SoftBank Group

SoftBank Group Corp. was founded on September 3, 1981, by Masayoshi Son. The company began as a distributor of packaged software and then expanded into publishing computer and technology magazines, hosting trade shows, and eventually into telecommunications, Internet services, and other ventures. Its founder, Masayoshi Son, has been a pivotal figure in shaping its strategy and focus on technological innovation and investment.

In April 1994, SoftBank went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. This initial public offering (IPO) marked a significant turning point for the company, providing it with the financial resources to expand aggressively throughout the technology and telecommunications sectors. Going public allowed SoftBank to secure a wide array of acquisitions and investments that would define its growth in the years to come.

In 1996, SoftBank acquired Ziff Davis, one of the largest media conglomerates in the United States focusing on technology and Internet publishing. This acquisition was part of SoftBank's strategy to expand its influence in the technology media sector. Ziff Davis owned popular publications like PC Magazine and was a reputable source in the tech industry, which fit well into SoftBank's portfolio of technology-related businesses.

SoftBank made a landmark investment in Alibaba in February 2000, which would become one of the most successful investments in venture capital history. SoftBank invested $20 million in the fledgling Chinese e-commerce company. This investment paid off immensely, as Alibaba grew to become one of the world's largest e-commerce businesses. The returns on this investment have been a significant source of SoftBank's profits over the years, showcasing the company's vision and risk-taking abilities.

On March 17, 2006, SoftBank acquired Vodafone Japan, significantly expanding its footprint in the telecommunications sector. This acquisition allowed SoftBank to enter the Japanese mobile phone market as a major player, eventually rebranding Vodafone Japan to SoftBank Mobile. This move was crucial in establishing SoftBank as a leading mobile carrier in Japan and underscored its commitment to the telecommunications industry.

In October 2012, SoftBank announced its intention to acquire a majority stake in Sprint Corporation, a major US mobile carrier. This $20 billion deal was finalized in 2013, providing SoftBank with a substantial entry into the US telecommunications market. The acquisition was part of SoftBank’s strategy to spread its influence globally and secure a foothold in North America, although Sprint itself faced significant operational challenges.

The SoftBank Vision Fund was launched in 2016, with a total capital commitment of $100 billion, making it one of the largest investment funds in the world. It was designed to target large-scale investments in the technology sector globally, primarily funding companies focusing on artificial intelligence, robotics, and telecommunications. The Vision Fund aimed to anticipate future trends in technology and make significant investments in transformative startups.

In December 2017, SoftBank acquired a significant stake in Uber, the global ride-hailing company. With this investment, SoftBank became one of Uber’s largest shareholders. This move was part of SoftBank's broader strategy to invest heavily in major technology companies worldwide, reinforcing its portfolio with industry leaders in various sectors, including transportation and logistics. This investment had implications for Uber’s governance and future strategy decisions.

In November 2019, SoftBank announced a plan to bail out WeWork, following its failed attempt to go public. The bailout involved an injection of funds to help the struggling office space company remain afloat. SoftBank's increased investment in WeWork was part of its strategy to salvage one of its significant investments. The move was controversial and raised questions about SoftBank's investment strategy and due diligence processes.

In March 2020, SoftBank completed the sale of Sprint Corporation to T-Mobile US. This merger was approved by US regulators and was part of a strategic realignment in the telecommunications industry. The deal helped T-Mobile strengthen its position as a major wireless carrier in the United States and marked a significant divestment for SoftBank, aligning with its restructuring to focus on technology investments and financial stability.