50 Facts About Softbank

The Early Days of SoftBank

SoftBank's journey from a small software distributor to a global tech giant is nothing short of remarkable. Let's dive into its early days and see how it all began.

1. Founding: SoftBank was founded in September 1981 by Masayoshi Son, who was just 24 years old at the time. His vision was to create a company that would serve as the backbone of Japan's emerging information society.

2. Initial Business: The company initially focused on distributing packaged software, a niche market that was rapidly growing in Japan.

3. Publishing Venture: In May 1982, SoftBank expanded into publishing with the launch of Oh PC and Oh MZ magazines, targeting manufacturers and engineers.

4. Public Listing: SoftBank went public in March 1994, with a valuation of $3 billion, marking a significant milestone in its growth.

Major Acquisitions and Investments

SoftBank's aggressive acquisition strategy has been a key driver of its growth. Here are some of the most notable deals.

5. Ziff Davis Acquisition: In September 1995, SoftBank acquired Ziff Davis publishing for $2.1 billion, expanding its footprint in the U.S. market.

6. COMDEX Purchase: In April 1995, SoftBank bought COMDEX from The Interface Group for $800 million, further solidifying its position in the tech industry.

7. Yahoo Japan Partnership: In January 1996, SoftBank formed a joint venture with Yahoo Inc., creating Yahoo Japan, which became a dominant internet site in Japan.

8. Kingston Technology Investment: SoftBank acquired an 80% stake in memory manufacturer Kingston Technology in 1996, although it later sold the company back to its original owners at a loss.

Expansion into New Markets

SoftBank didn't just stick to software and publishing. It ventured into various other sectors, making strategic moves to diversify its portfolio.

9. SoftBank Holdings Inc.: Established in the U.S. in 1994, SoftBank Holdings Inc. aimed to identify investment opportunities in promising internet-related companies.

10. Corporate Structure: In October 1999, SoftBank became a holding company, demerging its divisions into separate entities to enhance business mobility.

11. Alibaba Investment: In 2000, SoftBank made a $20 million investment in Alibaba, which turned into $60 billion when Alibaba went public in 2014.

12. SoftBank Ventures Asia: Founded in February 2000, SoftBank Ventures Asia focused on investing in Korean-based internet companies.

Sports and Telecommunications

SoftBank also made significant strides in sports and telecommunications, further broadening its influence.

13. Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks: In January 2005, SoftBank acquired the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, a Nippon Professional Baseball team.

14. Vodafone Japan Acquisition: In March 2006, SoftBank acquired Vodafone Japan, gaining a significant stake in Japan's mobile market.

15. Betfair Investment: In April 2006, SoftBank purchased a 23% stake in Betfair, an internet betting exchange.

16. SBI Group Sale: In August 2006, SoftBank sold all its shares of SBI Group to a subsidiary of SBI's holding company, making SBI independent.

Rebranding and New Ventures

SoftBank's ability to rebrand and adapt has been crucial to its sustained success.

17. SoftBank Mobile Branding: On October 1, 2006, Vodafone Japan changed its corporate name and service brand name to "SoftBank Mobile" and "SoftBank" respectively.

18. SoftBank BB: SoftBank operates Japanese broadband company SoftBank BB, providing high-speed internet services.

19. IDC Frontier: The company also operates data center company IDC Frontier, supporting its telecommunications and internet services.

20. SB Creative: SoftBank owns publishing company SB Creative, which manages various media and entertainment assets.

Subsidiaries and Partnerships

SoftBank's network of subsidiaries and partnerships has helped it maintain a competitive edge.

21. Ymobile Corporation: Established in 2014, Ymobile Corporation is another telecommunications subsidiary of SoftBank.

22. Wireless City Planning (WCP): Founded in 2010, WCP planned the development of TD-LTE networks throughout Japan.

23. SoftBank Capital: The company operates SoftBank Capital, a US-based venture capital company focused on technology investments.

24. Eco-Power Industry: SoftBank operated in the eco-power industry through subsidiary SB Energy until its sale.

25. Partnerships: SoftBank has partnerships with various companies, including Yahoo!, E-Trade, Ustream.tv, EF Education First, and Morningstar.

Stakes in Major Companies

SoftBank's stakes in major companies have been both lucrative and controversial.

26. Alibaba Group Stake: SoftBank holds a significant stake in Alibaba Group, one of the world's largest e-commerce companies.

27. Sprint Corporation Stake: The company also owns a stake in Sprint Corporation, a major U.S. telecommunications operator.

28. Telecommunications Services: SoftBank provides integrated telecommunications services, including fixed-line and mobile communications, internet services, and broadband services.

29. Mobile Devices and Accessories: The company sells mobile devices and accessories, as well as offering mobile communication services and broadband services to retail customers in Japan and other countries.

30. Online Games Production: SoftBank is involved in the production and distribution of online games for smartphones and other devices.

Global Reach and Financials

SoftBank's global operations and financial performance are impressive, to say the least.

31. Global Operations: The company operates in Japan, the UK, the U.S., South Korea, and other countries, with a diverse range of businesses and investments.

32. Ranking in Forbes Global 2000: In 2017, SoftBank was ranked as the 36th largest public company in the world and the second-largest publicly traded company in Japan after Toyota.

33. Revenue and Net Income: As of 2023, SoftBank reported revenue of ¥6.76 trillion and net income of ¥209.2 billion.

34. Operating Income: The company's operating income for 2023 was ¥57.8 billion.

Vision Fund and Investment Strategy

SoftBank's Vision Fund has been a game-changer in the world of venture capital.

35. Vision Fund: SoftBank's Vision Fund is the world's largest technology-focused venture capital fund, with over $100 billion in capital.

36. Investment Strategy: SoftBank primarily invests in companies operating in technology, focusing on areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, software, logistics, transportation, biotechnology, and more.

Controversies and Challenges

No company is without its controversies, and SoftBank is no exception.

37. Controversial Founder: Masayoshi Son, the founder and largest shareholder of SoftBank, has been known for his controversial leadership and investment strategies.

38. Unprofitable Unicorns: SoftBank has invested in several unprofitable unicorns, which have been a subject of controversy and scrutiny.

Stakes in Emerging Technologies

SoftBank's investments in emerging technologies show its commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

39. Arm Holdings Stake: The company holds a significant stake in Arm Holdings, a leading semiconductor company.

40. OYO Rooms Stake: SoftBank also has a stake in OYO Rooms, a hospitality company that operates budget hotels and vacation rentals.

41. WeWork Stake: The company owns a stake in WeWork, a coworking space provider that has faced significant financial challenges.

42. Deutsche Telekom Stake: SoftBank holds a stake in Deutsche Telekom, one of the largest telecommunications operators in Europe.

Corporate Philosophy and Future Vision

SoftBank's corporate philosophy and vision for the future are centered around innovation and global impact.

43. Corporate Philosophy: SoftBank's corporate philosophy is centered around its mission to become the most needed company from people around the world, as outlined in its "Next 30-Year Vision."

44. Renewable Energy Efforts: In response to the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, SoftBank established SB Energy (now Terras Energy Corporation) to promote the adoption of renewable energy.

45. AI and IoT Investments: SoftBank has been driving the AI revolution through strategic investments, focusing on artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart robotics.

46. Global Impact: The company's investments and operations have a significant global impact, influencing various industries and markets around the world.

47. Technological Innovations: SoftBank has been at the forefront of technological innovations, from early investments in the internet to current advancements in AI and IoT.

48. Economic Influence: As one of Japan's largest companies, SoftBank exerts considerable economic influence, shaping the country's technology landscape and contributing to its economic growth.

49. Cultural Significance: The company's brand and leadership have cultural significance in Japan, reflecting the country's technological ambitions and entrepreneurial spirit.

50. Future Vision: SoftBank continues to evolve, aiming to remain ahead of the times with its vision for the future, which includes further investments in AI, IoT, and other emerging technologies.

SoftBank's Ongoing Influence

SoftBank's journey from a small software distributor to a global tech giant is nothing short of remarkable. Founded by Masayoshi Son in 1981, the company has consistently pushed boundaries, making bold investments in companies like Alibaba, Yahoo Japan, and Arm Holdings. Its Vision Fund, the largest tech-focused venture capital fund, underscores SoftBank's commitment to innovation. Despite controversies and investments in unprofitable unicorns, SoftBank's impact on technology, telecommunications, and AI is undeniable. With a diverse portfolio and a focus on future technologies, SoftBank continues to shape industries worldwide. Its influence extends beyond Japan, affecting global markets and driving technological advancements. As SoftBank evolves, its mission to be the most needed company remains clear, promising more groundbreaking developments in the years to come.