How Masayoshi Son Became One of the Most Powerful Investors in Tech

Masa Son, CEO of SoftBank, is a controversial figure in venture capital, known for his bold investments and risk-taking. Despite a mixed track record, including a massive loss during the dot-com crash, he has made significant investments, such as in Alibaba, which have paid off handsomely. His Vision Fund, backed by major players like Apple and Saudi Arabia, aims to finance tech startups, though not all investors are convinced of its potential. Masa's unique dealmaking style and focus on future technology continue to shape his legacy.

What is Masayoshi Son's reputation in the venture capital world?

• A brilliant risk-taker

• A cautious investor

• An unknown figure

• A conservative businessman

What was one of Masa's early business successes while at university?

• Inventing a digital translator

• Developing a new smartphone

• Designing a new computer chip

• Creating a social media platform

Which company did Masa invest in that became one of the most lucrative venture investments?

• Google

• Amazon

• Facebook

• Alibaba

What is a notable feature of Masa's deal-making style?

• He always acquires controlling stakes

• He prefers small investments

• He invites founders to Tokyo for meetings

• He avoids face-to-face meetings

Who is the main backer of SoftBank's Vision Fund?

• Elon Musk

• Warren Buffett

• Bill Gates

• The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia

What is a major concern critics have about Masa's investment strategy?

• He invests too little

• He focuses only on local markets

• He avoids technology startups

• He might squander existing assets

What will determine if Masa is considered a genius investor in the future?

• His ability to deliver societal impact

• His preference for small-scale projects

• His avoidance of risky investments

• His focus on traditional industries