From WeWork to AI: How SoftBank is reshaping its future in tech

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SoftBank has just announced a net loss of 1.1 billion euros for the first quarter of its 2024-2025 financial year. A result that, although better than the previous year, illustrates the challenges the group faces. Far from slowing down its ambitions, SoftBank seems determined to bounce back by betting big on AI.< /p>

From the WeWork Dream to the Awakening of AI

SoftBank's recent history is marked by bold bets, sometimes crowned with success, sometimes ended in resounding failures. The $20 billion investment in WeWork is remembered as one of the group's biggest setbacks. The bankruptcy of the coworking company in 2023 sounded like a major blow to Masayoshi Son's strategy.

But SoftBank's visionary boss is not one to admit defeat. He quickly redirected his investments towards more promising sectors. The acquisition of Arm in 2016 for $32 billion proved particularly judicious. Listed on the stock market in 2023, the British semiconductor specialist is now worth nearly $130 billion.

With this experience, SoftBank seems to have learned the lessons of its past failures. The Japanese group is now betting heavily on artificial intelligence, considered the next technological revolution. Rumors of the creation of a new $100 billion fund dedicated entirely to AI are even becoming more and more persistent.

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This strategic shift is already taking shape through targeted investments. In July, SoftBank completed the acquisition of Graphcore, a British company specializing in processors for AI, for around $500 million. The group is also reportedly interested in taking a stake in Perplexity AI, the American start-up developing a conversational agent that competes with ChatGPT.

Becoming a major player in AI

These moves demonstrate SoftBank's desire to position itself as a key player in AI. After the failure of WeWork, Masayoshi Son seems to have found a new playing field that matches his ambitions.

But this strategy is not without risks. The AI ​​industry is highly competitive and valuations are sometimes sky-high. SoftBank will need to be smart about its investments to avoid repeating past mistakes.

This is not enough to dampen optimism at SoftBank. The group sees AI as an opportunity to restore its image and return to the great successes. Wait and see.

• Softbank reports disappointing results with a net loss of 1.1 billion euros
• The group plans to refocus on AI with a new $100 billion fund
• This reorientation aims to improve financial results and position SoftBank as a key player in the AI ​​revolution.

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