SoftBank Group Corp. founder Masayoshi Son is on a quest to secure an overwhelming $100 billion to establish a chip venture that will rival Nvidia Corp. and provide crucial semiconductors for artificial intelligence (AI), as per sources familiar with the matter. The ambitious project, codenamed Izanagi, represents Son’s next major undertaking as SoftBank reevaluates its investments in startups.
Son aims to develop a company that can complement the chip design unit Arm Holdings Plc, ultimately leading to the creation of an AI chip giant. SoftBank is considering providing $30 billion, while another $70 billion may come from institutions in the Middle East. This investment in the AI field is poised to surpass Microsoft Corp.’s recent contribution of over $10 billion to OpenAI, establishing it as one of the largest in the sector to date.
Named after the Japanese god of creation and life, Izanagi also serves as an abbreviation for artificial general intelligence (AGI), illustrating Son’s vision for the future of AI. Although funding details and the allocation of resources are yet to be finalized, Son is constantly exploring various investment ideas and strategies to strengthen Arm’s position in the AI market and is actively researching next-generation chips.
While specifics on the companies involved in challenging Nvidia’s dominance remain uncertain, SoftBank and Arm declined to comment on the matter.
Following a series of setbacks in startup investments, Son is now devoting his attention to Arm, envisioning the creation of a company of significant magnitude comparable to the well-known “Magnificent Seven” stocks. SoftBank’s cash and cash equivalents stood at ¥6.2 trillion ($41 billion) as of December 31, bolstered by a recovery in global equity markets and gains from T-Mobile US Inc. shares. Arm’s 90% stake has also contributed to the company’s increased market value.
The sources also clarified that Son’s Izanagi project is separate from OpenAI’s objectives, although Son and OpenAI’s Sam Altman have had discussions about cooperation and raising funds for semiconductor manufacturing. Furthermore, Arm CEO Rene Haas, who serves on the SoftBank board, is advising Son on the project, emphasizing the potential for Arm’s chip designs in the pursuit of AGI.
Masayoshi Son, the mastermind behind the establishment of SoftBank’s Vision Fund, is directly leading Project Izanagi. Son has a reputation for being changeable in his decision-making, considering various possibilities and technologies in his meetings. However, his unwavering enthusiasm for AGI suggests his steadfast belief that artificial general intelligence will become a reality within the next decade.
Son’s conviction in the transformative power of AGI has been evident in his public statements, urging businesses to adopt AI or risk falling behind. While many AI experts lack a precise definition or detailed timeline for AGI, Son remains resolute, asserting that AGI will become a reality within the next ten years.
An FAQ based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
Q: What is SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son’s new project?
A: Masayoshi Son is working on a project called Izanagi, which aims to establish a chip venture in the artificial intelligence (AI) field that will rival Nvidia Corp.
Q: How much funding does Son aim to secure for the project?
A: Son is looking to secure $100 billion for Izanagi, with SoftBank considering providing $30 billion and the remaining $70 billion potentially coming from institutions in the Middle East.
Q: How does Izanagi relate to Arm Holdings?
A: Izanagi is intended to complement Arm Holdings, a chip design unit that SoftBank acquired, ultimately leading to the creation of an AI chip giant.
Q: What is the significance of the name Izanagi?
A: Izanagi serves as an abbreviation for artificial general intelligence (AGI), reflecting Son’s vision for the future of AI.
Q: Has SoftBank commented on the matter?
A: SoftBank and Arm declined to comment on the companies involved in challenging Nvidia’s dominance.
Q: What is SoftBank’s current financial situation?
A: As of December 31, SoftBank’s cash and cash equivalents stood at ¥6.2 trillion ($41 billion), boosted by gains from T-Mobile US Inc. shares and Arm’s 90% stake.
Q: Is Son’s Izanagi project related to OpenAI?
A: The Izanagi project is separate from OpenAI’s objectives, but Son and OpenAI’s Sam Altman have had discussions about cooperation and raising funds for semiconductor manufacturing.
Q: Who is advising Son on the Izanagi project?
A: Arm CEO Rene Haas, who is also on the SoftBank board, is advising Son on the project and highlighting the potential for Arm’s chip designs in the pursuit of AGI.
Q: What is Son’s belief about AGI?
A: Son firmly believes that artificial general intelligence will become a reality within the next decade and has been urging businesses to adopt AI or risk falling behind.
The source of the article is from the blog elektrischnederland.nl