Logo
SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Masayoshi Son
Global Rank
#35

Image: Masaru Kamikura from Japan | CC BY 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Masayoshi Son

CEO, Telecom
JAPAN
Real-Time Net Worth
$49.267B
Estimated based on Telecom stock value as of March 6, 2026
+5.06% (24h)
Age
68
Source
Telecom, Investments
Industry
Telecom
Citizenship
JAPAN

Biography

Masayoshi Son is a prominent Japanese entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, known for founding SoftBank Group. His net worth is estimated at $28.8 billion as of February 2024. Son's source of wealth is primarily from telecommunications and investments. His career has been marked by bold investments in technology, including early stakes in Yahoo! and Alibaba. Son's strategic vision has positioned SoftBank as a major player in the global tech landscape, though his investment strategies have also faced scrutiny. He is a key figure in the finance-investment industry and is known for his ambitious approach to shaping the future of technology and AI.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Masayoshi Son was born Masayoshi Yasumoto on August 11, 1957, in Tosu, Saga Prefecture, Japan. His family is of Zainichi Korean descent. Son attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied economics, graduating in 1980.

Rise to Success

Son founded SoftBank in 1981, initially as a software distributor and publisher. He is the founder, Representative Director, Corporate Officer, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group Corp. His early investment in Alibaba Group in 2000 proved extremely lucrative, contributing significantly to SoftBank's financial success. Son's bold investments in technology and telecommunications propelled his rise, and he was briefly the richest person in the world.

Key Business Strategies

Son is known for his ambitious investment strategies and the establishment of the SoftBank Vision Fund. This fund invested in various emerging technologies like AI and robotics. In 2016, SoftBank acquired ARM Holdings, a UK-based semiconductor and chip design company. SoftBank has also been investing billions of dollars in AI, including in the $500 billion Stargate Project.

Philanthropy

Masayoshi Son has been involved in philanthropy, including providing support for the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. He pledged 10 billion yen and his remaining salary for the cause.

Career Milestones

1981

Founded SoftBank

Founded SoftBank, a Japanese holding company with investments in technology.

1995

Invested in Yahoo!

Made an early investment in Yahoo!.

1999

Invested in Alibaba

Invested $20 million in Alibaba Group.

2016

Acquired ARM Holdings

SoftBank acquired ARM Holdings for approximately $34 billion.

2017

Established SoftBank Vision Fund

Launched SoftBank Vision Fund to invest in emerging technologies.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Disaster Relief

2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami support

$X B

Pledged 10 billion yen and his remaining salary to support victims.

Controversies & Challenges

2018

Reliance on Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund

Criticism regarding close ties with Saudi Arabia, particularly after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Compare Masayoshi Son

Net Worth Face-off
Masayoshi Son vs Elon Musk
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Masayoshi Son vs Jeff Bezos
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Masayoshi Son vs Mark Zuckerberg
Compare Wealth →