Masayoshi Son

Masayoshi is referred to as a pioneer in the tech industry, he has played a transformative role in shaping telecommunications, internet services, and investment sectors globally. Son's career began with the founding of SoftBank in 1981 as a software distributor, which evolved into a telecommunications and internet giant. Under his leadership, SoftBank has expanded into diverse areas such as mobile communications, e-commerce, robotics, and venture capital investments through the SoftBank Vision Fund. Beyond his business ventures, Masayoshi Son is known for his bold investments in innovative technologies and his vision for the future of AI (artificial intelligence) and the Internet of Things (IoT). His entrepreneurial spirit and strategic investments have made him a significant figure in global technology and finance, impacting industries and economies worldwide.

He founded a language translation software venture while still in university.

• Born in Tosu, Saga Prefecture, Japan, as the second of four sons. His grandfather moved from Daegu, Korea, to Japan during the Japanese colonial period.
• His father, Son Sam-heon, faced legal issues for building houses illegally on Japan National Railways land. He later ran a successful sake business.
• Moved to California at age 16, where he finished high school in three weeks. Studied economics and computer science at the University of California, Berkeley.
• Created an electronic translator and sold it to Sharp Corporation. Also made money importing used video game machines.
• Graduated from Berkeley in 1980 and founded a video game company, Unison World, later selling it for a substantial profit.
• Initially used his adopted Japanese surname but later adopted his family's original Korean surname, becoming a role model for ethnic Korean children in Japan.

He has instilled family values as he always had the influence.

• Met wife Masami Ohno at UC Berkeley, married in 1979; they have two daughters.
• Lives in a $50 million Tokyo mansion with a golf range simulating top courses' conditions. Owns a $117 million home in Woodside, California.
• Second oldest of four brothers; youngest brother Taizo Son is a serial entrepreneur and investor, founder of GungHo Online Entertainment and Mistletoe.
• Started using his original Korean surname when he moved to the US at age 16 to attend high school and later UC Berkeley.