{ "schemaVersion": "1.4.0", "language": "en", "slug": "softbank-group", "brandKey": "softbankgroup", "canonicalName": "SoftBank Group", "canonicalUrl": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/softbank-group", "jsonUrl": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/softbank-group/json", "markdownUrl": "https://worldbrand.ai/brand-wiki/softbank-group/md", "name": "SoftBank Group", "oneLiner": "A Japanese technology investment holding company with major interests in telecommunications, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and venture capital.", "summary": "SoftBank Group Corp. is a Japanese multinational investment holding company headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. Founded by Masayoshi Son in 1981, it began as a distributor and publisher of computer software and technology magazines before evolving into one of the world’s most prominent technology investors. The group’s activities have included telecommunications, broadband, internet services, e-commerce, semiconductors, robotics, artificial intelligence, logistics, transportation, financial technology, real estate and shared offices.\n\nThe company’s early expansion was built around technology media and strategic investments. It became a public company in 1994, acquired Ziff Davis’s publishing operations in the United States, and formed a joint venture with Yahoo that became Yahoo Japan, now part of LY Corporation. SoftBank’s early internet investments gave it exposure to the growth of the Asian digital economy, most notably through its investment in Alibaba. That holding later became one of the most valuable technology investments in corporate history and helped finance further expansion.\n\nSoftBank entered Japanese mobile telecommunications through the 2006 acquisition of Vodafone Japan. The business was renamed SoftBank Mobile and became the foundation of the modern SoftBank telecommunications operation. The group subsequently expanded internationally through the acquisition of stakes in Sprint in the United States, Arm Holdings in the United Kingdom, and a range of consumer-internet and technology companies. It also acquired or supported businesses such as Supercell, WeWork, Uber, Coupang, DoorDash, Grab, Flipkart, Paytm, OYO and other high-growth companies.\n\nThe group’s investment profile changed substantially after the creation of the SoftBank Vision Fund in 2017. Capital from SoftBank and external investors, including Middle Eastern sovereign wealth institutions and major technology companies, was deployed into late-stage technology companies at unprecedented scale. The strategy emphasized companies expected to benefit from network effects, artificial intelligence, automation and the digitization of consumer and business services. The fund’s size and investment pace made SoftBank a defining force in global venture and growth investing, while also exposing the group to substantial valuation volatility and losses when high-growth technology markets weakened.\n\nSoftBank Group is distinct from SoftBank Corp., the separately listed Japanese telecommunications company that was spun out through an initial public offering in 2018. SoftBank Group remains the parent investment holding company and retains exposure to telecommunications through its ownership of SoftBank Corp., while its broader portfolio is managed through investment subsidiaries and funds. Arm, acquired in 2016 and later listed again in the United States, is one of the group’s most strategically important semiconductor assets.\n\nThe company is strongly associated with Son, who has served as its dominant strategic leader and largest shareholder. His approach combines telecommunications ownership, concentrated technology investments and long-term bets on artificial intelligence and computing infrastructure. This approach has produced both exceptional gains and highly visible setbacks, including losses connected with WeWork and other portfolio companies. In 2025, SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle and MGX announced Stargate, a proposed large-scale artificial-intelligence infrastructure initiative in the United States. The announcement reflected SoftBank’s continuing shift toward AI infrastructure, advanced computing and semiconductor-related opportunities.\n\nToday, SoftBank Group’s principal identity is that of a technology-focused investment platform rather than a conventional telecom operator. Its portfolio and fund commitments span multiple regions and sectors, and its reported results can vary significantly with public-market prices, private-company valuations, asset sales and investment gains or losses.", "aliases": [ "软银", "SoftBank", "ソフトバンクグループ株式会社", "ソフトバンクグループ", "SoftBank Group Corp.", "SBG" ], "entityType": "corporate_brand", "l1Slug": "other", "l1": "Other", "l2Slug": "conglomerates", "l2": "Conglomerates", "l3Slug": "multi-industry", "l3": "Multi-Industry Holdings", "l4Slug": "holding-companies", "l4": "Holding Companies", "country": "Japan", "headquarters": "Minato, Tokyo, Japan", "operatingMarkets": [ "Japan", "United States", "United Kingdom", "China", "India", "South Korea", "Southeast Asia", "Europe", "Middle East", "Global technology markets", "Global", "Global technology and investment markets" ], "foundedYear": 1981, "founder": "Masayoshi Son", "website": "https://www.softbank.jp/en/", "websiteHost": "softbank.jp", "parentCompany": null, "owner": "Masayoshi Son is the founder and a major shareholder", "groupOrHouse": "SoftBank Group", "listedStatus": "public", "ticker": "9984.T", "status": "active", "enrichmentStatus": "wiki_ok", "typicalProducts": [ "Telecommunications investments", "Technology investment management", "Venture and growth capital funds", "Semiconductor and computing technology holdings", "Internet and digital-platform investments", "Mobile telecommunications services", "Internet services", "Investments", "Technology investments", "Telecommunications businesses", "Semiconductor intellectual property", "Artificial-intelligence investment vehicles", "Digital platforms and internet services", "Enterprise technology and information-technology solutions" ], "flagshipOfferings": [ "SoftBank Vision Fund", "Arm Holdings investment", "SoftBank Corp. telecommunications affiliate", "SoftBank investment platform", "Stargate AI infrastructure initiative", "SoftBank 移动通信", "Yahoo! Japan", "愿景基金", "Arm semiconductor architecture and intellectual property", "SoftBank Corp. mobile and broadband services", "Technology investment and portfolio management" ], "positioning": "A global technology investment group pursuing large-scale, long-horizon positions in artificial intelligence, computing, telecommunications and digital platforms.", "sameAs": [ "https://www.softbank.jp/en/" ], "claimStatus": "unverified", "wikiVerified": false, "updatedAt": "2026-10-26T12:20:59.264Z", "generatedAt": "2026-08-21T22:09:15.444Z", "executives": [ { "name": "Yoshimitsu Goto", "title": "Director, Senior Executive Vice President, CFO and CISO", "isCurrent": true, "startYear": 2020, "endYear": null }, { "name": "Yoshimitsu Goto", "title": "Representative Director, Corporate Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer", "isCurrent": true, "startYear": 2016, "endYear": null }, { "name": "Masayoshi Son", "title": "Founder, Representative Director, Chairman and CEO", "isCurrent": true, "startYear": 1981, "endYear": null }, { "name": "Masayoshi Son", "title": "Founder, Representative Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer", "isCurrent": true, "startYear": 1981, "endYear": null }, { "name": "Alok Sama", "title": "Senior executive responsible for overseas investment activities, former", "isCurrent": false, "startYear": 2016, "endYear": null }, { "name": "Ron Fisher", "title": "Director and executive responsible for overseas investment activities, former", "isCurrent": false, "startYear": 2016, "endYear": null }, { "name": "Nikesh Arora", "title": "Former President and Chief Operating Officer", "isCurrent": false, "startYear": 2014, "endYear": 2016 }, { "name": "Nikesh Arora", "title": "President and COO of SoftBank Group, former", "isCurrent": false, "startYear": 2014, "endYear": 2016 } ], "news": [ { "headline": "SoftBank, MOL and e5 sign maritime broadband MoU", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2026-11-02", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and e5 Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding to promote maritime broadband communications using OneWeb satellites, including studying maritime digitization use cases and demonstrating satellite antennas on MOL-operated ferries.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/softbank-partners-with-shipping-giant-mol-to-develop-maritime-broadband-via-oneweb-satellites/" }, { "headline": "SoftBank announces planned $50 billion investment in Malaysia", "year": 2026, "eventDate": "2026-10-26", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2026-10-26", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank Group plans to invest $50 billion in Malaysia’s technology sector, focusing on artificial intelligence, new technologies and data centers, according to a report citing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.cnbc.com/2026/10/26/softbank-masayoshi-son-malaysia-ai-billions.html" }, { "headline": "SoftBank Group sells 71.5% of its TSMC stake and buys Capital One and Life360 shares in Q2", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2026-08-17", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank Group adjusted its equity portfolio in the second quarter, selling 1.4 million TSMC shares for about $269.8 million, roughly 71.5% of its TSMC holding, while newly buying 276,811 Capital One shares worth about $55.5 million and 10,718 Life360 shares worth about $488,500 as of the end of June, per its 13F filing.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://news.tvbs.com.tw/world/4008225" }, { "headline": "OpenAI signs 20-year data center lease with SoftBank's SB Energy for PORTS-Pike campus", "year": 2026, "eventDate": "2026-08-17", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2026-08-18", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "OpenAI signed a 20-year lease with SoftBank's energy developer SB Energy on August 17, 2026, to lease about 8 IT-GW of AI compute capacity at the PORTS-Pike campus in Pike County, Ohio, with the campus planned for about 10GW of data center capacity and at least 10GW of new power generation.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.bnext.com.tw/article/91899/openai-ports-pike-nvidia-105b-guarantee" }, { "headline": "SoftBank Group to acquire DigitalBridge for $4 billion", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2026-01-04", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank Group has agreed to acquire DigitalBridge Group, Inc., a US alternative asset manager focused on digital infrastructure, at an enterprise value of approximately $4 billion, or $16 per share in cash. The deal, unanimously approved by DigitalBridge's board, is expected to close in the second half of 2026 subject to regulatory approvals, with DigitalBridge continuing to operate as an independent managed platform led by CEO Marc Ganzi.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/roll/2026-01-04/doc-inhfctqp2815510.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank to acquire ABB's robotics business for US$5.375 billion", "year": 2025, "eventDate": "2025-10-08", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2026-10-14", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank Group and ABB announced an agreement on October 8, 2025 for SoftBank to acquire ABB's robotics business for a total of US$5.375 billion, with completion expected in mid-to-late 2026. Speaking at the China International Industry Fair on October 12, 2026, ABB Robotics China president Han Chen said the transaction was progressing well with all processes advancing normally, remained within the preset time window, and would not affect ABB Robotics' strategy or its commitments in the Chinese market.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.163.com/dy/article/L97PO2I30514R9P4.html" }, { "headline": "Cruise announces additional $1.35 billion in funding", "year": 2022, "eventDate": "2022-02-01", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2022-02-01", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Cruise announced that it had raised an additional $1.35 billion in funding from existing investor SoftBank to help scale its service.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/gm-cruise-driverless-taxi-san-francisco" }, { "headline": "Better announces amended financing agreement", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": null, "publishedDatePrecision": "unknown", "summary": "Better and Aurora announced an amended transaction agreement providing for up to $1.5 billion in financing for Better, including a $750 million bridge note funded immediately and a further convertible-note commitment of up to $750 million.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://itbusinessnet.com/2021/12/digital-homeownership-platform-better-announces-up-to-1-5-billion-in-bridge-financing-and-convertible-notes-with-aurora-acquisition-corp-and-softbank-company-to-accelerate-transformation-of-the-hom/" }, { "headline": "Delhivery files draft IPO prospectus", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-11-02", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-11-02", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Delhivery filed a draft red herring prospectus with SEBI for a proposed IPO seeking to raise Rs 7,460 crore.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.businesstoday.in/markets/ipo-corner/story/delhivery-files-for-usd-1-bn-ipo-softbank-carlyle-group-to-offload-shares-311113-2021-11-02" }, { "headline": "Candy Digital secures $100 million in Series A funding", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-10-22", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-10-22", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Candy Digital secured $100 million in Series A funding co-led by Insight Partners and SoftBank, valuing the company at $1.5 billion.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.coinspeaker.com/nft-candy-digital-100m-series-a/" }, { "headline": "SoftBank acquires patents from Loon", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-09-30", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-10-04", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank announced that it had acquired about 200 patents from Loon, bringing its HAPS-related patent portfolio to about 500 patents, including pending patents. SoftBank and its subsidiary HAPSMobile plan to use the portfolio for commercial HAPS services.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.satellitetoday.com/connectivity/2021/10/04/softbank-acquires-haps-patents-from-googles-loon/" }, { "headline": "Ola Electric raises over $200 million", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-09-30", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-09-30", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Ola Electric said it raised more than US$200 million from Falcon Edge, SoftBank and other investors, valuing the company at US$3 billion. The company said the funding would accelerate development of additional vehicle platforms.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.deccanherald.com/business/ola-electric-raises-about-rs-14847-crore-funding-valuation-touches-rs-22272-crore-1035892.html" }, { "headline": "Blockdaemon completes $155 million Series B funding round", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2021-09-22", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Blockdaemon completed a $155 million fundraising at a valuation of $1.25 billion. The round was led by Vision Fund 2, SoftBank’s venture capital fund.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://coinjournal.net/news/softbank-leads-latest-blockdaemon-funding-round/" }, { "headline": "SoftBank launches second Latin America investment fund", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-09-15", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-09-15", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank announced a second private investment fund focused on Latin America, adding $3 billion for investments and bringing the total earmarked for the region to $8 billion. The fund plans to invest in technology-related companies.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/09/15/business/corporate-business/softbank-launches-3-billion-fund-latin-americas-tech-boom/" }, { "headline": "Cybereason raises $275 million in Series F funding", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-07-14", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-07-14", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Cybereason announced that it had raised $275 million in late-stage Series F funding, led by Liberty Strategic Capital with participation from Neuberger Berman and SoftBank Group.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://siliconangle.com/2021/07/14/cybereason-secures-275m-new-funding-breach-prevention-platform/" }, { "headline": "Flipkart raises $3.6 billion in funding", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-07-12", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-07-12", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Flipkart raised $3.6 billion in a funding round led by CPP Investments, GIC, SoftBank and Walmart, valuing the company at $37.6 billion.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.siliconrepublic.com/companies/flipkart-funding-pre-ipo-softbank" }, { "headline": "Hyundai Motor Group holds an 80% stake in Boston Dynamics", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2021-06-21", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Hyundai Motor Group and its subsidiaries hold 80% of Boston Dynamics, while SoftBank holds the remaining 20%. The source does not state when the ownership transfer was completed.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-06-21/doc-ikqcfnca2373800.shtml" }, { "headline": "Buser raises $138 million", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2021-06-11", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Brazilian intercity bus booking service Buser raised $138 million in a funding round.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://skift.com/2021/06/11/zytlyn-raises-2-5-million-for-data-based-prediction-travel-startup-funding-this-week/" }, { "headline": "Buser raises R$700 million in funding", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-06-09", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-06-10", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Brazilian intercity bus transportation app Buser raised R$700 million (US$138 million) in a capital round. The company said it would use the funding for an investment plan in Brazil over the next two years, including entry into new business areas.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.riotimesonline.com/startup-buser-raises-us138-million-in-funding-round-plans-expansion/" }, { "headline": "Balmuda announces plan for a 5G Android phone in Japan", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-05-17", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-05-17", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Balmuda announced that it would launch a 5G Android phone in Japan. The phone is to be specially designed for SoftBank, with an unlocked version also offered for purchase; the article says its design and detailed specifications were not yet known.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://unwire.hk/2021/05/17/toaster-company-android-phone/mobile-phone/" }, { "headline": "SoftBank reports fiscal 2020 results", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-05-12", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": null, "publishedDatePrecision": "unknown", "summary": "SoftBank reported results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, including net sales of 5.6282 trillion yen and net profit attributable to shareholders of its parent of 4.9879 trillion yen.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "http://www.chinaz.com/2021/0512/1249270.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank sues Rakuten over alleged use of leaked 5G information", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-05-06", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-05-06", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank said it filed a damages suit against Rakuten Mobile and a former employee, alleging they illegally used SoftBank's 5G network technology information leaked by the former employee.", "tags": [], "isScandal": true, "sourceUrl": "https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/24679" }, { "headline": "SoftBank agrees to acquire 40% of AutoStore", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2021-04-07", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank announced that it agreed to acquire a 40% stake in Norwegian warehouse-automation technology company AutoStore for US$2.8 billion. The shares were to be acquired from Thomas H. Lee Partners and EQT; the transaction valued AutoStore at US$7.7 billion including debt.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20210408000184-260203" }, { "headline": "Greensill Capital files for bankruptcy protection", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": null, "publishedDatePrecision": "unknown", "summary": "Greensill Capital, a UK supply-chain finance company that received investment from SoftBank Vision Fund, applied for bankruptcy protection.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2021-04-06/1687252.html" }, { "headline": "Didi Mobility and SoftBank fined over joint venture", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-03-12", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-03-12", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "China's State Administration for Market Regulation fined Didi Mobility Pte. Ltd. and SoftBank Corp. RMB 500,000 each for implementing a joint venture without filing. The authority said the concentration did not have the effect of eliminating or restricting competition.", "tags": [], "isScandal": true, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-03-12/doc-ikknscsi2342823.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank settles legal dispute with WeWork committee and Adam Neumann", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-02-26", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-02-27", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank said it reached a settlement with WeWork's special committee and former CEO Adam Neumann, ending a legal battle dating back to 2019. The settlement terms were not disclosed.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://iol.co.za/business-report/international/2021-02-27-softbank-reaches-settlement-with-former-wework-ceo-neumann/" }, { "headline": "US FTC investigates Nvidia’s proposed Arm acquisition", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-02-13", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-02-13", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "The US Federal Trade Commission began requesting information from third parties and sought additional information from SoftBank, Nvidia and Arm as part of a follow-up investigation into Nvidia’s proposed acquisition of Arm. The article characterizes the inquiry as an antitrust investigation.", "tags": [], "isScandal": true, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-02-13/doc-ikftssap5668076.shtml" }, { "headline": "Oyo and SoftBank end Latin American joint venture", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-02-11", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-02-12", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Oyo Latam and the SoftBank Latin America Fund ended their joint venture in Latin America. The companies said the decision was made jointly amid challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://thewire.in/business/softbank-ends-latin-america-partnership-with-oyo-hotels-amid-pandemic-challenges" }, { "headline": "SoftBank and Adam Neumann settle dispute", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-02", "datePrecision": "month", "publishedAt": "2021-05-27", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank and Adam Neumann settled a dispute in February 2021. The final agreement included more than $105 million in cash payments by SoftBank and its affiliates.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-05-28/doc-ikmxzfmm5095691.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank announces chairman and CEO succession", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-01-26", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": null, "publishedDatePrecision": "unknown", "summary": "SoftBank announced that Ken Miyauchi would succeed Masayoshi Son as chairman and that Junichi Miyakawa would succeed Miyauchi as CEO. The report describes the succession as upcoming, not completed.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "http://www.chinaz.com/news/1220359.shtml" }, { "headline": "OneWeb secures additional funding from SoftBank and Hughes", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-01-15", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-01-15", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "OneWeb announced that it secured additional funding from SoftBank and Hughes, bringing its total funding to $1.4 billion. The announcement said the capital raised to date positions the company to be fully funded for its first-generation fleet of 648 satellites by the end of 2022.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oneweb-secures-investment-from-softbank-and-hughes-network-systems-301209270.html" }, { "headline": "SoftBank invests $350 million in OneWeb", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-01-15", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-01-15", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank invested $350 million in satellite internet startup OneWeb and received a seat on its board, according to the report.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-01-15/doc-ikftpnnx7605589.shtml" }, { "headline": "MadeiraMadeira raises $190 million", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-01-07", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-01-07", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Brazilian online home goods platform MadeiraMadeira said it raised $190 million in a funding round that valued the company above $1 billion.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/softbank-backed-madeiramadeira-raises-190-mln-in-new-funding-round/story-3SFjiUjvOBbBSsB5RwQVOM.html" }, { "headline": "SoftBank exits India's renewable energy market", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-01-05", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-01-05", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank ended its participation in India's renewable energy market by selling its 80% stake in SB Energy to CPPIB.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://cleantechnica.com/2021/01/05/softbank-exits-india-renewable-energy-market-sells-stake-to-canadian-pension-fund/" }, { "headline": "SoftBank sells its stake in SB Energy to CPPIB", "year": 2021, "eventDate": "2021-01-05", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2021-01-05", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank sold its 80% stake in the SB Energy joint venture platform to the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB); Bharti Enterprises retained its 20% stake.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://cleantechnica.com/2021/01/05/softbank-exits-india-renewable-energy-market-sells-stake-to-canadian-pension-fund/" }, { "headline": "PLDT Global and SoftBank partner to provide enterprise internet in Japan", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-12-15", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-12-14", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "PLDT Global, PLDT's international arm, formed a partnership with Japan-based SoftBank to provide internet service for small, medium and large enterprise clients in Japan.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/15/business/companies/pldt-partners-with-japans-softbank/811082" }, { "headline": "Hyundai Motor Group announces acquisition of controlling stake in Boston Dynamics", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-12-11", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-12-12", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Hyundai Motor Group agreed to acquire about 80% of Boston Dynamics, while SoftBank would retain about 20% through an affiliate after the transaction. The article also says the deal was awaiting regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2020-12-12/doc-iiznezxs6527344.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank selected Nokia 5G core network solution", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-12-08", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-12-08", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank selected Nokia's cloud-native 5G core network software to support the launch of its 5G standalone services. Nokia said it would support SoftBank's network and new consumer and enterprise use cases.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2020-12-08/doc-iiznctke5443995.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank and Naver plan compulsory acquisition of Line shares", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-09-16", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-09-16", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank and Naver said they plan to use a squeeze-out mechanism to acquire Line shares from minority shareholders and obtain full ownership after their tender offer did not acquire all targeted shares.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/4525784" }, { "headline": "Nvidia agrees to acquire Arm from SoftBank", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-09-14", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-09-14", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Nvidia agreed to acquire Arm from SoftBank in a transaction valued at nearly $40 billion, structured as a combination of Nvidia stock and cash.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-09-15/doc-iivhuipp4353726.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank explores acquiring TikTok's India business", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-09-08", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-09-08", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Reports said SoftBank had begun exploring an acquisition of TikTok's India business. Discussions were at an early stage, and whether a transaction could be reached depended on factors including valuation and government regulation.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/world/gjcj/2020-09-08/doc-iivhvpwy5482645.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank and Oyo formalize Latin America partnership", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2020-09-07", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank and Oyo formalized their Latin America partnership through the creation of Oyo Latam and its board. The partnership had started in 2019.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/softbank-partners-with-oyo-in-latam-in-move-for-more-oversight/articleshow/77970760.cms" }, { "headline": "SoftBank and Oyo formalize Oyo Latam joint venture", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2020-09-05", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank and Oyo formalized their Latin America partnership through the creation of Oyo Latam, a joint venture that will take over 1,000 hotels, mainly in Brazil and Mexico. The source does not state the date of formalization.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/startups-tech/startups/softbank-partners-indias-oyo-move-more-oversight" }, { "headline": "SoftBank and Oyo formalize Latin America joint venture", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": null, "publishedDatePrecision": "unknown", "summary": "SoftBank and Oyo formalized their Latin America partnership through the creation of Oyo Latam, a newly formed company that will take over more than 1,000 hotels, mainly in Brazil and Mexico. SoftBank said the partnership had started in 2019.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/softbank-partners-with-oyo-in-latin-america-in-move-for-more-oversight-5800851.html" }, { "headline": "OPPO announces 5G phone sales in Japan", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": null, "publishedDatePrecision": "unknown", "summary": "OPPO announced that it would sell 5G smartphones in Japan through KDDI and SoftBank. Find X2 Pro sales through KDDI were stated to begin that day, and Reno3 5G sales through SoftBank on July 31.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.jrj.com.cn/tech/2020/07/22173630315893.shtml" }, { "headline": "Arm announces plan to spin off two IoT businesses to SoftBank", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-07-08", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": null, "publishedDatePrecision": "unknown", "summary": "Arm announced plans to spin off its two IoT businesses, which would transfer them to SoftBank; the move was awaiting further board review and standard regulatory review.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "http://www.chinaz.com/2020/0708/1155332.shtml" }, { "headline": "GTI and international operators and manufacturers publish a 5G global terminal initiative", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-07-01", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-07-03", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "GTI jointly issued a 5G global terminal initiative with China Mobile, Bharti Airtel, T-Mobile, SoftBank, Vodafone, KT, Huawei, Qualcomm and other participants. The initiative called for the development of multi-mode, multi-band 5G terminals supporting functions including 5G messaging.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/stock/relnews/hk/2020-07-03/doc-iircuyvk1823909.shtml" }, { "headline": "Alibaba founder Jack Ma left SoftBank's board", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-06-25", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-06-25", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Alibaba founder Jack Ma formally left SoftBank's board on the same day that SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son announced his departure from Alibaba's board.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20200625-1063925" }, { "headline": "SoftBank sells a large portion of its T-Mobile US stake", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-06-23", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-06-24", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank sold a large portion of its stake in T-Mobile US through a share sale that priced on Tuesday, valuing T-Mobile US stock at $103 each. The article says the deal was expected to help SoftBank raise $14.8 billion.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.afr.com/companies/telecommunications/softbank-raises-us14-8b-from-t-mobile-us-share-sale-20200624-p555r2" }, { "headline": "Bango enables SoftBank carrier billing on Amazon.co.jp", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-06-15", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-06-15", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Bango enabled carrier billing for SoftBank customers on Amazon.co.jp, allowing customers to charge eligible purchases, membership fees and subscription services to their mobile phone bill.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bango-launches-softbank-payment-option-for-amazoncojp-301076617.html" }, { "headline": "Vision Fund prepares planned staff cuts", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-06-10", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-06-10", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "According to sources cited in the report, SoftBank Group's Vision Fund was preparing to cut about 15% of its staff, with cuts of up to 80 employees among roughly 500 planned. The cuts were not reported as completed.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/technology/softbank-looks-to-deepen-vision-fund-job-cuts-after-record-loss-1.1031385" }, { "headline": "SoftBank launches Opportunity Growth Fund", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-06-03", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-06-03", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank launched the Opportunity Growth Fund, which is intended to invest in companies led by founders and entrepreneurs of color and will initially start with $100 million.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://techcrunch.com/2020/06/03/softbank-launches-100m-opportunity-growth-fund-to-invest-in-founders-of-color/" }, { "headline": "Jack Ma leaves SoftBank Group board", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2020-05-19", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Jack Ma left the SoftBank Group board after serving as a director for 13 years.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://tech.sina.com.cn/it/2020-05-19/doc-iircuyvi3751549.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank to recommend three new directors", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-05-18", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-05-18", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank said it would recommend Cadence Design Systems CEO Lip Bu Tan and Waseda Business School professor Yuko Kawamoto as outside directors. The supplied text also refers to a third new director but does not identify that person.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://tech.sina.com.cn/it/2020-05-18/doc-iircuyvi3681415.shtml" }, { "headline": "Adam Neumann sues SoftBank over canceled stock deal", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2020-05-05", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Adam Neumann sued SoftBank, alleging that it relied on legally faulty pretexts to withdraw from an agreement to buy stock from employees and other shareholders. SoftBank called the claims meritless and said it had no obligation to complete the tender offer under the agreement.", "tags": [], "isScandal": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.zdnet.com/article/former-ceo-of-wework-adam-neumann-sues-softbank-over-withdrawn-tender-offer/" }, { "headline": "Adam Neumann sues SoftBank over canceled WeWork stock deal", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-05-04", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-05-04", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann sued SoftBank over its decision to abandon a $3-billion deal to buy stock from employees and other shareholders. SoftBank's chief legal officer described the claims as meritless and said the agreement did not require SoftBank to complete the tender offer.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2020-05-04/wework-adam-neumann-sues-softbank-over-canceled-3-billion-deal" }, { "headline": "WeWork special committee sues SoftBank over failed acquisition offer", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-04-07", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-04-07", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "WeWork's special committee sued SoftBank and its affiliates, alleging they breached the Master Transaction Agreement by failing to complete the planned tender offer and breached fiduciary duties to WeWork's minority shareholders.", "tags": [], "isScandal": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52204454" }, { "headline": "We Company directors sue SoftBank over tender offer commitment", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-04-07", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-04-08", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Two We Company directors, acting in the name of its special committee, sued SoftBank Group on April 7, alleging that it breached its commitment to make a tender offer. SoftBank disputed the allegations and said it would contest them in court.", "tags": [], "isScandal": true, "sourceUrl": "https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/4461456" }, { "headline": "WeWork sues SoftBank over terminated rescue plan", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-04-07", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-04-07", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "WeWork sued SoftBank in a Delaware court, claiming that SoftBank breached its contractual obligations by backing out of a $3 billion rescue plan. The complaint alleges that SoftBank acted after receiving most of the benefits under the deal; these are allegations reported in the source, not a court determination.", "tags": [], "isScandal": true, "sourceUrl": "https://safehaven.com/news/Breaking-News/WeWork-Sues-SoftBank-For-Withdrawing-3-Billion-Insider-Payoff.html" }, { "headline": "SoftBank abandons its WeWork tender offer", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-04-02", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-04-02", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank notified WeWork's special committee that it would not complete the tender offer for WeWork that it had agreed to in October 2019. The committee said it was considering legal options, including a possible lawsuit; the source reports the withdrawal in an article published on April 2, 2020.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-04-02/doc-iimxyqwa4791394.shtml" }, { "headline": "WeWork committee challenges SoftBank over tender offer", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": null, "publishedDatePrecision": "unknown", "summary": "WeWork’s board special committee said it was taking steps to ensure SoftBank completed its promised tender offer for employee and shareholder shares, and called failure to complete the purchase unethical. SoftBank responded that it continued to meet its agreement obligations but that conditions required for closing had not been met.", "tags": [], "isScandal": true, "sourceUrl": "https://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-03-23/doc-iimxyqwa2705794.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank announces asset monetization plan", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-03-23", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": null, "publishedDatePrecision": "unknown", "summary": "SoftBank announced a plan to raise up to 4.5 trillion yen over the following year by selling or monetizing assets, including stakes in Alibaba and Uber, to strengthen its cash reserves and repay debt.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-03-23/doc-iimxxsth1237329.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank announces planned 5G service launch in Japan", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-03-05", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-03-05", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank announced that it would launch commercial 5G service in Japan on March 27, 2020; the launch was described as planned, not yet completed.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-03-05/doc-iimxyqvz8059860.shtml" }, { "headline": "FirstCry secures around $400 million from SoftBank", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2020-02-19", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "FirstCry secured around $400 million from SoftBank as part of its Series E funding; the funds were expected to support expansion of its offline and online presence.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/firstcry-secures-around-400-mn-from-softbank-as-part-of-series-e-funding-120021901299_1.html" }, { "headline": "Bear Robotics completes $32 million Series A funding", "year": 2020, "eventDate": "2020-01-22", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2020-01-23", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Bear Robotics completed a $32 million Series A funding round on Wednesday, with SoftBank Group leading the round.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-01-23/doc-iihnzhha4257309.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank announces Tadashi Yanai’s board departure", "year": 2019, "eventDate": "2019-12-27", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2019-12-27", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank announced that Fast Retailing CEO Tadashi Yanai would leave SoftBank Group’s board on December 31 to focus on running his own business.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2019-12-28/doc-iihnzahk0465194.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank invests about $231 million in Lenskart", "year": 2019, "eventDate": "2019-12-20", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2019-12-20", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank invested about $231 million in Lenskart Solutions, which the article said was valued at $1.5 billion following the investment.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/e-commerce/e-tailing/softbank-closes-231-million-investment-in-lenskart/72900890" }, { "headline": "LG launches G8X ThinQ smartphone in Japan", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2019-12-09", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "LG launched its G8X ThinQ dual-screen smartphone in Japan through Softbank. LG said the phone would be sold at about 5,000 stores in major Japanese cities.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://gulfnews.com/technology/consumer-electronics/lg-launches-its-flagship-dual-screen-smartphone-in-japan-1.1575907479424" }, { "headline": "Konfío raises $100 million in Series D funding", "year": 2019, "eventDate": "2019-12-03", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2019-12-04", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Konfío announced it had raised $100 million in a Series D round led by SoftBank Group, with Vostok Emerging Finance and existing investors QED and Kaszek Ventures also participating.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://news.crunchbase.com/venture/mexicos-konfio-raises-100m-as-funding-in-the-country-more-than-doubles-in-2019/" }, { "headline": "SoftBank launches $3 billion tender offer for WeWork shares", "year": 2019, "eventDate": "2019-11-26", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2019-11-26", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank launched a $3 billion tender offer for WeWork stock. We Co., WeWork's parent, had agreed to the offer the previous month as part of a $9.5 billion rescue package.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/11/26/business/corporate-business/softbank-tender-offer-wework-shares/" }, { "headline": "Ualá raises $150 million in Series C funding", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2019-11-26", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Argentine fintech Ualá completed a $150 million Series C funding round led by Tencent and SoftBank’s Innovation Fund.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.coinspeaker.com/fintech-startup-uala-150-million/" }, { "headline": "Paytm raises USD 1 billion in funding", "year": 2019, "eventDate": "2019-11-25", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2019-11-25", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Paytm said it had raised USD 1 billion in a funding round led by T Rowe Price, with existing investors Alibaba and Softbank also participating. Paytm said it planned to invest around USD 1.4 billion over the next three years to expand financial services.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/paytm-raises-1-billion-in-fresh-funding-led-by-t-rowe-price/article30075455.ece" }, { "headline": "SoftBank launches Whiz subscription service in the United States", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2019-11-21", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank launched a subscription service for its Whiz commercial robot vacuum in the United States, priced at $500 per month. The source says the service had previously launched in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://tech.sina.com.cn/e/x/2019-11-22/doc-iihnzhfz0867484.shtml" }, { "headline": "SoftBank announces Whiz launch in North America", "year": 2019, "eventDate": "2019-11-19", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2019-11-20", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank announced that it was launching its Whiz robot vacuum cleaner in North America.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://tech.sina.com.cn/e/x/2019-11-20/doc-iihnzhfz0434557.shtml" }, { "headline": "Shareholder sues over Adam Neumann exit package", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2019-11-08", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "A WeWork shareholder filed suit over the nearly $1.7 billion exit package approved for former co-founder Adam Neumann. The lawsuit alleges that Neumann and SoftBank abused their control of the company to approve the deal at the expense of smaller shareholders; WeWork called the claims meritless.", "tags": [], "isScandal": true, "sourceUrl": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50351834" }, { "headline": "Former employee files lawsuit against WeWork and SoftBank", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": "2019-11-08", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Former WeWork employee Natalie Sojka filed a class-action lawsuit contesting WeWork's alleged breach of workers' stock options and also suing majority stakeholder SoftBank over its purchase of Adam Neumann's stock amid the IPO cancellation. WeWork said it believes the lawsuit is meritless.", "tags": [], "isScandal": true, "sourceUrl": "https://observer.com/2019/11/first-wework-botched-ipo-lawsuit-employee-sues-softbank/" }, { "headline": "SoftBank reports quarterly loss", "year": 2019, "eventDate": "2019-11-06", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2019-11-08", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "SoftBank Group released its quarterly financial report on November 6, reporting an operating loss of 704.4 billion yen and a net loss of 700 billion yen for June through September. CEO Masayoshi Son said the group's WeWork investment weighed on its performance.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://world.people.com.cn/n1/2019/1108/c1002-31444386.html" }, { "headline": "WeWork receives $1.5 billion from SoftBank", "year": 2019, "eventDate": "2019-10-31", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2019-10-31", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "WeWork announced that it had received $1.5 billion in investment from SoftBank, accelerating SoftBank's fulfillment of an existing payment commitment.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2019-10-31/doc-iicezuev6218769.shtml" }, { "headline": "Intel files antitrust lawsuit over Fortress patent practices", "year": null, "eventDate": null, "datePrecision": "unknown", "publishedAt": null, "publishedDatePrecision": "unknown", "summary": "Intel filed an antitrust lawsuit in federal court in California, alleging that a SoftBank subsidiary, Fortress Investment Group, hoarded patents to pursue lawsuits and hinder other technology companies. The source does not provide a calendar date for the filing.", "tags": [], "isScandal": true, "sourceUrl": "http://www.ccw.com.cn/internet/2019-10-24/9668.html" }, { "headline": "Oyo launches hotel operations in Japan", "year": 2019, "eventDate": "2019-10-24", "datePrecision": "day", "publishedAt": "2019-10-25", "publishedDatePrecision": "day", "summary": "Oyo's Japanese arm launched operations across more than 100 hotels in Japan through a joint venture with SoftBank; the partnership said it opened hotels in more than 50 Japanese cities on Thursday, October 24, 2019.", "tags": [], "isScandal": false, "sourceUrl": "https://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/in-other-news/251019/indias-oyo-launches-japan-hotels-in-softbank-jv.html" } ], "encyclopedia": { "history": "SoftBank was founded on 3 September 1981 by Masayoshi Son, initially operating as a software distributor. It entered technology publishing in 1982 with computer magazines covering NEC and Sharp platforms. The publishing business became an important source of influence in Japan’s personal-computer industry, and SoftBank later expanded into trade shows and international technology media.\n\nThe company went public in 1994 and soon accelerated its overseas expansion. It acquired Ziff Davis publishing assets in 1995 and purchased COMDEX, a major computer trade show, in 1995. During the second half of the decade, Son shifted the company toward internet businesses and strategic equity investments. SoftBank created a joint venture with Yahoo in 1996 that became Yahoo Japan, and it acquired a large stake in Kingston Technology before later selling the business back to its founders. In 2000, SoftBank invested in Alibaba, then a young Chinese internet company. The investment became the group’s most important historic financial success.\n\nSoftBank reorganized as a holding company in 1999 and continued building a portfolio across communications, internet services and entertainment. It acquired the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks baseball team in 2005, later known as the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. In 2006, it agreed to acquire Vodafone Japan. The transaction gave SoftBank a nationwide mobile telecommunications platform, which was rebranded SoftBank Mobile in October of that year.\n\nDuring the 2010s, SoftBank pursued international scale. It acquired eAccess and integrated related mobile operations with Willcom and Ymobile. In 2013, it agreed to acquire control of Sprint in the United States, completing the transaction after regulatory approval in 2013. SoftBank also invested in mobile games, Indian e-commerce and ride-hailing companies, and acquired control of French robotics company Aldebaran Robotics, which became SoftBank Robotics. SoftBank and Aldebaran developed Pepper, a humanoid robot marketed for commercial and customer-service settings.\n\nIn 2016, SoftBank sold its stake in Supercell to Tencent and completed the acquisition of Arm Holdings for more than $30 billion. Arm gave the group control of a globally important semiconductor architecture and strengthened its exposure to mobile computing, embedded systems and energy-efficient processors. That year, SoftBank also announced a proposed investment in United States businesses following a meeting between Son and the incoming U.S. president.\n\nThe group’s most consequential transformation came in 2017 with the creation of the SoftBank Vision Fund. Backed principally by SoftBank and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, with participation from other investors, the fund pursued large investments in late-stage technology companies. It invested in businesses including WeWork, Uber, DoorDash, Auto1, Opendoor and numerous companies in India, China and Southeast Asia. SoftBank also acquired Boston Dynamics from Alphabet and expanded its interests in robotics and automation.\n\nThe investment strategy generated major gains in some holdings but also substantial losses and criticism. The collapse in the valuation of several highly funded technology companies exposed the risks of aggressive growth investing, concentrated positions and private-market valuations. The WeWork investment became especially problematic after the company’s failed 2019 public offering and subsequent financial distress. SoftBank launched plans for a second Vision Fund in 2019, although the scale and availability of outside capital were affected by changing market conditions.\n\nIn 2018, SoftBank listed SoftBank Corp., its Japanese telecommunications subsidiary, while retaining the investment-group identity at the parent level. The group’s name was changed from SoftBank Corp. to SoftBank Group Corp. in 2015, while the operating telecom company adopted the SoftBank Corp. name. Subsequent years focused on portfolio management, asset sales, balance-sheet protection and the repositioning of the group around artificial intelligence and computing.\n\nArm was transferred into the public markets through a 2023 listing in the United States, although SoftBank retained a controlling interest. The listing reinforced Arm’s importance to the group and gave SoftBank a liquid strategic asset linked to the growth of AI-enabled computing. In January 2025, SoftBank joined OpenAI, Oracle and MGX in announcing Stargate, a proposed U.S. AI infrastructure project. The announcement illustrated the group’s continuing effort to move from venture investing toward large-scale AI infrastructure, semiconductors and computing capacity.", "milestones": [ { "year": 1981, "title": "SoftBank is founded", "summary": "Masayoshi Son establishes SoftBank as a software-distribution company in Japan.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 1982, "title": "Technology publishing begins", "summary": "SoftBank launches computer magazines covering NEC and Sharp systems.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 1994, "title": "Initial public offering", "summary": "SoftBank becomes a publicly traded company.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 1996, "title": "Yahoo Japan joint venture", "summary": "SoftBank and Yahoo create the Japanese internet venture that becomes Yahoo Japan.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2000, "title": "Investment in Alibaba", "summary": "SoftBank invests in Alibaba during the company’s early development.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2006, "title": "Vodafone Japan acquisition", "summary": "SoftBank acquired Vodafone’s Japanese mobile operation and entered the national mobile telecommunications market.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2013, "title": "Sprint acquisition", "summary": "SoftBank acquires control of U.S. wireless carrier Sprint.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2016, "title": "Arm Holdings acquisition", "summary": "SoftBank announced its acquisition of Arm Holdings, giving the group a major position in semiconductor intellectual property.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2017, "title": "SoftBank Vision Fund launches", "summary": "The group launched a large technology investment fund focused on artificial intelligence and related sectors.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2018, "title": "SoftBank Corp. IPO", "summary": "The Japanese telecommunications subsidiary is separately listed, distinguishing it from SoftBank Group’s investment-holding structure.\n\nThe Japanese telecommunications subsidiary was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, separating the public-market identities of the carrier and the investment parent.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2023, "title": "Arm returns to public markets", "summary": "Arm completed a public offering in the United States, while SoftBank Group remained its controlling shareholder.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arm_Holdings" }, { "year": 2025, "title": "Stargate AI infrastructure initiative announced", "summary": "SoftBank joins OpenAI, Oracle and MGX in announcing a proposed large-scale U.S. AI infrastructure project.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 1981, "title": "Company founded", "summary": "Masayoshi Son founded the company in Japan as a computer-software distributor and publisher of computer magazines.", "sourceUrl": "https://group.softbank/en/about/profile" }, { "year": 2004, "title": "Entry into fixed-line telecommunications", "summary": "SoftBank acquired Japan Telecom, expanding its communications business beyond internet services and broadband.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.softbank.jp/corp/aboutus/profile/history/" }, { "year": 2005, "title": "Fukuoka baseball team acquired", "summary": "SoftBank acquired the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, later renamed the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2008, "title": "iPhone introduced through SoftBank in Japan", "summary": "SoftBank became the Japanese carrier associated with the initial domestic distribution of Apple’s iPhone, strengthening its consumer technology positioning.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2015, "title": "Parent renamed SoftBank Group", "summary": "The parent company adopted the SoftBank Group name, while the mobile operating company became SoftBank Corp.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" } ], "products": [ { "name": "SoftBank Vision Fund", "category": "Technology investment fund", "description": "SoftBank’s flagship technology investment platform, created to provide very large amounts of growth capital to companies in artificial intelligence, communications, software, logistics, financial technology, mobility and other digital sectors. Its portfolio approach made SoftBank one of the most influential investors in late-stage technology companies, while its exposure to private valuations also produced significant volatility.\n\nA large-scale investment platform established by SoftBank Group to invest in technology companies, particularly businesses connected with artificial intelligence, automation, transportation, financial technology, logistics and software. The fund became one of the most visible symbols of SoftBank’s shift from telecommunications toward global technology investing. Its portfolio has included both highly successful companies and businesses whose valuations declined sharply during later market corrections.", "launchedYear": 2017, "status": "active" }, { "name": "Arm Holdings", "category": "Semiconductor technology", "description": "Arm designs processor architectures and related technology licensed by semiconductor manufacturers and technology companies. Its designs are widely used in mobile devices, embedded systems and increasingly in data-center and AI applications. SoftBank acquired Arm in 2016 and retained control after Arm returned to public markets in 2023.", "launchedYear": null, "status": "active" }, { "name": "SoftBank telecommunications operations", "category": "Telecommunications", "description": "SoftBank Group’s telecommunications exposure is centered on SoftBank Corp., the separately listed Japanese operating company formed from the group’s domestic mobile and broadband businesses. The operation provides mobile, broadband and related digital services in Japan and traces its corporate origins to SoftBank’s acquisition of Vodafone Japan.", "launchedYear": 2006, "status": "active" }, { "name": "Pepper", "category": "Robotics", "description": "Pepper is a humanoid robot developed by SoftBank Robotics and Aldebaran Robotics for interaction with people in commercial, educational and customer-service environments. It was presented as a platform for human-robot communication rather than a general-purpose industrial machine.", "launchedYear": 2014, "status": null }, { "name": "Stargate", "category": "Artificial-intelligence infrastructure", "description": "Stargate is a proposed AI infrastructure initiative announced by SoftBank, OpenAI, Oracle and MGX. The project is intended to support large-scale computing and data-center capacity in the United States and reflects SoftBank’s strategic emphasis on AI infrastructure.", "launchedYear": 2025, "status": "announced" }, { "name": "Arm", "category": "Semiconductor intellectual property", "description": "Arm develops processor architectures and licenses semiconductor intellectual property rather than primarily manufacturing chips itself. Its designs are widely used in mobile devices, embedded systems and other computing products. SoftBank acquired Arm in 2016 and has treated it as a strategic asset in the growth of connected computing, cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence.", "launchedYear": 1990, "status": "active" }, { "name": "SoftBank Corp. telecommunications", "category": "Mobile, broadband and enterprise communications", "description": "SoftBank Corp. is the group’s separately listed Japanese telecommunications subsidiary. It provides mobile communications, broadband, fixed-line services, enterprise connectivity and information-technology solutions. The operating company should not be confused with SoftBank Group Corp., the listed parent whose principal role is investment and strategic portfolio management.", "launchedYear": 2006, "status": "active" }, { "name": "Technology investment portfolio", "category": "Strategic investments", "description": "SoftBank Group invests in and manages interests across internet platforms, e-commerce, digital payments, software, robotics, logistics, transportation, financial technology and artificial intelligence. The portfolio changes through acquisitions, public offerings, secondary sales and restructurings, so individual holdings and ownership levels vary over time.", "launchedYear": 1981, "status": "active" } ], "campaigns": [ { "year": 2010, "name": "SoftBank mobile brand campaign featuring Ayumi Hamasaki", "markets": [ "Japan" ], "summary": "SoftBank used Japanese pop artist Ayumi Hamasaki as a commercial spokesperson in a high-profile campaign for its mobile telecommunications brand.", "outcome": "Brand-building campaign for the Japanese mobile business.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2008, "name": "iPhone distribution in Japan", "markets": [ "Japan" ], "summary": "SoftBank used its agreement to distribute the iPhone in Japan as a major consumer-acquisition and brand-building initiative. The offering linked the carrier to a globally recognized premium device and supported its image as an innovative challenger in Japanese mobile communications.", "outcome": "The initiative strengthened SoftBank’s visibility among smartphone users and became an important part of its competitive positioning.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2016, "name": "White Family advertising campaign", "markets": [ "Japan" ], "summary": "SoftBank’s long-running White Family television campaign used a fictional family and a white dog as recurring characters. The creative approach emphasized humor, family relationships and everyday life while communicating mobile offers and services.", "outcome": "The campaign became one of the company’s most recognizable Japanese advertising properties and supported broad consumer brand awareness.", "sourceUrl": "https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%BD%E3%83%95%E3%83%88%E3%83%90%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AF" }, { "year": 2016, "name": "SoftBank Ads Platform", "markets": [ "Japan" ], "summary": "SoftBank introduced an advertising platform developed with MicroAd and Geniee, combining audience data, advertising distribution and marketing support. The initiative sought to use the group’s customer and media relationships for more targeted digital advertising.", "outcome": "The platform expanded SoftBank’s role from telecommunications provider toward data-driven advertising and marketing services.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.softbank.jp/corp/group/sbm/news/press/2016/20161013_01/" }, { "year": 2017, "name": "SoftBank Team Japan at the America's Cup", "markets": [ "United States", "Japan", "International" ], "summary": "SoftBank participated in the 2017 America’s Cup through SoftBank Team Japan, associating the corporate name with an international sailing competition and technology-oriented sports sponsorship.", "outcome": "The sponsorship provided international brand exposure, although it was not a core operating business.", "sourceUrl": "https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%BD%E3%83%95%E3%83%88%E3%83%90%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AF" }, { "year": 2021, "name": "Individual-investor and shareholder engagement", "markets": [ "Japan" ], "summary": "SoftBank increased direct communication with individual investors through shareholder events, investor briefings and in-person presentations. The effort aimed to explain the distinction between SoftBank Corp. and SoftBank Group and to present the group’s technology and investment strategy.", "outcome": "The program created additional face-to-face channels for explaining the group’s structure and investment thesis to retail investors.", "sourceUrl": "https://marketing.nikkei.com/case/002015.html" } ], "scandals": [ { "year": 2019, "title": "WeWork investment and failed public offering", "summary": "SoftBank became closely associated with WeWork’s unsuccessful attempt to go public after concerns about governance, losses, valuation and the company’s business model led to the withdrawal of its offering. SoftBank subsequently provided further financial support and became central to the company’s restructuring.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WeWork", "sourceUrls": [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WeWork" ] }, { "year": 2023, "title": "WeWork bankruptcy", "summary": "WeWork’s bankruptcy filing highlighted the substantial risks of SoftBank’s earlier investment strategy in highly valued, loss-making technology companies.", "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WeWork", "sourceUrls": [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WeWork" ] }, { "year": 2017, "title": "Apple Watch bait advertising order", "summary": "Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency issued a prevention order after finding that SoftBank stores advertised Apple Watch products at campaign prices while many stores did not have sufficient stock. The matter was treated as a violation involving bait advertising under Japan’s consumer representation rules.", "sourceUrl": "https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%BD%E3%83%95%E3%83%88%E3%83%90%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AF", "sourceUrls": [ "https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%BD%E3%83%95%E3%83%88%E3%83%90%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AF" ] }, { "year": 2019, "title": "Former employee files lawsuit against WeWork and SoftBank", "summary": "Former WeWork employee Natalie Sojka filed a class-action lawsuit contesting WeWork's alleged breach of workers' stock options and also suing majority stakeholder SoftBank over its purchase of Adam Neumann's stock amid the IPO cancellation. WeWork said it believes the lawsuit is meritless.", "sourceUrl": "https://observer.com/2019/11/first-wework-botched-ipo-lawsuit-employee-sues-softbank/", "sourceUrls": [ "https://observer.com/2019/11/first-wework-botched-ipo-lawsuit-employee-sues-softbank/" ] }, { "year": 2019, "title": "Shareholder sues over Adam Neumann exit package", "summary": "A WeWork shareholder filed a lawsuit over the nearly $1.7 billion exit package approved for former co-founder Adam Neumann. The lawsuit alleges that Neumann and SoftBank abused their control of the company to approve the deal at the expense of smaller shareholders. WeWork called the claims meritless.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50351834", "sourceUrls": [ "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50351834", "https://www.zdnet.com/article/former-ceo-of-wework-adam-neumann-sues-softbank-over-withdrawn-tender-offer/" ] }, { "year": 2020, "title": "WeWork sues SoftBank over terminated rescue plan", "summary": "WeWork sued SoftBank in a Delaware court, claiming that SoftBank breached its contractual obligations by backing out of a $3 billion rescue plan. The complaint alleges that SoftBank acted after receiving most of the benefits under the deal; these are allegations reported in the source, not a court determination.", "sourceUrl": "https://safehaven.com/news/Breaking-News/WeWork-Sues-SoftBank-For-Withdrawing-3-Billion-Insider-Payoff.html", "sourceUrls": [ "https://safehaven.com/news/Breaking-News/WeWork-Sues-SoftBank-For-Withdrawing-3-Billion-Insider-Payoff.html" ] }, { "year": 2020, "title": "We Company directors sue SoftBank over tender offer commitment", "summary": "Two We Company directors, acting in the name of its special committee, sued SoftBank Group on April 7, alleging that it breached its commitment to make a tender offer. SoftBank disputed the allegations and said it would contest them in court.", "sourceUrl": "https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/4461456", "sourceUrls": [ "https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/4461456", "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52204454", "https://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-03-23/doc-iimxyqwa2705794.shtml", "https://www.satellitetoday.com/finance/2019/09/23/intelsat-sues-oneweb-and-softbank/" ] }, { "year": 2021, "title": "SoftBank sues Rakuten over alleged use of leaked 5G information", "summary": "SoftBank said it filed a damages suit against Rakuten Mobile and a former employee, alleging they illegally used SoftBank's 5G network technology information leaked by the former employee.", "sourceUrl": "https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/24679", "sourceUrls": [ "https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/24679" ] }, { "year": 2021, "title": "Didi Mobility and SoftBank fined over joint venture", "summary": "China's State Administration for Market Regulation fined Didi Mobility Pte. Ltd. and SoftBank Corp. RMB 500,000 each for implementing a joint venture without filing. The authority said the concentration did not have the effect of eliminating or restricting competition.", "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-03-12/doc-ikknscsi2342823.shtml", "sourceUrls": [ "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-03-12/doc-ikknscsi2342823.shtml" ] }, { "year": 2021, "title": "US FTC investigates Nvidia’s proposed Arm acquisition", "summary": "The US Federal Trade Commission began requesting information from third parties and sought additional information from SoftBank, Nvidia and Arm as part of a follow-up investigation into Nvidia’s proposed acquisition of Arm. The article characterizes the inquiry as an antitrust investigation.", "sourceUrl": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-02-13/doc-ikftssap5668076.shtml", "sourceUrls": [ "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-02-13/doc-ikftssap5668076.shtml" ] }, { "year": 2019, "title": "Intel files antitrust lawsuit over Fortress patent practices", "summary": "Intel filed an antitrust lawsuit in federal court in California, alleging that a SoftBank subsidiary, Fortress Investment Group, hoarded patents to pursue lawsuits and hinder other technology companies. The source does not provide a calendar date for the filing.", "sourceUrl": "http://www.ccw.com.cn/internet/2019-10-24/9668.html", "sourceUrls": [ "http://www.ccw.com.cn/internet/2019-10-24/9668.html", "https://finance.sina.com.cn/stock/relnews/us/2019-10-23/doc-iicezzrr4221617.shtml" ] } ], "decisions": [ { "year": 2006, "type": "mna", "title": "Acquire Vodafone Japan", "context": "SoftBank sought to enter Japan’s national mobile market and compete with established telecommunications operators.", "action": "The group acquired Vodafone’s Japanese operation and reorganized it under the SoftBank brand.", "aftermath": "The transaction established the telecommunications platform that later became SoftBank Corp.\n\nThe transaction created the foundation of the modern SoftBank mobile business and gave the group a major recurring operating business.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2013, "type": "mna", "title": "Take control of Sprint", "context": "SoftBank pursued international telecommunications scale through the U.S. wireless market.", "action": "It acquired a controlling interest in Sprint after U.S. regulatory approval.", "aftermath": "Sprint later became part of T-Mobile US, ending SoftBank’s direct control of the U.S. carrier.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2016, "type": "mna", "title": "Acquire Arm Holdings", "context": "SoftBank identified semiconductor architecture as a strategic foundation for mobile, connected and future computing.", "action": "The group acquired Arm Holdings and made it a core technology asset.\n\nThe group agreed to acquire Arm Holdings and completed the transaction in September 2016.", "aftermath": "Arm became central to SoftBank’s semiconductor and AI strategy and was later relisted while remaining controlled by SoftBank.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2017, "type": "strategy", "title": "Launch the SoftBank Vision Fund", "context": "Son sought to deploy capital at a scale suited to rapidly expanding technology companies.\n\nSoftBank believed that artificial intelligence and related technologies would produce a large new generation of technology companies.", "action": "SoftBank created a large technology investment fund with institutional and sovereign investors.\n\nThe group established a large investment fund designed to make substantial investments in technology businesses worldwide.", "aftermath": "The fund increased SoftBank’s global influence and investment capacity but also made group results more exposed to private-company valuations and technology-market downturns.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2018, "type": "strategy", "title": "List SoftBank Corp.", "context": "SoftBank Group sought to raise capital and clarify the difference between its Japanese telecommunications operation and its global investment activities.", "action": "SoftBank Corp. was listed separately in Japan.\n\nThe parent sold shares in SoftBank Corp. in a major Tokyo Stock Exchange listing.", "aftermath": "SoftBank Group continued as the parent investment holding company while SoftBank Corp. operated as a separately listed affiliate.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2025, "type": "strategy", "title": "Announce Stargate AI infrastructure initiative", "context": "SoftBank increasingly emphasized artificial intelligence, computing capacity and infrastructure rather than only consumer internet investments.", "action": "SoftBank joined OpenAI, Oracle and MGX in announcing a proposed U.S. AI infrastructure system.", "aftermath": "The announcement positioned SoftBank as a prospective financier and strategic participant in large-scale AI infrastructure.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "year": 2023, "type": "strategy", "title": "Emphasize artificial intelligence and Arm", "context": "Weak technology valuations and large Vision Fund losses encouraged a more concentrated focus on strategic assets and artificial-intelligence infrastructure.", "action": "SoftBank emphasized Arm and AI-related opportunities while continuing to manage and monetize other portfolio holdings.", "aftermath": "Arm became an increasingly important public-market representation of SoftBank’s AI and computing strategy.", "financials": null, "competitorReactions": [], "sourceUrl": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" } ], "sources": [ { "title": "SoftBank Group history", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "title": "SoftBank Group corporate website", "url": "https://group.softbank/en/" }, { "title": "SoftBank Group officers", "url": "https://group.softbank/en/corp/about/officer" }, { "title": "Arm Holdings", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arm_Holdings" }, { "title": "WeWork", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WeWork" }, { "title": "SoftBank Group official website", "url": "https://group.softbank/" }, { "title": "SoftBank Group corporate management and officers", "url": "https://group.softbank/en/about/corporate_governance/officer" }, { "title": "SoftBank corporate history", "url": "https://www.softbank.jp/corp/aboutus/profile/history/" }, { "title": "SoftBank Ads Platform announcement", "url": "https://www.softbank.jp/corp/group/sbm/news/press/2016/20161013_01/" }, { "title": "SoftBank advertising and marketing services", "url": "https://www.softbank.jp/business/service/digital-marketing/" } ], "needsReview": false }, "sources": [ { "title": "SoftBank Group history", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group" }, { "title": "SoftBank Group corporate website", "url": "https://group.softbank/en/" }, { "title": "SoftBank Group officers", "url": "https://group.softbank/en/corp/about/officer" }, { "title": "Arm Holdings", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arm_Holdings" }, { "title": "WeWork", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WeWork" }, { "title": "SoftBank Group official website", "url": "https://group.softbank/" }, { "title": "SoftBank Group corporate management and officers", "url": "https://group.softbank/en/about/corporate_governance/officer" }, { "title": "SoftBank corporate history", "url": "https://www.softbank.jp/corp/aboutus/profile/history/" }, { "title": "SoftBank Ads Platform announcement", "url": "https://www.softbank.jp/corp/group/sbm/news/press/2016/20161013_01/" }, { "title": "SoftBank advertising and marketing services", "url": "https://www.softbank.jp/business/service/digital-marketing/" }, { "title": "Company founded", "url": "https://group.softbank/en/about/profile" }, { "title": "White Family advertising campaign", "url": "https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%BD%E3%83%95%E3%83%88%E3%83%90%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AF" }, { "title": "Individual-investor and shareholder engagement", "url": "https://marketing.nikkei.com/case/002015.html" }, { "title": "Former employee files lawsuit against WeWork and SoftBank", "url": "https://observer.com/2019/11/first-wework-botched-ipo-lawsuit-employee-sues-softbank/" }, { "title": "Shareholder sues over Adam Neumann exit package", "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-50351834" }, { "title": "Shareholder sues over Adam Neumann exit package", "url": "https://www.zdnet.com/article/former-ceo-of-wework-adam-neumann-sues-softbank-over-withdrawn-tender-offer/" }, { "title": "WeWork sues SoftBank over terminated rescue plan", "url": "https://safehaven.com/news/Breaking-News/WeWork-Sues-SoftBank-For-Withdrawing-3-Billion-Insider-Payoff.html" }, { "title": "We Company directors sue SoftBank over tender offer commitment", "url": "https://news.cnyes.com/news/id/4461456" }, { "title": "We Company directors sue SoftBank over tender offer commitment", "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52204454" }, { "title": "We Company directors sue SoftBank over tender offer commitment", "url": "https://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-03-23/doc-iimxyqwa2705794.shtml" }, { "title": "We Company directors sue SoftBank over tender offer commitment", "url": "https://www.satellitetoday.com/finance/2019/09/23/intelsat-sues-oneweb-and-softbank/" }, { "title": "SoftBank sues Rakuten over alleged use of leaked 5G information", "url": "https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/24679" }, { "title": "Didi Mobility and SoftBank fined over joint venture", "url": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-03-12/doc-ikknscsi2342823.shtml" }, { "title": "US FTC investigates Nvidia’s proposed Arm acquisition", "url": "https://finance.sina.com.cn/tech/2021-02-13/doc-ikftssap5668076.shtml" }, { "title": "Intel files antitrust lawsuit over Fortress 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FT", "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2019/10/23/wework-plans-to-lay-off-4000-staff-ft" }, { "title": "WeWork plans to lay off 4,000 staff: Report", "url": "https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/wework-plans-to-lay-off-4-000-staff-report-11571858543228.html" }, { "title": "WeWork sues Japan's SoftBank for backing out of deal", "url": "https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/commercial/wework-sues-japans-softbank-for-backing-out-of-deal/75032155" }, { "title": "WeWork sues Japan's SoftBank for backing out of deal", "url": "https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/startups-tech/startups/wework-sues-japans-softbank-backing-out-deal" }, { "title": "WeWork Sues Japan's SoftBank For Backing Out Of Deal", "url": "https://www.ibtimes.com/wework-sues-japans-softbank-backing-out-deal-2954189" }, { "title": "WeWork sues SoftBank after tender offer falls through", "url": "https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/wework-lawsuit-softbank-tender-offer" }, { "title": "WeWork sues SoftBank for breach of contract over the termination of its $3 billion tender offer", "url": "https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/world/wework-sues-softbank-for-breach-of-contract-over-the-termination-of-its-3-billion-tender-offer/article31288236.ece" }, { "title": "WeWork sues SoftBank for dropping $3 billion tender offer", "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/04/08/business/corporate-business/wework-sues-softbank/" }, { "title": "WeWork Sues SoftBank For Retracting $3b Tender Offer", "url": "https://lawstreetmedia.com/news/tech/wework-sues-softbank-for-retracting-3b-tender-offer/" }, { "title": "WeWork sues SoftBank for scrapping $3B bailout", "url": "https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2020/04/07/wework-sues-softbank-for-scrapping-3b-bailout-deal/" }, { "title": "WeWork sues SoftBank for scrapping its $3 billion rescue deal", "url": "https://thenextweb.com/news/wework-sues-softbank-for-scrapping-its-3-billion-rescue-deal" }, { "title": "WeWork Sues SoftBank For Terminating $3 Bln Tender Offer", "url": "https://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2020-04/49337647-wework-sues-softbank-for-terminating-dollar-3-bln-tender-offer-020.htm" }, { "title": "WeWork sues SoftBank in intensifying crisis over canceled $3B tender offer | TechCrunch", "url": "https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/07/wework-sues-softbank-in-intensifying-crisis-over-canceled-3b-tender-offer/" }, { "title": "WeWork sues Softbank over decision to terminate tender offer - 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