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SoftBank's $1 Trillion AI Megaproject

Masayoshi Son’s Project Crystal Land could rival Shenzhen

👋 Good morning/evening (wherever you are). It’s Friday.

SoftBank just proposed a $1 trillion AI and robotics hub in Arizona.

Bloomberg reports that Masayoshi Son is pitching Project Crystal Land, a massive industrial complex designed to establish a new center for high-tech manufacturing in the U.S., inspired by China’s Shenzhen.

He’s looking to partner with TSMC and has already begun discussions with federal and state officials. The vision includes production lines for AI-powered robots, top-tier tech partners, and the infrastructure to support SoftBank’s broader AI ambitions.

It’s still early, with no confirmed funding or partners. But even floating an idea at this scale shows how far SoftBank is willing to go to shape the future of AI.

Switching gears:

In case you missed it, here’s two popular LinkedIn posts from this week.

A short film that questions whether the platforms freeing creatives are just building prettier cages.

One of the bravest pieces I’ve seen. It’s raw, real, and speaks directly to the soul.

Remember those outdated science videos from school?

Now imagine your kids learning through stunning, high-resolution journeys into the deepest parts of the ocean and distant galaxies far, far away…

Some places are so remote or extreme that even on our own planet, they’ve been nearly impossible to film. Until now, with AI.

OK let’s keep going ↓

Here’s what you should know:

The numbers:

  • Elon Musk’s xAI extended its $5 billion debt offering and raised the yield to 12.5% after weak initial demand.

  • Alibaba-backed AI startup MiniMax is planning a Hong Kong IPO at a $3 billion valuation, positioning itself as one of China’s leading challengers to OpenAI.

  • Mira Murati’s new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, has raised $2 billion at a $10 billion valuation in what may be the largest seed round ever.

Thought starters:

Meme of the day:

Thanks for reading,

Eddie

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