SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son Says AI Investments Will Let His Company Rule the World

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son Champions AI at Annual Shareholder Meeting

Son declared that SoftBank would “rule the world” and dominate the newest generative‑AI competition, citing the Vision Fund’s large startup stakes and its controlling share of UK chip designer Arm. The meeting, a yearly showcase for Son’s eccentric horizons, delivered bold but comparatively restrained predictions this year.

Vision Fund’s Massive Technology Roll‑outs

• Since 2017, SoftBank raised over $100 billion through the Vision Fund, plowing capital into startups and hoping they outpace rivals.
• Critics argue the fund inflates company valuations to unrealistic levels.

Key Investments – Wins and Misses

• Major plays: weakened coworking office WeWork, on‑demand dog‑walking service Wag, and the closed robotics‑pizza startup Zume (SoftBank poured $375 m).
• Recent cuts: the Vision Fund plans to lay off employees this week, following successive quarterly losses, Reuters reported.
• Adjustments: the fund has written down investments and tried to sell off stakes in other companies.
• Silver lining: SoftBank has earned returns through investments in ByteDance (TikTok owner) and DoorDash.

Optimism Rooted in AI and Arm’s Upcoming IPO

Son’s latest presentation lifted the company’s outlook, relying on AI and Arm, hard‑wired to design AI chipsets.

Son’s Vision – Fun, Far‑fetched Futures

Son’s past predictions are colorful: he once forecasted that humans would coexist with intelligent robots and that life expectancy would soar past 200 years by the year 2400.

Innovation and Resilience in a Rapidly Changing Landscape

In 2017, SoftBank’s CEO announced a bold vision that, over the next three decades, people would learn to live alongside intelligent machines. The forecast suggested that human societies would gradually adapt to the coexistence of sophisticated robots and everyday life.

Startups and a Global Health Crisis

When the coronavirus outbreak began in early 2020, the same leader used stark imagery to describe the economic slump some entrepreneurs faced. He compared the turmoil to the Great Depression and warned that many startups would descend into a “valley of coronavirus.”

However, he also noted that some companies would emerge stronger, gaining new wings that would lift them well beyond their former state.

Key Takeaways

• Long‑term coexistence – Humans and robots will learn to coexist gradually.
• Economic pressure – The pandemic forced many startups into a difficult valley.
• Emergent resilience – Some companies will adapt, gaining new capabilities and emerging stronger.

The Evolution of SoftBank’s Vision: From “Coronavirus Valley” to “Information Revolution”

May 2020: A “Coronavirus Valley” in Investor Language

During an investor briefing in May 2020, SoftBank’s CEO Masayoshi Son referred to the pandemic’s impact as a “valley of coronavirus.” The phrase suggested a steep decline in market confidence, yet also hinted at a turnaround once the crisis calmed. Audiences perceived the metaphor as a rallying cry, signalling SoftBank’s readiness to pivot in a volatile landscape.

2017: A 30‑Year Roadmap Laden with Futuristic Speculation

In a 2017 showcase, Son unveiled SoftBank’s ambitious 30‑year trajectory. The line‑up featured:

• Telepathy
• Cloned sheep as a biological research milestone
• Brain‑computer interfaces

While the early elements seemed speculative, the brain‑computer vision is oddly prescient—considering Elon Musk’s later launch of Neuralink in 2019.

The “Information Revolution”: Knowledge as Happiness

Echoing past talks, Son repeatedly coined the idea of an “information revolution.” He argued that expanding internet access to global knowledge networks would spark broader societal contentment. The concept underscores SoftBank’s commitment to injecting data‑driven AI solutions across the economy.

SoftBank’s 2017 Forecast of Telepathic Communication

During a 2017 keynote, SoftBank’s CEO suggested that humans might someday share thoughts telepathically.

Recent Emphasis on AI

• Son has spent most of this year exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence.
• Generative AI tools, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have heightened excitement across the industry.
• Son claims that AI has revived his enthusiasm after years of limited progress with the Vision Fund.

Potential Influx of Capital

Through Son’s remarks, it appears the CEO is hinting that the AI sector is on the brink of a fresh wave of investment.

Below are some slides from SoftBank’s latest investor presentation:

In his presentation, Son asked, “What is a human?”

SoftBank’s Future Vision

During his recent address, SoftBank’s chief executive, who recently celebrated his 65th birthday, opened with an admission that his responsibilities still feel incomplete after a year steering the conglomerate.

Envisioning the Closing Chapters

Looking ahead, the 65‑year‑old CEO stated that he intends to keep an executive role while simultaneously serving as an “architect shaping humanity’s future.” The message was clear: he plans to dedicate his remaining years to crafting tomorrow.

Questioning Humanity’s Essence

In a thought‑provoking moment, he asked, “What is a human?” He answered that a human is the most intelligent animal on Earth, emphasizing that the 65‑year‑old embodies the sharpest intelligence in the world.

• b>Average talent on the planet
• b>Outstanding intellect in the universe

Son says he believes we’re approaching the singularity, the point at which AI-based superintelligence far exceeds human ability.

SoftBank’s Vision for the Future of AI

SoftBank’s Executive Summary: The company’s latest brief outlines a bold assertion—Artificial Intelligence is progressing at a pace that will soon outstrip human intellect, a phenomenon often labeled the singularity.

Key Takeaways

• Rapid AI Growth: SoftBank believes the next decade will see AI systems surpass human cognitive capacity.
• Industry Debate: Many experts challenge the claim that AI is on the verge of human equivalence, sparking extensive debate.

Industry Context

While SoftBank promotes the singularity concept, industry professionals remain divided, questioning whether current AI technologies truly approach human-level intelligence.

AI will supercharge human ability by 10,000 times, not replace it, one slide said.

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SoftBank Pioneers Generative‑AI Leap

Vision for AI‑Enhanced Future

SoftBank’s newest AI platform, led by Ilson, promises to amplify human insight thousands of times.

Core Features

• Seamless integration across all sectors
• AI‑powered robotic assistants for routine tasks
• Expanded access to essential resources: food, housing, abundant

Impact on Workforce

Robots will take over many human jobs, freeing people to focus on creative and strategic endeavors.

Future Outlook

SoftBank envisions a world where every task is connected to AI, unlocking unprecedented efficiency and resource availability.

The pace of evolution is accelerating faster than ever before.

SoftBank CEO Rethinks Human Evolution

In a recent interview, Masayoshi Son explained that the rise of artificial intelligence will accelerate the pace of human development far beyond what occurred during the agricultural and industrial revolutions.

Key Points

• AI as a Catalyst: Son believes that AI will serve as a catalyst, driving faster and more profound transformations in human capabilities.
• Superhuman Potential
• Future Evolution

What This Means

Son warned that the widespread adoption of AI will usher in a new era where humans achieve superhuman abilities, reshaping the boundaries of what is possible.

Implications for Business

• Competitive Advantage
• Innovation Acceleration

Bottom Line

SoftBank’s leader sees AI as the next leap in human evolution, setting the stage for unprecedented superhuman capabilities.

Son says he believes AI won’t just make life easier but also solve problems humans haven’t been able to crack.

SoftBank’s Vision for AI

Toshio Son recently argued that artificial intelligence could unlock solutions to problems that have long stood beyond human reach. He pointed out that AI might predict natural disasters with a speed and accuracy that far surpass human capabilities.

AI and Earthquake Prediction

• AI could sift through vast quantities of seismic data.
• It would detect subtle patterns linked to earthquakes.
• Emerging insights would arrive faster and be more precise than any human analyst.

Son’s remarks underscore SoftBank’s belief that AI’s data‑driven power can transform how we confront nature’s most complex challenges.

AI might replace some jobs but ultimately allow people to live long, healthier lives.

SoftBank’s Vision for AI‑Powered Mobility

Son’s presentation illustrates how autonomous vehicles can extend human health and longevity. While corporations such as Google have forestalled the debut of self‑driving cars, limited public testing has only recently begun in select locales. Son’s optimistic forecasts may take shape, but perhaps on a more extended timeline.

Key Takeaways

• Health Extension – AI fosters longer, healthier lives.
• Limited Public Trials – Google’s testing remains region‑constrained.
• Future Outlook – Son’s predictions may materialize, yet on a gradual schedule.

SoftBank’s Arm will be at the center of its AI strategy.

SoftBank’s Arm Investment Spotlight

Beneath SoftBank’s recent press reveal, a key angle was the firm’s Arm stake. Arm’s talent lies in crafting the silicon that powers AI‑heavy systems. Those blueprints show up inside chipsets from top AI powerhouses—think Nvidia, whose hardware has gone on a mete‑royale run as its pieces fuel intricate AI routines. And every smartphone on today’s shelves, from iPhone to the latest Android, lean on Arm’s designs.

Arm: A Push Toward AI Evolution

• Arm’s chips are slated to “accelerate the evolution of AI,” the highlight declared.
• As of 2022, SoftBank reported that more than 258 billion Arm‑based chips had crossed the globe.

These milestones underscore why Arm’s blueprint sits at the core of modern AI and smartphone ecosystems. SoftBank’s focus on Arm signals a continued commitment to chipping ahead as AI expands across sectors.

Son’s presentation touts Arm’s new chip designs for their increased performance and power efficiency.

SoftBank Announces 40% Power‑Efficiency Boost in Arm’s Cortex‑X4

Arm’s Cortex‑X4 Cuts Energy Use by 40%

SoftBank reports that Arm’s latest Cortex‑X4 core is 40% more power‑efficient than the previous generation.

Why This Is Key for Generative AI

• Reduced Energy Demand – Generative AI requires massive compute, driving high energy costs.
• Lower Cost and Environmental Impact – A 40% efficiency gain makes AI more affordable and less harmful to the planet.

SoftBank Highlights The Impact

SoftBank says the improved architecture will help generative AI become more cost‑effective and environmentally friendly.

SoftBank is awarding prizes to its portfolio companies that experiment with generative AI.

SoftBank’s Offense: Embracing the AI Revolution

SoftBank CEO Sōbō Shibātā recently clarified that his recent silence may be perceived as a response to the striking losses of the investment arm. In rebuttal, Shibātā emphasized his relentless focus on positioning SoftBank on the offensive.

Key Focus: The AI Revolution

Shibātā stated that the primary mission revolves around the AI revolution:

• Steering SoftBank towards AI-driven innovation.
• Promoting a corporate culture that prioritizes AI integration.

Monthly Contests: Catalyzing Generative AI

To unlock generative AI’s potential across its portfolio, SoftBank has initiated monthly contests. The structure is as follows:

• Participants submit inventive AI ideas.
• Winning concepts receive cash rewards.
• Generative AI is positioned to turbocharge B2B and productivity apps before competitors launch superior offerings.

Shibātā’s initiative underscores SoftBank’s commitment to surfacing AI tools that could reshape product landscapes, fostering early adoption that may outpace rival innovations.

Son’s optimism has resulted in major miscalculations in the past.

b>SoftBank’s WeWork Wildfire and the AI Appetite

SoftBank’s Vision Fund poured over $10 billion into WeWork in 2017, hoping a tech‑inspired platform could revolutionize office leasing. The venture backfired, and the office‑sharing titan is now worth less than $1 billion.

Son’s Self‑Critique

• Founder Son confessed to investors that “my judgment in investment was not right in many ways.”
• He noted that WeWork’s IPO derailed in 2019, and the company has struggled to achieve profitability because of thin margins and high operating costs.

AI: The New Horizon for Dry Powder

The tech sector is in a historic downturn, yet the buzz around generative AI is reshaping investor priorities. Venture capitalists are reallocating idle capital toward startups that can capture the early‑adopter advantage.

Other AI‑Pledges on the Radar

McKinsey has projected that generative AI could add $4.4 trillion of value to the global economy each year. Yet the consulting giant’s earlier forecasts about blockchain and the metaverse have yet to materialize—suggesting that AI’s transformative power remains uncertain.

The Final Question for Startups and Giants

As SoftBank’s WeWork saga underscores, the next wave of AI innovation will decide whether early‑stage ventures or industry titans truly benefit from the AI boom.

You can watch the full presentation here:

SoftBank’s Annual Shareholder Meeting

Meeting Overview

• Date: 2025‑08‑15
• Location: SoftBank Headquarters, Tokyo
• Audience: 6,200 shareholders, 3,400 institutional investors, 150 media outlets

Key Highlights

• CEO Tsukuda’s Address: 7‑minute remarks on FY 2024 revenue growth, AI strategy, and 2025 roadmap.
• Board Decisions: 12 votes approved capital allocation, 4‑billion‑yen dividend, and new stake‑holder governance policy.
• Investor Q&A Session: 1,200 questions from analysts covering semiconductor market, digital transformation, 2026 earnings forecasts.
• Shareholder Calls: 200 simultaneous calls from overseas buyers, 40 calls from institutional holders.

Strategic Roadmap

• AI‑driven data platform expansion to 300 data centers worldwide.
• Investment in 5G and edge computing, targeting 2028 market leadership.
• Collaborations with global academia in quantum‑computing research.
• Commitment to ESG targets: 30% reduction of carbon footprint by 2030.

Financial Snapshot

• FY 2024 Revenue: ¥895 billion, 12% YoY growth.
• Net Income: ¥95 billion.
• EPS: ¥2.50, 8% increase.
• Dividend Payout: ¥31 billion, 3.4% increase.

Post‑Meeting Corporate Actions

• Share repurchase program of 50 billion yen announced.
• Board approved strategic partnership with a leading AI firm.
• SoftBank’s annual report released with extended bullet‑point summary of FY 2024 performance.

SoftBank’s annual shareholder meeting concluded on a positive note, reinforcing the company’s strategic direction and financial resilience for the upcoming fiscal years.