SoftBank founder Son makes his biggest bet by staking the Japanese giant's future on AI

Masayoshi Son, the visionary founder of SoftBank, is staking the company's future on a transformative leap into artificial intelligence. He predicts that artificial superintelligence (ASI)—a form of AI vastly surpassing human intelligence—will emerge within the next decade. This ambitious assertion is emblematic of Son's career, marked by significant investments that have reshaped industries. A prime example is his early bet on Alibaba, which yielded billions for SoftBank. Currently, Son is aggressively pursuing a series of investments and acquisitions in AI companies, positioning SoftBank at the forefront of a technological revolution. His commitment to AI is deeply personal, as he has expressed in the past, stating, "SoftBank was founded for what purpose? It may sound strange, but I think I was born to realize ASI." Son's long-standing fascination with AI has led to substantial investments, including the acquisition of chip designer Arm for approximately $32 billion in 2016. Arm's current valuation exceeds $145 billion, and the company is now focusing on becoming a key player in AI infrastructure, particularly with its chips used in data centers. In March, SoftBank announced plans to acquire Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion, further expanding its semiconductor portfolio. Among its notable investments is OpenAI, with SoftBank planning to inject about 4.8 trillion Japanese yen (approximately $32.7 billion) into the organization. Neil Shah, co-founder of Counterpoint Research, articulated the breadth of SoftBank's AI strategy, which encompasses everything from foundational semiconductors to applications in sectors like education, healthcare, and autonomous systems. Son has a clear vision for the future of AI, emphasizing the importance of advanced intelligence in enhancing competitiveness and customer satisfaction across various industries. His ambition dates back over a decade, when he spoke of "brain computers" that could learn and program themselves. Although SoftBank's foray into robotics with the Pepper humanoid robot did not meet expectations, Son's early foresight into AI applications demonstrates his commitment to innovation. In 2017, Son launched the Vision Fund with an astounding $100 billion in capital, investing in numerous tech companies worldwide, including major players in ride-hailing like Uber. However, some of these investments have faced scrutiny due to substantial losses, particularly from firms like WeWork. Despite challenges, Son's vision has consistently pointed towards the integration of AI, particularly in self-driving technology, although timing has often been a hurdle. After experiencing significant losses at the Vision Fund in 2022, Son shifted the company's strategy to a more defensive posture. Although this coincided with the rise of AI companies like OpenAI, Son expressed regret over missing early investment opportunities. Nevertheless, he envisions a robust future for AI and believes that the current phase of investment is just the beginning. As the tech landscape evolves, Son remains undeterred, keen on ensuring SoftBank's longevity and relevance in the AI sector. With billions pouring into AI development globally, the stakes are high, and the potential for unexpected breakthroughs is significant. Son's ambition is to position SoftBank as a leader in this dynamic field, setting the stage for sustained success over the next century.