SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son is setting his sights on a bold new mission to usher in an age of artificial superintelligence, declaring that the firm’s past investments were just a warm-up for this ambitious goal. Speaking at SoftBank’s annual general meeting, Son outlined his vision to bring about a form of AI that surpasses human cognitive abilities. While he did not provide specific details on how he plans to achieve this mission, Son identified opportunities in sectors such as AI robots, autonomous driving, and data centers, signaling that the company is ready to make significant bets in the AI space.
Son’s grand pronouncements on AI represent a major shift in SoftBank’s strategy, as the company moves from a more cautious posture to an offensive stance to capitalize on the AI boom. Despite past losses in its flagship Vision Fund, SoftBank has recently made moves in the AI sector, including leading a $1 billion funding round for British self-driving group Wayve, Europe’s largest AI deal to date. With investments in AI chipmaker Arm and a focus on staying relevant in the AI age, Son is determined to make his vision of artificial superintelligence a reality.
As Japan’s second-richest person with a net worth of approximately $32.5 billion, Son’s wealth is largely derived from his stake in SoftBank. The company’s shares were down more than 3% by market close in Tokyo following Son’s bold statements on AI. However, Son remains steadfast in his mission, emphasizing that realizing artificial superintelligence is his central priority moving forward. He has staked his reputation and the future of SoftBank on achieving this lofty goal, stating, “Watch me, I will make it happen.”
Investors and analysts will be closely watching SoftBank’s moves in the AI space, as the company positions itself to take advantage of the booming industry. Son’s commitment to AI and his vision for artificial superintelligence will shape the future direction of the company and could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry as a whole. With SoftBank’s track record of successful tech investments and Son’s determination to push the boundaries of AI technology, the company is poised to make significant strides in the field of artificial intelligence in the coming years.
In conclusion, Masayoshi Son’s ambitious goal of ushering in an age of artificial superintelligence represents a significant shift in SoftBank’s strategy and signals the company’s readiness to make bold bets in the AI space. Despite past setbacks, Son is determined to make his vision a reality and has made AI a central focus for the future of the company. With his vast wealth and track record of successful tech investments, Son is poised to make a significant impact on the AI industry and shape the future of technology. Investors and industry observers will be closely watching SoftBank’s moves as the company positions itself to capitalize on the booming AI sector and push the boundaries of artificial intelligence.
