How Did Masayoshi Son Make His Money?

Masayoshi Son’s Profile Summary

Company	SoftBank Group
Position	Masayoshi Son is the founder, chairman, and CEO of SoftBank Group.
Source of wealth	Early-stage investments in technology companies (e.g., Alibaba), Vision Fund management, telecommunications, media, and technology investments through SoftBank.
Also known as	Philanthropist, AI advocate, telecommunications pioneer.
Age	67
Education	University of California, Berkeley – Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Computer Science.
Citizenship	Japanese
Residence	Tokyo, Japan
Family	Masayoshi Son is married and has two children.
Website, Social Media	https://group.softbank/

Masayoshi Son’s biography

Masayoshi Son, born on August 11, 1957, in Tosu, Japan, is a prominent entrepreneur and investor, known for founding and leading the SoftBank Group. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in Economics and Computer Science, a dual influence that shaped his future career. After founding SoftBank in 1981, Son initially focused on software distribution before evolving the company into a global investment powerhouse. He gained global recognition for his early investment in Alibaba, which became one of the most successful tech investments of all time. Under his leadership, SoftBank has been a significant player in telecommunications, media, and technology investments, particularly through the Vision Fund, one of the largest technology-focused investment funds globally. Masayoshi Son is known for his risk-taking investment strategies, his visionary leadership, and his ambitious plans for future technological innovations. His interests span multiple industries, including artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and the Internet of Things.

How did Masayoshi Son make money?
Masayoshi Son, the founder and CEO of SoftBank Group, has built one of the most influential investment and technology empires in the world. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1981, when he founded SoftBank in Japan, starting with software distribution. The company quickly expanded its operations, becoming a major player in the technology and telecommunications market.

A key milestone in SoftBank’s history was its entry into the telecommunications sector. In the 1990s, the company acquired a significant stake in a Japanese telecom operator and began providing mobile phone services. Another strategic move was the launch of the SoftBank Vision Fund in 2017, the largest investment fund in the world, which has raised more than $100 billion from investors such as the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund and other large institutions.

The Vision Fund has focused on investing in high-growth tech companies, including Alibaba, Uber, WeWork, and ARM Holdings. One of Son's most successful deals was an early investment in Alibaba, which brought SoftBank multibillion-dollar profits. Today, the company's income is based on dividends and income from the capitalization of its technology assets.

Masayoshi Son's fortune is estimated at more than $20 billion. His capitalization is based on income from SoftBank and the Vision Fund, which continue to play a key role in financing and developing innovative companies around the world.
What is Masayoshi Son net worth?

As of 2025, Masayoshi Son’s net worth is estimated to be $30.1 B.

What is Masayoshi Son also known as?

Masayoshi Son is widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly his support of educational initiatives and disaster relief in Japan. He is also an advocate for artificial intelligence (AI) development, believing that AI will drive future innovations. His influence in telecommunications is significant, having been instrumental in modernizing Japan's mobile network infrastructure through SoftBank's ventures in the telecommunications sector.

Prominent achievements of Masayoshi Son

Masayoshi Son made one of the most successful tech investments by backing Alibaba early, leading the world’s largest technology-focused Vision Fund, recognized as one of the most powerful people in tech by Forbes, has led SoftBank to become a global technology and investment leader, his personal net worth has reached as high as $45 billion at its peak, has been named one of the top 100 most influential people by TIME.

What are Masayoshi Son’s key insights?

Masayoshi Son's business philosophy is rooted in long-term vision and risk-taking, often investing in emerging technologies and markets before they mature. He believes in the potential of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) to transform the future and often emphasizes the importance of big, bold ideas. His principle is to "make bold bets" and is not afraid to back unproven ventures if he sees a potential for massive growth.

Masayoshi Son’s personal life

Masayoshi Son is married to his wife, Masami Son. Together, they have two daughters. The family resides in Tokyo, Japan, and keeps a relatively private lifestyle, with limited public appearances or media coverage concerning his personal family life.

Useful insights

Understanding market forces

In my experience, to truly succeed as an investor, it’s essential to understand the driving forces behind market behavior. Market movements aren’t random—they’re influenced by a range of economic theories and dynamics. The following books provide valuable insights into these forces, offering a deeper understanding of how global financial markets operate and what shapes their trends.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb – "The Black Swan"
- Summary:
  
  Taleb explores the concept of rare, unpredictable events—so-called "Black Swans"—that can have massive impacts on markets and society. These events are often overlooked by traditional risk management models, leading to devastating consequences when they occur. Taleb illustrates how these unpredictable shocks shape our world, often more than gradual, expected changes.
- Why read it:
  
  This book challenges conventional thinking about risk and uncertainty, showing that many major historical and financial events were "Black Swans." It's a vital read for investors who want to build resilience in the face of market volatility.
John Maynard Keynes – "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money"
- Summary:
  
  Keynes revolutionized economics by focusing on total demand within an economy and its effect on output and inflation. His theory suggested that government intervention could stabilize economic cycles through fiscal and monetary policy. The book also explains the consequences of under-consumption and the role of interest rates in managing economic stability.
- Why read it:
  
  For investors interested in macroeconomic trends and policy impacts, Keynes’ work is essential. Understanding the Keynesian framework can help investors predict how government actions might influence market performance.