SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son is reportedly seeking to raise a substantial $100 billion for a new artificial intelligence (AI) chip company that could potentially rival the industry giant Nvidia. This ambitious plan is part of SoftBank’s strategic move towards advancing AI capabilities, with the goal of revolutionizing the way humans interact with computers.
The Japanese conglomerate is exploring various avenues to secure funding for the new venture, including engaging Middle Eastern investors and leveraging Arm Holdings Plc, a chip developer that was previously under SoftBank’s ownership. Arm CEO Rene Haas, who is also a board member at SoftBank, is playing a key role in advising the new chip company. These developments are happening concurrently with discussions between Son and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman about raising substantial funds to strengthen AI infrastructure.
It is evident that SoftBank is aiming to position itself as a significant player in the AI chip market, challenging established competitors like Nvidia. By mobilizing significant financial resources and expertise, Masayoshi Son is looking to disrupt the industry and make a mark in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. This ambitious endeavor underscores SoftBank’s commitment to driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of AI technology.