SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son Slams 'Bubble' Claims: AI Will Demand $5 Trillion Annual Investment by 2040
Visionary Bet on AI Dominance
SoftBank Group CEO, Masayoshi Son, vehemently dismissed concerns over an "AI bubble," stating that the development of artificial intelligence will require a massive annual investment of $5 trillion by the year 2040. Speaking at SoftBank's annual corporate conference in Tokyo, Son asserted his confidence that this expenditure is necessary and justifiable as AI technology evolves.The CEO shared insights into SoftBank’s expansive strategy, noting that the company has committed significant capital to establish itself as a core player in the AI ecosystem. This includes major investments into OpenAI, strategic financing of data centers, and dedicated funding for robotics firms. Son's confidence stems from his history of making transformative bets on technology, having built his fortune through early high-stakes investments.
The $5 Trillion Requirement and Market Outlook
"Every year $5 trillion, or 800 trillion yen, you might think that's a lie, but I am confident that's what it will cost," Son stated, underscoring the monumental scale of necessary infrastructure development. He projected that this investment level would be minimal by 2040 because he believes AI revenue could account for 20% of global GDP at that time.Son reiterated his view that asking if AI constitutes a bubble is "absurd," suggesting that those who question the valuation do not fully grasp the scope and potential of AI technology. This projection comes as concerns rise globally regarding whether current firms in the sector can generate sufficient returns given the ballooning capital expenditure needed for underlying infrastructure.
Powering the Future: Data Centers and Energy Needs
To support this AI revolution, Son provided specific projections concerning energy consumption. He predicted that AI data centers will require power generation capacity of 3 terawatts by 2040, which is equivalent to 1.8 times the current total global power consumption.The CEO outlined a phased approach for powering this infrastructure. Initial needs would be primarily met using gas-powered sources, with nuclear fusion eventually becoming the primary energy source. Addressing alternative energy solutions, Son mentioned that while possibilities like solar power in space (as suggested by Elon Musk) might exist, he feels that terrestrial fusion will ultimately be the cheaper and cleaner option.
A Shift to Agent-Centric Society
Son painted a grand picture of societal transformation by 2040, envisioning a world populated by 100 trillion autonomous AI agents. These agents would possess the capacity to take action, communicate with one another, and operate independently.He predicted a fundamental paradigm shift in human civilization, stating that "We will go from a human-centric world to an agent-centric world." According to Son, while this transformation could be viewed for better or for worse, it is inevitable and cannot be halted. SoftBank's high conviction currently rests on its cumulative investment into ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which is set to exceed $60 billion before the end of 2026.
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