Masayoshi Son

Masayoshi Son, often referred to as "Masa," is the founder and CEO of SoftBank Group, one of the world's largest technology investment conglomerates. In the venture capital context tracked by elsewhere, he is most noted for his distinctive investment style and market-moving presence: Bill Gurley of Benchmark observed in mid-2025 that "Masa is back" as an active force in primary markets after a relatively quiet period, calling him "himself an indicator" of market liquidity . Son's former lieutenants have also carried his operational imprint into new roles—Marcelo Claure, previously SoftBank's COO and described as Son's "得力干将" (capable right-hand man), was appointed in early 2023 as Latin America chairman of SHEIN in what was seen as a strategic move for the e-commerce platform's regional expansion . SoftBank under Son has also made major European bets, including leading a $1.05 billion funding round for UK autonomous driving startup Wayve in 2024, the largest single financing in that sector's British history .