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SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son commits to invest $200 billion in the US after Trump’s on-the-spot request

Nickie Louise Posted On December 16, 2024
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SoftBank founder and CEO Masayoshi Son agreed on Monday to double the company’s planned $100 billion investment in the United States to $200 billion. The decision came during an unexpected exchange with President-elect Donald Trump, showcasing Son’s willingness to respond to bold requests and Trump’s signature negotiation style. Son, widely recognized as one of the most daring billionaires, is best known for losing $70 billion virtually overnight.

The moment unfolded as Trump addressed Son directly:

TRUMP: “I’m going to ask him right now, will you make it $200 billion? Believe it or not, he can actually afford to do that.”

Son, smiling, responded with optimism:
MASAYOSHI SON: “With your leadership, my partnership, and your support, I will try to make it happen.”

Trump, visibly satisfied, declared:
TRUMP: “Alright, $200. He’ll make it happen.”

Son followed up with a lighthearted acknowledgment, calling Trump a “great negotiator,” a comment that drew applause from the audience.

Doubling Down on U.S. Growth

SoftBank has already established itself as a powerhouse in global tech investments, with its Vision Fund focusing on startups and disruptive technologies. The original $100 billion commitment was aimed at fueling innovation and creating jobs in the U.S., aligning with Trump’s emphasis on economic development.

The new pledge to increase the investment to $200 billion would solidify SoftBank’s role in driving technological progress and economic growth while expanding its presence in one of the world’s largest markets.

A Glimpse of Trump’s Deal-Making Approach

The exchange also highlighted Trump’s ability to capitalize on high-profile opportunities. By directly asking for a doubling of the investment, he demonstrated his assertive approach to negotiations, pushing for ambitious outcomes that align with his economic agenda.

While specific plans for how SoftBank will execute this expanded investment are still under discussion, the moment underscored the potential of public-private collaboration and bold deal-making to drive meaningful change.

This high-stakes interaction reflects the dynamic relationship between visionary leaders like Son and policymakers looking to create impactful economic opportunities.

Masayoshi Son: The Risk-Taker Behind SoftBank

Masayoshi Son has built a reputation for placing multi-billion-dollar bets on emerging technologies. Earlier this year, SoftBank invested $1 billion in artificial intelligence (AI), partnering with Nvidia to acquire specialized chips for training complex AI models. The move paid off handsomely, with SoftBank reporting a $3.96 billion profit in the second quarter ending September 30.

Son’s leadership at SoftBank has been marked by bold and often controversial investments. The company has faced significant challenges, including steep declines in valuation for some of its high-profile bets. Despite these setbacks, SoftBank is now positioning itself at the forefront of the AI industry, where companies like Nvidia are thriving thanks to surging demand for advanced chips and GPUs powering data centers.

However, Son’s ambitious strategy hasn’t been without its missteps. In November 2019, SoftBank posted an $8.9 billion loss tied to investments in Uber and WeWork. Reflecting on the downturn, Son candidly admitted at a press conference, “My investment judgment was poor in many ways, and I am reflecting deeply on that.”

The losses didn’t stop there. In late 2017, Son personally invested in Bitcoin at the height of the cryptocurrency frenzy. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Son entered the market after Bitcoin had surged more than tenfold that year, reaching nearly $20,000 in December. Unfortunately, as Bitcoin’s value plummeted in early 2018, Son sold his holdings, reportedly losing over $130 million.

Despite setbacks from some high-stakes bets, SoftBank has delivered blowout results, with its Vision Fund posting a $3.96 billion gain amid a decisive pivot to AI and ambitious tech investments. Son’s bold vision and appetite for risk have transformed SoftBank into a global powerhouse, now strategically positioned to lead in the rapidly growing AI sector.




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SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son commits to invest $200 billion in the US after Trump’s on-the-spot request
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