SoftBank Group Corp. founder Masayoshi Son has embarked on an ambitious plan to raise as much as $100 billion for a chip venture aimed at challenging Nvidia Corp. and supplying crucial semiconductors for artificial intelligence (AI). The project, known as Izanagi, represents Son’s latest endeavor as SoftBank shifts its focus away from startup investments.
Son envisions building a company that complements Arm Holdings Plc, SoftBank’s chip design unit, and establishes itself as a leading force in AI chip technology. While the details regarding funding and expenditure are still being finalized, SoftBank is considering contributing $30 billion, with an additional $70 billion potentially coming from Middle Eastern institutions.
If successful, Izanagi will become one of the largest investments in the AI industry, surpassing Microsoft Corp.’s recent $10 billion bet on OpenAI. The project’s name, inspired by the Japanese god of creation and life, reflects Son’s emphasis on artificial general intelligence (AGI). Son has long been an advocate for AGI, believing that a world dominated by intelligent machines will be safer, healthier, and happier.
Son’s focus on Arm and AI-related investments comes after a series of setbacks in SoftBank’s startup ventures. With substantial cash reserves of ¥6.2 trillion ($41 billion) and a buoyant balance sheet, thanks in part to gains from Arm’s market value, Son sees an opportunity to create a formidable company in the technology industry.
While Son has held discussions with Sam Altman of OpenAI regarding semiconductor manufacturing, Izanagi is a separate venture from Altman’s plans. Son originally approached leaders of another AI company to collaborate on the chip undertaking, but they declined.
SoftBank’s Arm Chief Executive Officer Rene Haas is working closely with Son. Arm’s chip designs and Haas’s expertise in areas such as compute power efficiency align with Son’s AI ambitions. However, Haas clarified that he speaks as Arm CEO, not as a SoftBank director, when discussing AI’s potential.
Son, known for his changing preferences, remains unwavering in his enthusiasm for AGI. He firmly believes that AGI will become a reality within the next decade. Son’s track record and commitment to AGI underscore the significance and potential impact of Project Izanagi.
FAQ Section:
1. What is Izanagi?
Izanagi is an ambitious chip venture launched by SoftBank Group Corp. founder Masayoshi Son. Its goal is to challenge Nvidia Corp. and provide crucial semiconductors for artificial intelligence (AI). The project aims to become a leading force in AI chip technology.
2. How much funding is SoftBank planning to raise for Izanagi?
SoftBank is considering contributing $30 billion to Izanagi, with an additional $70 billion potentially coming from Middle Eastern institutions. This would make it one of the largest investments in the AI industry.
3. What is the inspiration behind the name Izanagi?
The project’s name, Izanagi, is inspired by the Japanese god of creation and life. It reflects SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son’s emphasis on artificial general intelligence (AGI).
4. Why is SoftBank shifting its focus away from startup investments?
SoftBank has faced setbacks in its startup ventures, which has led to a change in focus. With substantial cash reserves and a strong balance sheet, SoftBank sees an opportunity to create a formidable company in the technology industry by investing in areas like Arm Holdings Plc and AI-related ventures.
5. Who is leading Izanagi?
Masayoshi Son and SoftBank’s Arm Chief Executive Officer Rene Haas are working closely on Izanagi. Haas’s expertise in areas such as compute power efficiency aligns with Son’s AI ambitions.
Definitions:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.
2. Semiconductor: A material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Semiconductors are used to make electronic devices such as chips.
3. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): Refers to highly autonomous systems that outperform humans at most economically valuable work.
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The source of the article is from the blog tvbzorg.com