Making Money Is this 'the World’s Craziest Investor'?
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Dec 2, 2024 Lionel Barber, former editor of the Financial Times and author of 'Gambling Man', dives into the audacious world of Masayoshi Son, SoftBank’s CEO. They explore Masa’s bold investments, like Alibaba and ARM, showcasing his unique knack for spotting future tech stars. Barber discusses the risks and cultural nuances that shaped Masa's strategies, alongside the shifting landscape of venture capitalism in a post-globalization era. The conversation also touches on the tension between innovation and traditional values in Japan, offering a fascinating glimpse into high-stakes investing.
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WeWork Introduction
- Damien heard of Masayoshi Son through WeWork's extravagant London office.
- Free beer, DJs, and a sense of reckless spending fueled Damien's initial perception of Son as a degenerate gambler.
Nuances of Masa
- Masayoshi Son, despite his risk-taking, is a nuanced figure with a deep understanding of technology.
- His "craziness" is a calculated approach, exemplified by his long-term investments and operational success.
Gambling DNA
- Son's father, despite advising against prioritizing money, influenced Son's risk-taking tendencies through pachinko parlors and business dealings.
- Son, however, aimed to differentiate himself by focusing on technology.
