
The company left a lot on the table: Pricing the IPO just $1 more a share — a notion Son rejected — would have raised about $100 million more.
SoftBank Group invests $65 million in UK artificial intelligence firm
SoftBank Group has resumed investment in new AI companies, investing $65 million in British firm Tractable, an insurance technology company that uses AI to assess insurance claims in photos.
Japan leaning toward softer AI rules than EU
Japan is leaning toward softer rules governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) than the European Union, said an official close to deliberations, as it looks to the technology to boost economic growth and make it a leader in advanced chips.
SoftBank’s Vision Fund to start job cuts as soon as this week
About 13% of the Vision Fund staff will be affected, one person said. The headcount reduction will mostly occur in the US, another person said, asking not to be identified as discussions are private. The investment unit had about 349 people globally as of end-March.
SoftBank to shift its stance to 'offence mode', says CEO Masayoshi Son
SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son said on Wednesday that his tech investing conglomerate plans to shift its stance to "offence mode" after having cut back its investing activity to shore up its finances.
SoftBank's Masayoshi Son says he is a "heavy user" of ChatGPT
SoftBank Group's Chief Executive Masayoshi Son said on Tuesday he is a "heavy user" of ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence-powered chatbot from Microsoft backed startup OpenAI.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman meets SoftBank's Masayoshi Son during Japan visit: report
The meeting between the OpenAI chief and Son comes after the Japanese group's telecommunications unit announced in May that it would consider utilising generative AI such as ChatGPT.
SoftBank shares swept up in AI chip frenzy ahead of Arm IPO
SoftBank Group Corp saw its shares rise by 5% in early trade due to the frenzy for semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related stocks. The Japanese conglomerate has been hit by the slumping value of its tech portfolio, but it has seen shares gain 17% since the close of last week. This is compared to a 172% increase for U.S. chipmaker Nvidia Corp and 39% for the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index. Analysts believe the anticipated IPO of chip designer Arm will help the rally.
Masayoshi Son now owes SoftBank $5.2 billion on side deals
Masayoshi Son is now personally on the hook for about $5.2 billion on side deals he set up at SoftBank Group Corp. to boost his compensation, after the Vision Fund venture capital arm capped a year of record losses.
Alibaba's Jack Ma turns up in Japan as college professor
Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba Group, has been appointed as a visiting professor at Tokyo College, a research institute run by the University of Tokyo. The university said that Ma will conduct research in sustainable agriculture and food production, and will also share his knowledge and experience on entrepreneurship, corporate management and innovation with students and faculty. Ma's appointment began on Monday and runs through the end of October.
Masayoshi Son's SoftBank plans to sell majority of its stake in Alibaba
SoftBank Group is looking to shed a majority of its position in Alibaba, after having sold $7bn in the Chinese tech giant this year using prepaid contracts. Pummeled by losses from its startup bets, the Japanese company has prioritised financial discipline to be able to go on an offensive with investments in the future. The move reduces SoftBank's ownership of Alibaba to less than 4%, down from 14.6% as of end-September and is the latest sign of long-time China investors cutting their exposure there.
SoftBank to sell nearly all its stake in Alibaba: Report
Shares in Alibaba, one of the most valuable assets in SoftBank's portfolio, tumbled as much as 5.1% in Hong Kong following the report before paring the loss to 3.3%. SoftBank shares traded unchanged, tracking a broader market.
SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son to join PM Modi at Oyo founder’s wedding
However, Son’s presence is creating complexities for organisers of the New Delhi wedding reception. The 65-year-old, who increasingly prefers Zoom calls to in-person meetings even in his home base of Tokyo, has asked for Covid-negative tests from those he’s meeting
SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son likely to visit India; meetings with govt officials, founders lined up
Son is likely to meet government officials, as well as founders and CEOs of the Japanese conglomerate’s portfolio firms during his day-long stay in New Delhi.
Billionaire Tracker: 3 richie rich Indians suffer worst losses in networth so far in 2023
Gautam Adani's personal net worth has nosedived by $74 billion a month after allegations of financial irregularities by Hindenburg Research, the most among the world's richie rich
SoftBank posts loss as Vision Fund stays in the red for fourth straight quarter
The Vision Fund's investment loss stood at 730.36 billion yen ($5.52 billion) in the latest quarter, on top of the combined loss of 7.3 trillion yen during the first nine months of 2022.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son to skip earnings call for first time as tech slumps
The founder and chief executive of the world’s largest tech investor bade farewell in November to the earnings presentations he’s led for decades, saying he was going to focus on taking chip designer Arm Ltd. public.
SoftBank Q3 results may come under pressure from tech weakness
The Japanese tech giant's planned listing of British chip designer Arm, one of the crown jewels of Masayoshi Son's sprawling conglomerate, is seen as crucial to improving SoftBank's financial performance and boosting shareholder returns.
SoftBank ex-COO to lead Chinese phenom Shein’s Latam drive
Claure, once a lieutenant to SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son, will lead the region’s operations, according to a statement Tuesday. The former SoftBank chief operating officer will also make a $100 million personal investment in the company.
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