Masayoshi Son, the enigmatic CEO of SoftBank, is back in the spotlight, plotting a comeback after a period of self-reflection following the disastrous performance of his Vision Fund. A new profile in the Financial Times, penned by Lionel Barber, author of the upcoming biography Gambling Man, reveals a Son who, despite publicly appearing to be in a state of penance after the fund’smassive losses, was quietly strategizing his return to the top.
Son’s fall from grace began in 2020 when the Vision Fund, known for its high-profile investments in companies like WeWork, suffered significant losses.The fallout led to Son retreating from the public eye, even admitting to feeling ashamed of his performance. However, behind the scenes, he was already laying the groundwork for a new era for SoftBank, one centered around artificial intelligence (AI).
SoftBank is now aggressively investing in AI, seeking to raise a staggering $100 billion to build a new AI chip venture. The company’s recent success in taking chip design company Arm public, a move that has significantly boosted SoftBank’s coffers, further underscores its commitment to this sector.
Son’s ambition extends beyond simply investing in AI. He envisions building an empire, a sentiment he expressed during a 2020 meeting with an activist investor. When the investor referenced Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, Son dismissed them as one-business guys, declaring, The right comparison for me isNapoleon, Genghis Khan or Emperor Qin. I am not a CEO. I am building an empire.
This bold statement reveals Son’s grand vision. He sees himself not just as a business leader but as a historical figure, a builder of empires. This ambition is reflected in his relentless pursuit of AI, atechnology he believes holds the key to the future.
The FT profile also sheds light on Son’s personal life, revealing his fascination with Napoleon. This fascination, coupled with his self-proclaimed ambition to build an empire, paints a picture of a man driven by a singular vision, one that transcends the boundaries oftraditional business.
Son’s comeback is not without its challenges. The AI market is fiercely competitive, and SoftBank’s ambitious plans require significant capital and expertise. However, Son’s track record of bold bets and his unwavering belief in his vision make him a force to be reckoned with.
Whether hecan truly build an empire remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Masayoshi Son is back, and he’s not playing for second place.
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