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2024-03-31 06:59:49

Masayoshi Son

Japanese billionaire technology entrepreneur
Masayoshi Son
Masayoshi Son
Japanese billionaire technology entrepreneur
Masayoshi Son, a third-generation Zainichi Korean, is the founder and CEO of SoftBank Group Corp. Known for his investments, notably in Alibaba Group, he has faced both successes and failures in the business world.
1957-08-11
Birth of Masayoshi Son
Masayoshi Son, the founder and Board Director of a company, was born on August 11, 1957.
1973
Son Masayoshi travels to the United States to study
In 1973, Son Masayoshi traveled to the United States to study. This experience eventually led him to become a successful entrepreneur and the chairman and CEO of Softbank Corp.
1979
Marriage and Family Life
Masayoshi Son met his wife, Masami Ohno, while studying at the University of California, Berkeley. They got married in 1979 and have two daughters. Son also owns the SoftBank Hawks, a professional Japanese baseball team.
1980
Masayoshi Son graduates from UC-Berkeley
Masayoshi Son graduated from UC-Berkeley in 1980 and returned to Japan to found SoftBank in 1981. He initially focused on distributing software before expanding into computer trade shows and tech magazines.
1981-09
Founding of SOFTBANK Corp. Japan
In September 1981, Masayoshi Son founded SOFTBANK Corp. Japan, which is currently known as SoftBank Group Corp.
1994-07
Softbank shares offered on the over-the-counter market
In July 1994, Masayoshi Son offered Softbank shares on the over-the-counter market to obtain capital for his aggressive merger-and-acquisition tactics.
1995
Establishment of SoftBank Holdings Inc. in the U.S.
In 1995, SoftBank Holdings Inc. was established in the United States, marking a significant expansion of the Japanese multinational conglomerate into the American market.
1996-01
Acquisition of Ziff-Davis Publishing Co.
Masayoshi Son described the acquisition as a way to 'get a map and a compass' for a voyage into the center of information technology. The acquisition of Ziff-Davis Publishing Co., a publishing division of Ziff Communications Company, helped discover embryonic Yahoo! Inc. in the U.S.
1997
Softbank and News Corporation sell their share in Asahi National Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
In 1997, Softbank and News Corporation sold their share in Asahi National Broadcasting Co., Ltd., marking the end of their investment in the Japanese commercial television station.
1999
Masayoshi Son sells pocket translator device to Sharp
In 1999, Masayoshi Son sold a pocket translator device to Sharp in a deal that brought him close to $1 million. This early success marked a significant milestone in Son's entrepreneurial journey.
2000
Investment in Alibaba
Masayoshi Son invested $20 million in Alibaba in 2000, which helped revive his fortune after losing billions in the dot-com bust. This investment turned out to be highly successful and contributed to his current net worth of about $15 billion.
2005-01-01
Acquisition of Fukuoka Daiei HAWKS
After completing the transactions to acquire Fukuoka Daiei HAWKS, Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS was established, marking SoftBank's entry into professional baseball.
2006-04-01
Acquisition of Vodafone K.K.
In April 2006, SoftBank acquired Vodafone K.K., making a significant move to enter the mobile communications sector and solidify its position as a telecommunications leader.
2016-03
Becomes Manager at SoftBank Group International GK
In March 2016, the individual assumed the role of Manager at SoftBank Group International GK, which is now known as SoftBank Group Japan Corporation.
2016-09
Chairman and Executive Director of ARM Holdings plc
In September 2016, Masayoshi Son became the Chairman and Executive Director of ARM Holdings plc.
2017-05
SoftBank acquires ARM
SoftBank Group Corp. acquired ARM, a prominent semiconductor technology company, in preparation for the Internet of Things era.
2017-06
Becomes Chairman & CEO at SoftBank Group Corp.
In June 2017, the individual was appointed as the Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group Corp.
2018-03
Chairman and Director of Arm Limited
In March 2018, Masayoshi Son became the Chairman and Director of Arm Limited.
2018-04
Director at Yahoo Japan Corporation (now Z Holdings Corporation)
In April 2018, the individual held the position of Director at Yahoo Japan Corporation, which has been rebranded as Z Holdings Corporation.
2018-06
Became Representative Director of SoftBank Group Japan Corporation
In June 2018, the individual assumed the role of Representative Director at SoftBank Group Japan Corporation.
2020-08-07
Masayoshi Son's Quote
Masayoshi Son, the founder of SoftBank, once said 'Life is too short to do anything small.' This quote reflects his ambitious and bold approach to business and life.
2021-04
Continued as Representative Director, Corporate Officer, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group Corp.
Since April 2021, the individual has been continuing in the role of Representative Director, Corporate Officer, Chairman & CEO at SoftBank Group Corp.
2022-07-21
Masayoshi Son's Vision for the Future
Masayoshi Son, a successful Japanese entrepreneur, outlined his vision for the future through SoftBank and its $100 billion Vision Fund. He aims to reshape the world based on his long-term business plans, starting with the next 30 years.
2023-11-23
Masayoshi Son's journey from richest man to SoftBank CEO
Masayoshi Son, the founder of SoftBank Group, experienced fluctuations in his wealth, briefly becoming the richest man in the world before facing setbacks. His entrepreneurial journey from Japan to the US and investments in companies like Yahoo and Alibaba define his success story.
2024-02-10
Masayoshi Son's Investment in Alibaba
Masayoshi Son made a significant investment of $72 billion in Jack Ma's Alibaba and now plans to replicate his success with AI.
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Masayoshi Son

Japanese billionaire technology entrepreneur
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