During Nvidia’s AI Summit in Tokyo, CEO Jensen Huang disclosed that Masayoshi Son of Softbank once offered to help him acquire Nvidia due to its undervalued potential. Since that time, their companies have partnered on AI projects despite Son no longer holding a stake in Nvidia. Japan is also re-investing heavily in its tech sector, aiming for a resurgence in semiconductors and AI technologies.
At Nvidia’s recent AI Summit held in Tokyo, Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang reflected on an intriguing proposal made by Softbank’s founder, Masayoshi Son. Huang recounted how, nearly a decade prior, Son had offered to financially assist him in acquiring Nvidia, suggesting that the market did not appreciate the company’s true value. “Masa said, ‘Jensen, the market doesn’t understand the value of Nvidia. Your future is incredible,’” Huang shared during their on-stage discussion. Huang later expressed regret for not accepting Son’s offer, highlighting the pivotal changes in both their companies since then. The conversation took place shortly after Softbank’s acquisition of Arm Holdings for $32 billion. Huang noted that there was dialogue about potentially merging Nvidia with Arm Holdings during that time. Despite not holding a current stake in Nvidia, Softbank has announced collaborative efforts with Nvidia in AI technology, including plans for Softbank’s telecom unit to utilize Nvidia’s advanced chips for developing a supercomputer and enhancing AI capabilities across cellular networks. Son affirmed his commitment to integrating Nvidia technology within Softbank’s operations and echoed optimism regarding Japan’s resurgence in the AI sector. Although Japan once excelled in technology and semiconductor production, it has faced challenges in maintaining its lead amid rising competition globally. Huang indicated that Japan needed to adopt a more aggressive approach over the past three decades, particularly as software innovation flourished elsewhere. The Japanese government has recently taken significant steps to support the tech industry, pledging an additional $65 billion to enhance its semiconductor and AI sectors. This investment builds upon previous allocations, reflecting Japan’s ambition to reclaim its historical role in technological advancement. Through collaborations with companies like Nvidia and robust government support, there are promising signs for a revitalization of Japan’s position in the global tech landscape.
Nvidia, under the leadership of Jensen Huang, has become a key player in the artificial intelligence revolution, particularly with its high-demand semiconductor technologies. Masayoshi Son of Softbank has a reputation for making bold investment decisions and has previously invested in major companies like Alibaba. His past investment in Nvidia, which he sold years ago, serves as a stark reminder of the rapidly changing valuations in the tech sector. Now, both companies are looking for collaboration opportunities while enhancing the technological landscape in Japan, which is attempting a comeback in the semiconductor and AI domains through government support.
In summary, Jensen Huang’s recollection of Masayoshi Son’s offer to assist in acquiring Nvidia paints a historical perspective on the company’s journey. While both leaders have since moved on, their current collaboration in AI emphasizes the importance of innovation and strategic partnerships. As Japan seeks to regain its competitiveness in technology, initiatives backed by government funding and collaborations with leading tech firms like Nvidia will be crucial for its success in the AI era.
Original Source: fortune.com
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