SoftBank: History, Investments, and Future in Technology

Introduction | SoftBank - A Powerhouse in AI, Tech & Startups

From backing visionary founders to driving the AI revolution, SoftBank’s influence extends far beyond Japan - shaping the world’s most disruptive technologies and startups. SoftBank Group is a Japanese multinational conglomerate known for its bold investments in telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology startups.

Founded in 1981 by Masayoshi Son, the company has grown into a global investment powerhouse, shaping industries through its Vision Fund and strategic acquisitions.

History and Evolution of SoftBank

SoftBank began as a software distributor and quickly expanded into various industries, including publishing, broadband, and telecommunications. Over the years, the company made significant investments that positioned it as a leader in the tech and finance sectors.

Key Milestones:

• 1996: Invested in Yahoo Japan, a move that solidified its presence in the internet sector.

• 2000: Acquired a major stake in Alibaba, which later became one of its most profitable investments.

• 2006: Acquired Vodafone Japan and rebranded it as SoftBank Mobile.

• 2013: Purchased U.S.-based Sprint Corporation, later merging it with T-Mobile in 2020.

• 2017: Launched the $100 billion Vision Fund, the world’s largest technology investment fund.

SoftBank’s Business Model and Investments

SoftBank operates through various segments, with a core focus on telecommunications, venture capital, AI, and robotics.

Vision Fund – The $100 Billion Investment Arm

SoftBank’s Vision Fund is one of the most significant venture capital funds globally, with investments in high-growth technology companies like:

• Uber ($9.3 billion)

• WeWork ($10 billion)

• ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company)

• Nvidia

• Coupang (South Korea’s e-commerce giant)

The fund primarily targets AI, E-commerce, mobility, and cloud computing sectors, playing a key role in shaping the future of technology.

AI and Robotics

SoftBank is heavily invested in artificial intelligence and robotics, owning companies like Boston Dynamics (known for developing advanced robots) and Arm Holdings, a leader in semiconductor technology. It has also invested billions into AI infrastructure in the U.S., influencing sectors like healthcare, transportation, and automation.

Recent Developments and Financial Performance

Despite its aggressive investments, SoftBank has faced challenges, including losses from WeWork and the decline in tech stock valuations. However, it remains financially strong:

• FY 2023 Revenue: ¥6.6 trillion ($55 billion)

• Net Income: ¥2.7 trillion ($22.8 billion)

• Market Cap: ¥14.4 trillion ($73 billion)

SoftBank is now focusing on AI-driven investments, sustainability initiatives, and reducing debt, positioning itself for future growth.

Recent Updates on SoftBank (2025)

SoftBank is accelerating its AI-first strategy in 2025 with major moves in chip technology and next-gen data centers. These updates reflect its push to power future AI infrastructure.

• SoftBank recently completed the acquisition of Ampere Computing a U.S.-based semiconductor design firm making it a wholly owned subsidiary. This move strengthens SoftBank’s hardware and AI-compute portfolio.

• The group also sold its entire stake in Nvidia for US$5.8 billion, signaling a strategic pivot away from GPU bets toward broader AI-infrastructure and investment strategies.

• Most recently, SoftBank committed up to US$3 billion to retrofit an Ohio EV-plant into a production facility for modular data-center units - part of a wider collaboration with OpenAI to build new AI data centers as demand for gen-AI infrastructure explodes.

SoftBank’s Strategic Reset for the AI Era

By offloading legacy bets and acquiring firms like Ampere, SoftBank is reorienting itself around next-gen computing, AI infrastructure, and scalable data ecosystems. These shifts illustrate how the company is transforming from a traditional investment conglomerate into a major player shaping the AI-driven future - betting that high-performance compute, efficiency, and infrastructure supply will define the next tech frontier.

Conclusion | SoftBank’s Future in Tech

SoftBank continues to shape global technology through its high-stakes investments in AI, semiconductors, and emerging markets. While some risks remain, its strategic approach ensures that it remains a dominant force in the tech industry. With its commitment to innovation and AI infrastructure, SoftBank is likely to play a crucial role in the evolution of technology for years to come.

⚡ Want to know how Tesla became a global tech powerhouse? Check out our in-depth blog - Tesla’s Disruptive Path: A Timeline of Innovation and Controversy

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