In a moment of candid reflection, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed regret over declining a proposal from SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son to help finance a full acquisition of Nvidia nearly a decade ago. The revelation came during a fireside chat with Son at the Nvidia AI Summit in Japan on November 13.

Huang recounted Son's proposition, stating that Son believed the market undervalued Nvidia's potential, particularly in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence (AI). Son's foresight into Nvidia's future prompted him to offer Huang the necessary funds to acquire the entire company.

"Masa (Masayoshi) said, 'Jensen, the market doesn't understand the value of Nvidia. Your future is incredible, but the market doesn't get it,'" Huang shared, acknowledging the missed opportunity.

While reminiscing about the moment, Huang humorously admitted, "Now I regret it," as the two tech leaders shared a lighthearted exchange.

SoftBank's Early Vision and the Lost Opportunity

At the time of Son's offer, SoftBank held a 5% stake in Nvidia, recognizing its burgeoning potential in AI. However, Son eventually sold his stake – then valued at under $4 billion – under market pressure. Today, that same shareholding would be worth a staggering $160 billion, representing a remarkable missed opportunity. This underscores SoftBank's astute investment decisions, which have traditionally yielded massive returns, exemplified by its investment in Alibaba.

The Future of AI in Japan: Nvidia and SoftBank's Collaboration

The conversation between Huang and Son also shed light on Nvidia and SoftBank's collaboration to build Japan's first AI infrastructure. This partnership will unite SoftBank Corp, Japan's cloud leader, with prominent technology players such as GMO Internet Group, Highreso, KDDI, Rutilea, and SAKURA Internet. Their collective efforts will transform various industries, including robotics, healthcare, automotive, and telecommunications, across Japan.

The Evolution of AI: From Missed Opportunities to Collaborative Growth

This story not only highlights the massive potential of the AI industry but also underscores the dynamic nature of technology investments. While Huang and Nvidia might have missed a pivotal opportunity, their collaboration with SoftBank demonstrates their commitment to advancing AI's impact.

A Look at the Numbers: Nvidia's Stock Performance

The table above showcases Nvidia's stock performance over the past decade, demonstrating its significant growth trajectory, particularly from 2016 onwards. This trend underscores the growing significance of AI and Nvidia's leading position within this sector.

The Power of AI and the Future of Tech

The saga of Nvidia and SoftBank illustrates the immense potential of AI and the rapid evolution of the tech landscape. While missed opportunities can be a source of regret, they often pave the way for collaboration and future growth. As AI continues to transform industries worldwide, Nvidia and SoftBank's partnership holds the key to unlocking new possibilities and ushering in a future powered by AI.