SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son is making his boldest move yet, committing the Japanese investment giant to the heart of the global artificial intelligence race.
Son predicts artificial superintelligence (ASI), technology 10,000 times smarter than humans, could emerge within a decade, and he wants SoftBank positioned as a key player. His strategy spans the AI supply chain, from semiconductor design to advanced software and robotics.
SoftBank’s AI portfolio includes chip designer Arm, valued at over $145 billion, and a pending $6.5 billion acquisition of Ampere Computing. The group has also committed nearly $32.7 billion to OpenAI, while backing startups in AI infrastructure, enterprise tools, education, healthcare, and autonomous systems.
“Mr. Son’s vision is to integrate these components into a powerful AI ecosystem designed for long-term value,” said Neil Shah of Counterpoint Research.
Son’s fixation on AI dates back more than a decade, including early bets on robotics like the humanoid “Pepper” and ride-hailing platforms aimed at developing self-driving cars. Not all ventures succeeded, the Vision Fund posted record losses in 2022, but SoftBank has since refocused on AI as its core growth driver.
The push comes amid fierce global competition, with U.S. and Chinese tech giants racing to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI). Emerging challengers, like China’s DeepSeek, underscore the sector’s volatility.
Despite the risks, Son remains convinced AI will define SoftBank’s future for generations. “He wants to ensure SoftBank is a real player in AI, and he’s making it happen,” said a former Vision Fund executive.
