SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son announced that the company will invest 75 billion euros ($87 billion) to build AI infrastructure in France, marking its largest AI infrastructure investment in Europe to date [1]. The investment includes the construction of 5 GW of AI data center capacity, with 3.1 GW specifically planned for the northern Hauts-de-France region by 2031, encompassing locations such as Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain [1]. Son emphasized the scale of the AI revolution, stating, 'I think this is like more than 10x, probably 50x bigger than dotcom,' and described it as 'the biggest revolution of technology and realization that mankind ever experienced' [1].
During a press briefing with French President Emmanuel Macron, Son highlighted the strategic importance of the investment, noting that SoftBank is already expanding AI infrastructure in the U.S. and aims to make France the center of AI technology in Europe [1]. The company is partnering with French engineering firm Schneider Electric to establish a large-scale industrial production hub in Dunkirk as part of the broader buildout [1].
Addressing concerns about potential market corrections, Son referenced historical downturns such as the Wall Street crash of 1929, suggesting that corrections are inevitable but present significant investment opportunities. He remarked, 'so there may be some correction, but that will be the best investment opportunity to me' [1].
No specific market reactions or analyst opinions were mentioned in the article, but the scale and ambition of SoftBank's investment signal a strong bullish sentiment toward the future of AI infrastructure in Europe [1].
CONCLUSION
SoftBank's €75 billion investment in French AI infrastructure, described by CEO Masayoshi Son as a technological revolution far surpassing the dotcom boom, underscores the company's confidence in the sector's long-term growth. The partnership with Schneider Electric and support from President Macron position France as a potential European hub for AI. While Son acknowledges the possibility of market corrections, he views them as prime investment opportunities, reflecting a highly optimistic outlook for AI's future.