SoftBank Capital

1981

Founded

296

Investments

Japan

Offices

Corporate VC

Investor Type

About

SoftBank Capital is the venture capital arm of SoftBank Group Corp., a Japanese multinational conglomerate founded in 1981 by Masayoshi Son. Over the years, SoftBank has evolved from an internet broadband provider to a mobile phone network operator and, more recently, into a global investment powerhouse with assets valued at approximately $180 billion. The firm's investment philosophy centers on identifying and nurturing emerging technologies that have the potential to revolutionize industries and improve lives.

A notable area of focus for SoftBank Capital is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Under the leadership of Masayoshi Son, SoftBank has committed to investing $9 billion annually in AI research and development. This commitment has led to significant investments, such as the $1 billion funding in British self-driving car startup Wayve, marking Europe's largest AI deal at the time.

Additionally, SoftBank's majority-owned subsidiary, Arm, is at the forefront of developing AI-enabled semiconductor chips, underscoring the firm's dedication to advancing AI technologies. SoftBank Capital's portfolio is diverse, encompassing a wide range of sectors including telecommunications, e-commerce, robotics, and more. The firm's strategic approach involves leveraging its global network and resources to support portfolio companies in scaling their operations and achieving market leadership.

This holistic support model has been instrumental in the success of several high-profile investments. Key differentiators of SoftBank Capital include its substantial financial backing, a visionary leadership team, and a commitment to fostering innovation through strategic investments. The firm's global presence and extensive industry connections further enhance its ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends.

Geographically, SoftBank Capital maintains a broad focus, with investments spanning across North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions. This global perspective enables the firm to tap into diverse markets and identify opportunities that align with its strategic objectives. For more detailed information about SoftBank Capital's investment strategies, portfolio companies, and recent developments, you can visit their official website.

Portfolio Companies

Arm Holdings, Alibaba Group, Nvidia, WeWork, Slack Technologies

Gepgraphic Focus

North America, Europe, Asia, Global

Key Differentiators

Substantial financial backing, Visionary leadership team, Commitment to fostering innovation

Thypical Investment Size

Varies by investment

Total Funds Raised

$180 billion

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CloudTech

SaaS

Advertising (AdTech)

Marketing (MarTech)

Hardware

BioTech

Seed

Series A

Series B

Series C

Series D

Japan