Masayoshi Son has always aimed high in his endeavors. As the CEO of SoftBank, he accelerated his wealth during the initial internet boom before facing a staggering $59 billion loss during the dotcom crash. He now asserts that the current artificial intelligence revolution is 50 times more significant than the previous internet era.
#What is SoftBank's Strategy in AI?
Son's commitment to AI is substantial, with SoftBank holding a stake worth $64.6 billion in OpenAI. This ownership is about 13% of the company responsible for ChatGPT, marking one of the most significant investments in venture capital history.
In aligning with this new focus, Son liquidated SoftBank's entire Nvidia holdings. His strategy encompasses more than just OpenAI; he's directing resources towards AI infrastructure, advanced data centers, superintelligence research, and robotics. Son believes artificial superintelligence could emerge within the next decade, claiming it could be up to 10,000 times smarter than human intelligence.
#How Are Investors Reacting?
Market response aligns with Son's outlook, with SoftBank shares surging approximately 30% in just two trading days in May 2026, eventually climbing 46% over five days. This growth enabled SoftBank to surpass Toyota, positioning itself as Japan's most valuable company.
With his net worth surpassing $50 billion, Son has rebounded remarkably, returning to his financial high point from before the decline of the dotcom era.
#What is the Significance of Past Failures?
Son's history as a pioneering investor in Yahoo and other internet startups during the late 1990s saw him briefly reclaim the title of the world's richest person. However, his subsequent loss during the dotcom downturn remains historic, representing the largest decline in personal wealth recorded at that time.
#What Should Investors Consider Now?
Son's choice to switch from Nvidia to a direct investment in OpenAI reveals his perspective on where the future value lies. The Vision Fund at SoftBank endured substantial losses during its first iteration by supporting companies like WeWork, whose prospects fell short. Investors should closely monitor OpenAI to gauge whether it can maintain its growth in a competitive landscape that includes Google, Anthropic, and Meta. A $64.6 billion investment in one AI entity presents itself as either a visionary gamble or a risky concentration that might unsettle even seasoned portfolio managers.