How SoftBank’s Founder Son is Revolutionizing the Future with a Bold AI Investment

Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank, is making an ambitious push into artificial intelligence (AI). He predicts that in just ten years, we’ll see AI that is 10,000 times smarter than humans. Given his history of bold investments, like the monumental $20 million stake in Alibaba in 2000, his confidence isn’t surprising.

Son’s focus on AI isn’t just a recent idea; it’s been brewing for years. Former SoftBank executive Alok Sama recalls discussions about “singularity”—the moment AI surpasses human intelligence—during personal talks with Son.

For Son, AI isn’t just a business opportunity; it’s deeply personal. He believes SoftBank exists to drive the creation of artificial superintelligence (ASI). His aggressive investment strategy over the past few years aims to place SoftBank at the forefront of this tech revolution.

One major move was SoftBank’s acquisition of Arm in 2016 for roughly $32 billion. Now valued at over $145 billion, Arm is crucial in smartphone chip design and is pivoting to become a leader in AI infrastructure. SoftBank has also announced a $6.5 billion acquisition of Ampere Computing to strengthen its chip development further.

Moreover, SoftBank is gearing up to invest approximately $32.7 billion in OpenAI, famous for its ChatGPT technology. Neil Shah of Counterpoint Research describes SoftBank’s holistic approach to AI, spanning semiconductors, software, and cloud services to impact various sectors like healthcare and education.

Despite the ambitious plans, not all of Son’s past ventures have yielded success. His enthusiasm for robotics led to investing in Aldebaran and launching Pepper, a humanoid robot that ultimately underperformed. By 2020, SoftBank ceased production of Pepper and restructured its robotics division.

SoftBank’s Vision Fund, which began in 2017 with $100 billion, made headlines for its hefty investments in diverse sectors. However, some choices, like backing Uber and Chinese firms, faced scrutiny due to cash burning and unclear profitability, resulting in billions in losses by 2023.

Tech analysts highlight the risks of backing AI ventures. The industry is evolving rapidly, with competitors emerging from unexpected places. For instance, a new Chinese company, DeepSeek, recently introduced a reasoning model that created a stir in the market, challenging the notion of a U.S. dominance in AI.

Experts like Dan Baker from Morningstar stress the importance of selecting winning technologies. The AI landscape is still young, meaning today’s leaders may face competition from newcomers.

Son’s long-term vision aims not just to make profits but to position SoftBank for a sustainable future. His willingness to take risks reflects his commitment to shaping the AI domain. While mistakes have happened, he remains dedicated to becoming a pivotal player in AI development, aiming to see SoftBank thrive well into the future.

For further insights on SoftBank’s strategies and the state of AI technology, visit CNBC.

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