SoftBank Group (OTCMKTS:SFTBY) Corp. is a Japanese holding company focused on technology investments and telecommunications-related businesses. Founded by Masayoshi Son in 1981 as a distributor of computer software, the company expanded into internet services, mobile communications, and global technology investing. Its portfolio has included companies in artificial intelligence, e-commerce, fintech, enterprise software, semiconductors, and other technology sectors.
SoftBank Group manages investment activities through vehicles such as the SoftBank Vision Funds, which provide capital to technology companies at various stages of development. The group has also invested directly in businesses across sectors including telecommunications, transportation, digital services, and robotics. Its portfolio and investment exposure span North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and other international markets.
The company has historically been associated with major technology investments, including Alibaba, Yahoo Japan, and Arm. SoftBank acquired British semiconductor and software-design company Arm in 2016; Arm later returned to the public markets while remaining a significant strategic investment of SoftBank Group. SoftBank Group also established its Japanese telecommunications operations through the acquisition of Vodafone Japan in 2006, although SoftBank Corp. now operates as a separately listed company. Masayoshi Son serves as the group’s founder, chairman, and chief executive officer.
