Masayoshi Son
Masayoshi Son is the Founder and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp., a global technology conglomerate and investment powerhouse based in Japan. Recognized as one of the world’s most visionary entrepreneurs and influential tech investors, Son has transformed SoftBank into a dominant force in global innovation and finance. Under his leadership, the company has disrupted entire industries through major acquisitions such as Sprint and early, transformative investments in companies like Alibaba. In 2017, Son launched the $100 billion SoftBank Vision Fund, one of the largest technology investment funds in history, backed by Apple, Qualcomm, Foxconn, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and Larry Ellison’s family office. Today, he is steering SoftBank’s next chapter of growth through significant investments in artificial intelligence, including the ambitious $500 billion Stargate Project, a partnership with OpenAI, Oracle, and MGX aimed at building next-generation AI infrastructure in the United States. Beyond his business success, Son is also recognized for his philanthropy and his commitment to advancing technology that shapes the future of society.
Masayoshi Son Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Founder, Chairman and CEO
Academic History
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B.A., Economics
Masayoshi Son is a visionary technology entrepreneur and global dealmaker who transformed SoftBank from a telecommunications innovator into one of the world’s leading AI-focused investment powerhouses.
Under his leadership, SoftBank has backed some of the most influential technology companies of the modern era, including Alibaba, Yahoo!, Uber, DoorDash, and the ill-fated WeWork.
Through the Vision Funds, Son has overseen investments in more than 400 companies worldwide, spanning industries such as mobility (Grab), e-commerce (Coupang), and food delivery (Swiggy).
SoftBank Group and its portfolio companies operate across a diverse range of sectors, including advanced telecommunications, internet services, artificial intelligence, robotics, IoT, and clean energy.
HONORS & RECOGNITIONS
2024 Time 100 AI
2018 Order of the Rising Sun
2017 The Asian Awards' Entrepreneur of the Year
2013 Forbes World's Most Powerful People
PHILANTHROPY
Beyond his business achievements, Son is recognized for his philanthropy and dedication to leveraging technology for societal advancement.
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake, he established the Renewable Energy Council, the Great East Japan Earthquake Recovery Initiatives Foundation, and the Renewable Energy Institute to support disaster recovery and promote sustainable energy.
In 2016, he founded the Masason Foundation to nurture young innovators and exceptional talents, empowering the next generation of leaders who will shape the future.