Updated: November 11, 2025
Hey there, if you’re into the wild world of tech billionaires, Masayoshi Son’s name probably rings a bell. The guy behind SoftBank isn’t just a investor—he’s a high-stakes gambler who bets big on the future. As of November 10, 2025, his net worth sits at a jaw-dropping $70.9 billion, making him the 26th richest person on the planet. That’s up from earlier dips, thanks to AI hype lifting SoftBank’s stock. But how did a kid from a modest background turn into Japan’s richest man? Let’s dive in, unpack his journey, and break down what fuels that massive fortune. If you’ve ever wondered about Masayoshi Son’s net worth and the rollercoaster that got him there, you’re in for a treat.
Table of Contents
From Humble Beginnings to Tech Pioneer
Masayoshi Son didn’t start with a silver spoon—he was born in 1957 in Tosu, Japan, to Korean immigrant parents who ran a pork soup stall. Talk about humble roots! At 16, he moved to the U.S. on his own, enrolling at the University of California, Berkeley. That’s where his entrepreneurial fire ignited. He invented a coin-operated electronic translator and sold the patent for $1 million—enough to buy his parents a golf course back home.
By 1981, at just 23, Son founded SoftBank in Tokyo with $10,000. It began as a software distributor but quickly morphed into a powerhouse scouting tech startups. Early wins included distributing PC software in Japan when computers were still novelties. Son’s philosophy? Think 300 years ahead. He once said, “I want to be a 300-year company.” That long-game mindset turned SoftBank into a launchpad for global disruptors, setting the stage for Masayoshi Son’s net worth explosion.
The Alibaba Bet That Changed Everything
If there’s one investment that defines Son’s genius, it’s Alibaba. In 2000, when e-commerce was a pipe dream in China, Son met Jack Ma in a cramped apartment. He wrote a $20 million check on the spot—20% of SoftBank’s entire value at the time. Skeptics called it crazy, but Son saw the vision.
Fast-forward: That stake ballooned to over $100 billion at Alibaba’s 2014 IPO, the world’s largest at $25 billion raised. Even after trimming holdings, it’s still a cornerstone of his wealth. Son’s early Yahoo Japan investment in the ’90s also minted billions, but Alibaba? That’s the stuff of legend. These bold moves show why people chase Masayoshi Son’s net worth stories—they’re equal parts luck, instinct, and sheer audacity.
Vision Fund: High Stakes, Epic Wins, and Gut-Wrenching Losses
Son’s ambition peaked with the $100 billion Vision Fund in 2017, backed by Saudi oil money and Apple. It poured billions into Uber, DoorDash, and ByteDance (TikTok’s parent), riding the gig economy wave to massive returns. ARM Holdings, acquired for $32 billion in 2016, became another gem as AI chips boomed.
But hey, no legend without scars. The fund’s flops are infamous: WeWork’s $47 billion valuation imploded to near-zero, costing SoftBank $18 billion. Greensill Capital and Katerra tanked too, wiping out another chunk. Critics dubbed it “Son’s Folly,” and his net worth took hits—down to $17 billion in early 2025. Yet, Son doubled down on AI with a second $30 billion fund. By mid-2025, bets on Nvidia partners paid off, surging his fortune 248% to over $55 billion by October. It’s a reminder: In tech investing, failures aren’t endings—they’re tuition for the next big score.
Masayoshi Son’s Net Worth Breakdown: What’s Powering $71 Billion in 2025?
So, where’s the money? About 80% ties to his 30%+ stake in SoftBank Group, whose market cap hit $120 billion amid AI fervor. Telecom arms like Sprint (sold to T-Mobile) and Yahoo Japan add steady cash flow. Private bets in Arm (now public again) and Alibaba keep the engine humming.
Recent volatility? A global tech selloff shaved $13 billion in early November, but Son rebounded fast. Philanthropy nibbles at the edges—he’s pledged $120 million to fight ALS, inspired by his late wife—but his wealth’s trajectory points up. Analysts peg Masayoshi Son’s net worth climbing to $100 billion by 2030 if AI delivers.
Conclusion: A Timeless Visionary in a Fast-Changing World
Masayoshi Son’s story isn’t just about dollars; it’s a masterclass in dreaming huge and bouncing back harder. From that $20 million Alibaba gamble to navigating Vision Fund’s minefield, he’s reshaped tech investing. At 68, with $71 billion in the bank, Son’s still plotting 300-year moves. In a world obsessed with quick wins, his patience and passion remind us: True wealth builds over lifetimes. What’s next for this icon? Whatever it is, it’ll be bold. If Masayoshi Son’s net worth inspires you to think bigger, drop a comment below—what’s your boldest bet?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Masayoshi Son’s net worth in 2025?
As of November 10, 2025, Masayoshi Son’s net worth is approximately $70.9 billion, per Forbes real-time rankings.
2. How did Masayoshi Son make his money?
Primarily through SoftBank Group investments, especially early stakes in Alibaba and Yahoo, plus the Vision Fund’s tech bets.
3. What are Masayoshi Son’s biggest investment successes?
Alibaba (from $20M to billions) and Uber/DoorDash via Vision Fund stand out as massive home runs.
4. Has Masayoshi Son ever lost money on investments?
Yes, big time—WeWork alone cost $18 billion, but he’s turned many losses into learning for future wins.