Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank Group, is one of the most prominent tech investors globally, with an estimated net worth of $30 billion as of 2025. At 67 years old, Son has transformed SoftBank into a major global player in technology investment. His visionary leadership and high-risk, high-reward approach have shaped not only SoftBank’s portfolio but also the landscape of venture capital, making him a key figure in the tech world. In this article, we take a closer look at Masayoshi Son’s journey to wealth, his investments, and what the future holds for the SoftBank CEO.
How Did Masayoshi Son Build His $30 Billion Net Worth?
Masayoshi Son’s rise to becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in the tech world can largely be attributed to his long-term vision and bold investment strategies. Son founded SoftBank in 1981, initially as a software distributor. Over time, he transformed it into a global conglomerate with a major focus on investing in technology companies. The shift towards tech investments began in the 1990s, with SoftBank taking significant stakes in emerging companies, but it was the company’s early investment in Alibaba that truly marked the beginning of Son’s wealth accumulation.
In 2000, Son made a highly risky but ultimately profitable decision to invest in Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce company. SoftBank’s initial $20 million investment ballooned as Alibaba grew into a global tech giant, and by the time of Alibaba’s IPO in 2014, the return on SoftBank’s stake was estimated to be worth over $60 billion. This investment alone positioned Masayoshi Son as one of the most prescient investors in the tech world and set the stage for his later wealth accumulation.
What Role Has the Vision Fund Played in SoftBank’s Growth?
The creation of the Vision Fund in 2017 marked a significant turning point for SoftBank and Masayoshi Son’s net worth. The $100 billion fund, backed by major investors such as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala, has allowed SoftBank to make substantial investments in a range of high-growth tech companies worldwide. Through the Vision Fund, Son has made bets on some of the most innovative and high-profile companies in the world, including Uber, WeWork, DoorDash, and ARM Holdings.
Although not all investments have paid off—WeWork’s failed IPO and the subsequent challenges faced by the company have resulted in significant losses for SoftBank—the Vision Fund has also yielded significant returns. For instance, investments in companies like DoorDash and Uber have been immensely profitable, further solidifying Son’s financial position. As of 2025, the Vision Fund continues to play a critical role in SoftBank’s strategy, making it an essential driver of Son’s growing wealth.
How Has Masayoshi Son Managed Risks to Build His Wealth?
Masayoshi Son is known for his willingness to take significant risks, which has been key to his financial success. His approach to investing is characterized by a focus on high-risk, high-reward opportunities, and he often invests in companies before they become profitable. This strategy has earned Son both praise and criticism, as some of his bets have paid off in massive returns, while others, such as his involvement with WeWork, have led to substantial losses.
Son’s philosophy centers around believing in the future potential of technology. He often takes large stakes in companies with the hope that their disruptive innovations will eventually reshape industries. For example, his investments in robotics, AI, and semiconductors reflect his belief in the transformative power of these technologies. This long-term focus on innovation and his bold investment choices have helped Son amass his wealth, even though some of his ventures have not always followed the expected trajectory.
What Are the Key Investments Behind SoftBank’s Success?
SoftBank’s investment portfolio is a key factor in Masayoshi Son’s net worth, and several major investments have had a significant impact on both SoftBank and Son personally. One of the most notable investments was in Alibaba. As mentioned earlier, SoftBank’s early backing of the Chinese e-commerce giant has been one of the most successful investment decisions in tech history, yielding billions in returns.
Another significant acquisition was SoftBank’s purchase of ARM Holdings, a leading semiconductor company, in 2016 for $31 billion. ARM’s chips are crucial components in mobile devices and IoT products, and its acquisition has positioned SoftBank as a key player in the semiconductor industry. ARM is seen as one of SoftBank’s crown jewels, and its strategic importance is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Son has also invested heavily in robotics and AI through SoftBank’s Vision Fund. Companies like Boston Dynamics, which was acquired by SoftBank in 2017, and the Japanese robot maker SoftBank Robotics are examples of his commitment to the future of automation. These investments reflect Son’s belief in the transformative power of robotics and AI and have helped build SoftBank’s reputation as a leading tech investor.
How Has Masayoshi Son’s Leadership Shaped SoftBank’s Direction?
Masayoshi Son’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping SoftBank’s direction over the past few decades. His vision has driven the company’s transition from a software distributor to a global investment powerhouse focused on high-growth technology companies. Under Son’s leadership, SoftBank has made bold and strategic investments that have reshaped industries, from e-commerce and telecommunications to robotics and AI.
Son’s leadership style is often described as visionary and unconventional. He has a unique ability to spot emerging trends in technology and invest in companies that have the potential to dominate in the future. His long-term approach to business, combined with his willingness to take calculated risks, has been central to SoftBank’s success and growth. While his investments have not always been without controversy, his ability to think big and execute on his ideas has allowed him to remain one of the most influential figures in the global business world.
How Has SoftBank’s Portfolio Changed Under Masayoshi Son?
Over the years, SoftBank’s portfolio has evolved under Masayoshi Son’s leadership, expanding into new sectors and industries. Initially, the company’s focus was on software and telecommunications, but under Son’s guidance, SoftBank has increasingly shifted its focus to high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and semiconductors.
Son’s investments in tech companies have helped SoftBank become one of the largest and most influential venture capital firms globally. The launch of the Vision Fund marked a major step in expanding SoftBank’s investment reach, allowing it to participate in large-scale funding rounds for some of the most high-profile tech companies in the world. As SoftBank continues to focus on emerging technologies, its portfolio will likely continue to evolve, and Masayoshi Son’s leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
What’s Next for Masayoshi Son and SoftBank?
As of 2025, Masayoshi Son’s focus remains on positioning SoftBank at the forefront of technological innovation. The Vision Fund continues to make investments in promising startups, particularly those focused on AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Son’s belief in the potential of these technologies ensures that SoftBank will remain a significant player in the global tech investment scene.
For Son personally, his wealth of $30 billion is expected to grow as SoftBank’s investments continue to mature. However, his legacy may be shaped not only by his financial success but also by his contributions to the advancement of technology. Whether through the continued growth of companies like ARM and Boston Dynamics or new investments in cutting-edge technologies, Masayoshi Son’s influence on the tech industry is likely to be felt for many years to come.
Conclusion
Masayoshi Son’s net worth of $30 billion in 2025 is a reflection of his visionary leadership and bold investment strategies. Through SoftBank, he has built a portfolio of groundbreaking investments in sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and semiconductors, positioning himself as one of the most influential figures in global business. While his approach has not always been without risk, his long-term focus on innovation and willingness to invest in the future have solidified his place among the world’s wealthiest individuals. As SoftBank continues to evolve under his leadership, Masayoshi Son’s wealth and influence are likely to grow even further.