Nvidia’s rise in the tech world has been nothing short of remarkable, and its contributions to artificial intelligence (AI) and accelerated computing have redefined the industry.
However, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently shared a pivotal “what-if” moment in a conversation with SoftBank’s founder and CEO Masayoshi Son, where he expressed regret over not accepting Son’s offer to help acquire Nvidia nearly a decade ago.
This reflection came during the Nvidia AI Summit in Japan, marking a noteworthy insight into the two visionary leaders’ perspectives on Nvidia’s valuation and potential.
Turning Down an Offer of a Lifetime
Jensen Huang and Son’s relationship dates back to a time when SoftBank was Nvidia’s largest external shareholder, holding a 5 percent stake. At the Nvidia AI Summit, Son recalled how he believed the market was undervaluing Nvidia’s potential.
During a fireside chat at the summit, Son said, “Jensen, the market doesn’t understand the value of Nvidia. Your future is incredible, but the market doesn’t get it.” Recognizing Nvidia’s vision and unique place in technology, Son offered to lend Jensen Huang the capital needed to buy the company outright. At the time, this could have given Huang unprecedented control over Nvidia’s trajectory.
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However, Huang declined Son’s offer—a choice he later admitted he regretted. He laughed and acknowledged that perhaps he had underestimated the opportunity and Son’s foresight.
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Today, Nvidia’s valuation has soared, with its GPUs powering much of the world’s AI capabilities, including advancements in healthcare, automotive technology, and robotics. SoftBank, meanwhile, missed out on what could have been one of the most profitable holdings in its portfolio.
The Significance of SoftBank’s Exit from Nvidia
A few years after his offer to Huang, Son sold off SoftBank’s stake in Nvidia, a move influenced by pressures on SoftBank’s Vision Fund. Back then, Nvidia’s stock was not faring well, and Son opted to divest, selling a position that was later worth more than $160 billion.
Had SoftBank held onto the Nvidia stake, it would have rivaled or even exceeded its historic investment in Alibaba. In retrospect, Son’s early confidence in Nvidia proved prescient, especially as the company surged to prominence in AI and computing, paving the way for its integral role in the global technology landscape.
Though Son had divested from Nvidia, he continued to lead SoftBank in investment ventures across high-potential AI companies and tech-forward firms. This foresight reflects his strategic inclination toward identifying revolutionary technology.
Son’s Vision Funds have backed countless companies focused on AI, automation, and big data—sectors that align with his belief in AI’s transformative impact on every industry. Nvidia’s current standing has validated Son’s original perspective on the company’s potential, showing how strategic investments in AI can yield astronomical returns in the long run.
Forging a New Partnership for AI in Japan
Despite this missed opportunity, Huang and Son’s discussion culminated in an announcement of a landmark partnership aimed at AI infrastructure development in Japan.
Nvidia and SoftBank have agreed to collaborate to accelerate Japan’s technology landscape, focusing on transforming robotics, automotive industries, telecommunications, and healthcare through cutting-edge AI systems.
This partnership will create a robust AI-driven infrastructure that aligns with both Nvidia’s expertise in accelerated computing and SoftBank’s local influence and resources.
Joining forces with SoftBank Corp., the Japanese cloud leader, and other key tech firms—GMO Internet Group, Highreso, KDDI, Rutilea, and SAKURA Internet—the collaboration marks an ambitious effort to revolutionize Japan’s digital ecosystem.
Nvidia’s advanced GPUs and data center expertise combined with SoftBank’s market reach promises to transform sectors reliant on AI-powered innovations. Japan’s AI-driven infrastructure will not only benefit these industries but will also contribute to the global advancement of robotics, healthcare diagnostics, autonomous driving, and telecommunications.
As Nvidia and SoftBank embark on this journey, the initiative promises far-reaching implications for Japan’s economy and technological future, underscoring both Huang and Son’s vision for AI as a transformative force. This partnership could serve as a model for other nations, positioning Japan as a leader in AI integration across various sectors.
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