Masayoshi Son Signals Succession Plan, Outlines Bold AI Vision and US Chip Ambitions

Tokyo: SoftBank Group founder and CEO Masayoshi Son has made a significant announcement, addressing the concerns of investors and business partners by outlining his vision for the future. In a general shareholders’ meeting, Son revealed his plans for a smooth succession and bold investments in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology.

Son stated he is prepared to hand over the reins of the company at any time, ensuring a seamless transition. He emphasized the importance of selecting a successor from the technology and telecom sector, stating, “I have several candidates in mind but don’t want to make any announcement until the last minute to avoid making my successor arrogant. It’s a delicate balance.”

SoftBank’s capacity to fund its ambitious investments relies heavily on the support of Japanese retail investors, who have historically been eager to buy the tech giant’s bonds. This backing is crucial for Son’s vision of making SoftBank a leading platform in the future of AI.

Son’s vision includes acquiring crucial AI chip architecture to position SoftBank as a leader in artificial superintelligence (ASI). “We want to become the world’s top platformer for ASI,” he said, highlighting the winner-takes-all nature of this space. To achieve this, SoftBank plans to invest up to $30 billion in OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. The company has already acquired Graphcore Ltd. and is pursuing a deal to buy Ampere Computing LLC. “These are indispensable for ASI,” Son added, underscoring his commitment to the AI revolution.

In addition to his AI ambitions, Son has set his sights on the United States, planning to establish a large manufacturing hub in Arizona. This move aims to replicate the success of China’s Shenzhen and revitalize the US as a hub for high-tech manufacturing. Son is collaborating with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which has a manufacturing unit in Arizona and is set to invest a total of $165 billion in the US.

This strategic move underscores SoftBank’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and global partnerships to drive innovation and growth. Son’s vision and ambitious plans have the potential to reshape the tech landscape, positioning SoftBank as a key player in the future of AI and semiconductor technology.