Masayoshi Son's strategic focus shifts to AI, SoftBank Vision Fund plans to lay off 20% of its employees

Odaily Planet Daily News According to people familiar with the matter, SoftBank Group's Vision Fund is considering laying off up to 20%, marking a bold bet for Son to turn his strategic focus toward the field of artificial intelligence. The Vision Fund, which has a total of about 282 employees by the end of March, could cut more than 50 positions, the person said. The layoffs continue to shrink over the years as Masayoshi Son's interest in large-scale AI bets grows, and the importance of the Vision Fund division gradually shrinks. A Vision Fund spokesman confirmed the news of the upcoming layoffs, but did not disclose specific details. “We continue to adjust our organizational structure to better implement long-term strategies—that is, to make bold and determined investments in AI and breakthrough technologies,” the spokesperson stated in an email. SoftBank Vision Fund has been selling key assets to raise funds for large-scale AI investments. As companies focus on a handful of large investment transactions, Vision Fund no longer requires a large number of investment advisors to manage new or existing transactions. (Jin Shi)