In conversation with Lionel Barber: The Story of Softbank and the world's wildest investor
On Monday, October 21st, former Financial Times editor Lionel Barber will join us at Felix Capital to discuss his latest book on Masayoshi Son, the founder and CEO of Softbank, and explore the evolution of venture capital and its impact on the global tech industry.
We are delighted to invite you to this intimate, invitation-only event, where Lionel will dive into the themes from his latest book, Gambling Man. Drawing from his extensive research, he will recount Son’s extraordinary journey—from a Korean slum in post-war Japan to negotiating deals in Trump’s Manhattan skyscraper, royal palaces in Riyadh, and even China’s elite halls of power. Son’s daring blend of techno-optimism and bold risk-taking has left an indelible mark on the tech world, and Lionel will explore what his story reveals about the opportunities and risks shaping today’s global economy.
In addition to Masayoshi Son’s story, Lionel will also reflect on his own distinguished career as a journalist and editor. He’ll share insights from his time leading the Financial Times through its digital transformation, and his experiences interviewing world leaders during a period of significant global change.
The event will be attended by a select group of leading entrepreneurs and investors from across the European ecosystem, offering a unique opportunity for thought-provoking dialogue.
Lionel Barber, an acclaimed author and broadcaster, served as the editor of the Financial Times from 2005 to 2020, where he spearheaded its digital transformation, earning multiple accolades for its journalism. He has interviewed numerous global leaders and is the author of The Powerful and the Damned: Private Diaries in Turbulent Times (2020). He is also a trustee of The Carnegie Corporation of New York and a former chair of the Tate.
The conversation will be moderated by Arash Massoudi, finance and markets editor at the Financial Times. Based in London, Arash has been with the FT since 2011, covering capital markets in both New York and London, and has also worked in the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Spaces are limited - Please RSVP as soon as possible.