[Masayoshi Son Bets on Fusion to Power AI, SoftBank Invests in Two Consecutive Rounds] According to monitoring by Dongcha Beating, SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son predicts that by 2040, global data centers will require 3 terawatts of electricity. In the short term, additional electricity demand will still primarily rely on natural gas. About 15 years from now, fusion energy could become a cheaper, cleaner, and safer alternative. This is not just a verbal prediction. SoftBank Vision Fund II has consecutively invested in the U.S. fusion company Helion, participating in its 2025 Series F and 2026 Series G funding rounds. Helion's latest funding round raised $465 million, bringing its valuation to $15.5 billion. Fusion energy has not yet achieved commercial power generation, and there remains significant uncertainty about whether it can supply large-scale power on schedule. Addressing skepticism about the AI bubble, Masayoshi Son called it an 'extremely foolish question.' He believes that massive investments in data centers will ultimately pay off. [Original Link]