ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NET WORTH

What Is SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son's Net Worth?

With a net worth of $13 billion, his visionary leadership, bold acquisitions, and philanthropy define his legacy.
PUBLISHED DEC 27, 2023
Cover Image Source: Masayoshi Son speaks during the news conference | Getty Images | Photo by Koki Nagahama
Cover Image Source: Masayoshi Son speaks during the news conference | Getty Images | Photo by Koki Nagahama
Name Masayoshi Son 
Net Worth $13 Billion
Sources of Income Business
Gender Male
Date of Birth August 11, 1957  
Age 66 Years
Nationality Japan
Profession Entrepreneur, Businessperson

Masayoshi Son, the Japanese tech entrepreneur and CEO of SoftBank, boasts a significant net worth of $13 billion as of December 2023, per Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth is derived from his leadership role in SoftBank and strategic investments in various tech ventures. The Vision Funds have made investments in more than 100 companies, encompassing a range of industries, such as ride-share firm Grab, Korean e-commerce leader Coupang, and India's Paytm. Despite facing substantial financial losses during the dot-com crash in 2000, Masayoshi Son demonstrated resilience and determination, making a comeback to become one of the wealthiest individuals globally.

Masayoshi Son speaks during a press conference on February 12, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan | Getty Images | Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi
Masayoshi Son | Getty Images | Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi

Masayoshi Son's primary source of income is derived from his role as the founder and CEO of SoftBank, where he holds approximately 25% ownership. Additionally, he earns from the extensive portfolio of investments made by SoftBank, spanning technology, energy, and financial sectors. Masayoshi Son initiated his entrepreneurial journey while still a student at the University of California, Berkeley. He founded the company Unison in Oakland, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. His early success included the creation of an electronic translator, sold to Sharp Corporation for $1.7 million. Additionally, he imported used video game machines from Japan, installing them in restaurants and on college campuses, contributing to his initial accumulation of wealth. Through SoftBank, Son has made substantial investments in a wide array of companies, including Didi, Grab, Paytm, Uber, Doordash, Coupang, and WeWork. These investments contribute to the diversified portfolio that generates income for Son and SoftBank.

SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son speaks during the SoftBank World 2023 | Getty Images | Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi
SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son speaks during the SoftBank World 2023 | Getty Images | Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi

Founding SoftBank and other ventures

In 1981, at the age of 24, Son founded SoftBank, originally established as a software distributor. Over the years, SoftBank evolved into a multinational holding company with investments in various sectors. The company went public in 1994, with a value of $3 billion, and expanded exponentially under Son's leadership. SoftBank, under Masayoshi Son, became a prominent player in early internet services. In 1996, Son formed a joint venture with Yahoo!, marking the beginning of strategic investments in technology. Notably, he made a $20 million stake in Alibaba in the early 2000s, a move that proved highly lucrative when Alibaba went public in 2014. In 1995, SoftBank, led by Son, acquired the media conglomerate Ziff Davis for $2.1 billion and the computer expo trade show COMDEX for $800 million. These acquisitions solidified SoftBank's position in the media and technology sectors. In 2016, SoftBank, under Son's leadership, acquired the British semiconductor and software design company Arm Holdings for $34 billion. This strategic move positioned SoftBank as a major player in the design of CPUs and other chips, broadening its influence in technology.

Donald Trump pauses with Masayoshi Son, at Trump Tower | Getty Images | Photo by Spencer Platt
Donald Trump with Masayoshi Son at Trump Tower
| Getty Images | Photo by Spencer Platt

Creation of the Vision Fund

Masayoshi Son played a pivotal role in establishing the Vision Fund, a $100 billion venture capital fund focused on emerging technologies. The fund invests in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, and transformative industries like transportation and real estate. Son's business interests extend to owning a 76% share in Sprint, a telecommunications company. Additionally, he is actively involved in solar power ventures, with investments in significant solar projects following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster of 2011.

Masayoshi Son speaks during a press conference on February 12, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan | Getty Images | Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi
Masayoshi Son speaks during a press conference on February 12, 2020, in Tokyo, Japan | Getty Images | Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi

Masayoshi Son's notable assets include a substantial ownership stake in SoftBank, valued at around $13 billion. He resides in a luxurious three-story mansion in Tokyo, worth $50 million, featuring a cutting-edge temperature-controlled golf course. Son also owns a residence in Woodside, California, acquired for $117 million.

Masayoshi Son speaks during a press conference on May 9, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan | Getty Images | Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi
Masayoshi Son speaks during a press conference | Getty Images | Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi

Masayoshi Son, born on August 11, 1957, in Tosu, Saga, Japan, is a distinguished tech entrepreneur and investor known for founding SoftBank and making significant contributions to the technology and investment landscape. Son, a third-generation Zainichi Korean, was raised in a humble farmer family. Despite his modest beginnings, he displayed an early entrepreneurial spirit. After working at a McDonald's in Japan, he pursued education in California, completing his high school studies at Serramonte High in San Francisco. Son attended the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in engineering and graduating with a bachelor's degree in economics in 1980. During his college years at Berkeley, Son met his wife, Masami Ohno. The couple has two daughters. Their family life has been relatively private, with Son maintaining a balance between his high-profile professional engagements and personal relationships.



 

Masayoshi Son has received notable recognition and prestigious rankings in the global business landscape. In 2013, he claimed the 45th position on Forbes magazine's list of the World's Most Powerful People, a testament to his influential presence. Continuing his impactful career, Son maintained a strong standing in 2018, securing the 55th position in Forbes' World's Most Powerful People ranking. As of 2023, Masayoshi Son holds the 69th position on Forbes's list of The World's Billionaires, emphasizing his substantial wealth. Additionally, on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, he is positioned at #239, underscoring his enduring influence in the financial realm. While achieving remarkable success, Son faced significant financial challenges during the dot-com crash of 2000. With losses exceeding $59 billion, he held the distinction of being the individual who had lost the most money in history, a record that persisted for many years before being surpassed by Elon Musk in subsequent decades.

What philanthropic initiatives has Masayoshi Son undertaken?

In 2011, Masayoshi Son pledged 10 billion yen ($100 million) to aid victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy.

How does Masayoshi Son express his passion beyond business ventures?

Masayoshi Son channels his enthusiasm into art collecting, showcasing his appreciation for creativity and cultural expression through investments in renowned works.

What is Masayoshi Son's futuristic vision?

Masayoshi Son envisions a future where artificial intelligence and interconnected devices revolutionize industries, enhancing the overall quality of life for humanity.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
The legendary lead vocalist of the celebrated rock band U2 has built a vast empire and is now the second richest rockstar on the planet.
7 days ago
Trump's impressive car collection includes McLaren Mercedes SLR, Rolls-Royce, and even an exclusive Cadillac.
Sep 27, 2024
The nursing student from Georgia found his trading account balance rise to a whopping $1,309,245,148,628.7
Sep 26, 2024
Nicholas Puech, who owned a 5.7% stake in the luxury brand, has claimed he has nothing left in bank.
Sep 25, 2024
Is it surprising that the billionaire isn't a frequent shopper at the grocery store?
Aug 31, 2024
The pay gap led to her passing over the role and it ultimately went to a newcomer.
Aug 20, 2024
American businessman Charles Francis Feeney was called the "James Bond of Philanthropy" by Forbes.
Aug 14, 2024
Swift's partner Travis Kelce is estimated to be worth $70 million and the cat is richer than him
Aug 5, 2024
He spent his teenage years earning just $1 per hour by offering tourist tours
May 14, 2024
The rapper earns primarily from album and mixtape sales, endorsements, concerts, tours, live performances, and shows.
May 3, 2024
From real estate mavens and fashion PR queens to content creators and resilient entrepreneurs, these women bring a diverse range of experiences to RHONY.
Apr 27, 2024
For two years, soaring inflation eroded most workers' wage gains but recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that the tide is turning.
Apr 7, 2024
From global show to international tours, delve into the singing maestro Taylor Henderson's net worth
Apr 7, 2024
Today, many artists don't limit themselves to one art form but expand by launching their fashion lines or tieing up with charitable organizations
Mar 24, 2024
Take a look at how the financial maestro Carlos Slim Helubuild himself and his generations a legacy
Mar 24, 2024
These changes represent significant adjustments to the program, impacting millions of recipients across the United States.
Mar 16, 2024
Corporate brands usually rely on popular software to smooth operations but major software malfunctions have also spelled disaster for companies and consumers.
Mar 10, 2024
The scammers went to great lengths to make their scheme convincing, even going as far as creating a fake SpaceX YouTube channel with 180,000 subscribers
Mar 10, 2024
Leveraging technology to take on small jobs and tasks can help you earn extra cash quickly.
Mar 5, 2024