SoftBank Group is a multinational telecommunications and internet corporation based in Japan. It operates through four segments: mobile communications, Sprint, fixed-line telecommunications, and internet. The company provides a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line voice and data transmission services, broadband services, internet advertising, e-commerce, and digital television. SoftBank Group also invests in various technologies through its venture capital arms, such as SoftBank Investment Advisers and SoftBank Vision Fund, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. One of its notable subsidiaries, SoftBank Robotics, designs and manufactures humanoid robots for various applications, including education, healthcare, and business.
Chief Business Officer and Executive Vice President
Linda Yu
Vice President, Vision Fund
Andrew Zloto
Investment Director
Tim Yap
Director, EMEA
Past deals in China
GDS International
Series B in 2024
GDS International portfolio currently comprises approximately 480 MW of data center capacity in service and under construction and an additional 590 MW held for future development across strategic locations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia (Johor), Indonesia (Batam), and Japan (Tokyo).
Jaka Robot
Series D in 2022
Jaka Robot is a Shanghai-based company that specializes in the development, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing of industrial robots. Founded in 2014, the company offers a range of products, including the JAKA ZuTM robot, which features a wireless control system compatible with mobile applications. Additionally, Jaka Robot provides JAKA MES for information integration across various factory departments, along with conveyor systems, palletizing robot systems, and liner molding machines. Its clientele spans multiple sectors, including food and beverage, chemical, packaging, electronics, and mechanical processing industries.
Fourier Intelligence
Series D in 2022
Fourier Intelligence is a Shanghai-based technology and design company that specializes in the development of exoskeleton robotic products and services aimed at rehabilitation and orthoses. The company offers advanced robotics technology, including upper-limb rehabilitation robotics and lower-limb exoskeletons, which assist individuals with disabilities in overcoming physical limitations, enabling them to stand and walk again. Its innovative products not only enhance the quality of life for users but also improve productivity by reducing fatigue and facilitating the transportation of heavy objects in various sectors. Fourier Intelligence is committed to advancing healthcare and rehabilitation through its pioneering technologies, empowering individuals to regain mobility and independence.
Eigencomm
Series C in 2022
EigenCOMM Ltd. is a Shanghai-based company established in 2017, specializing in the research, development, and sales of cellular network internet chips. The firm focuses on providing complete solutions for Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems, particularly in the realm of smart home appliances. EigenCOMM's product line includes standard NB-IoT terminal chips, which ensure comprehensive coverage of cellular data connections and extended standby times, positioning the company as a key player in the IoT market.
Zaihui
Series D in 2022
Zaihui is a Chinese company founded in 2015 that specializes in providing a SaaS-based data-driven marketing automation solution tailored for local businesses. The company offers a comprehensive platform that includes member management, customer relationship management, and customized marketing strategies supported by big data. Zaihui's services enable local merchants, particularly in the restaurant sector, to enhance operational efficiency through features such as QR code ordering, online payment, and loyalty programs. The platform facilitates intelligent precision marketing, brand packaging, and various promotional activities, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises to establish their unique branding and improve customer engagement.
Gaussian Robot
Series C in 2021
Gaussian Robot, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, specializes in the development of commercial automatic sweeping robots. The company offers a range of products including automatic cleaning robots, unmanned sanitation vehicles, security robot solutions, and building distribution robots. Additionally, Gaussian Robot incorporates advanced autonomous positioning navigation modules into its offerings, aiming to enhance operational efficiency in various commercial settings.
Chehaoduo
Series E in 2021
Chehaoduo designs an online car trading platform that sells used cars. Its online car trading platform directly links individual car sellers and buyers, which help buyers remove the middlemen as well as purchase used cars easily. Haoyong Yang founded Chehaoduo in 2014, with its headquarters in Beijing in China, with branches in Chinese cities such as Hangzhou and Chongqing.
Xiaopangxiong
Series C in 2021
Xiaopangxiong "The little bear" is part of Shanghai Miju Network Technology Co., Ltd., founded by senior home improvement, senior building materials and senior Internet experts. The company's professional service to the landlord, decoration team leader, decoration company, provide decoration, design, auxiliary materials, main materials, and other one-stop building materials procurement, distribution, and after-sales service.
AInnovation
Series D in 2021
AInnovation Technology Group Co Ltd is an enterprise-level provider of artificial intelligence solutions based in China. The company specializes in delivering AI products and services tailored for various industries, particularly focusing on the integration of AI within manufacturing processes. AInnovation employs advanced technologies, including computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing, to enhance operational efficiency and drive digital transformation for its clients. Its offerings encompass AI platforms, algorithms, software, and AI-enabled equipment, all designed to optimize productivity and improve business value. AInnovation's strategic focus includes five key areas: industrial software, digital intelligence software, industrial logistics, intelligent equipment, and industrial sustainability, positioning itself as a leader in the AI-driven transformation of manufacturing.
Dingdong Maicai
Series D in 2021
Dingdong Maicai is a community-based online retail platform in China that specializes in fresh produce and other daily necessities. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Shanghai, the company leverages technology to enhance its operations, allowing for direct procurement at the point of origin and efficient pre-warehouse distribution. It aims to deliver products to customers' homes in 29 minutes or less, significantly improving the fresh food consumption experience. The service is available in major cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. Dingdong Maicai operates through its mobile application and mini-programs, generating revenue from the sale of fresh groceries and membership services, positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing on-demand e-commerce companies in China.
Beisen
Series F in 2021
Beijing Beisen Cloud Computing Co., Ltd. specializes in developing software as a service (SaaS) solutions for integrated talent management. Founded in 2005 and based in Beijing, the company offers a comprehensive platform that includes services for talent assessment, recruitment management, performance management, succession planning, and employee development. Beisen’s Human Resource Service Platform focuses on internet recruitment, while its Business People Service Network provides information and recruitment services. The company also delivers platform as a service (PaaS) for cloud architecture development, along with system implementation and custom development services. Its iTalentX platform features cloud-native applications designed to streamline human capital management (HCM) processes, enabling organizations to effectively recruit, evaluate, and retain talent throughout the employee lifecycle.
Zuoyebang
Series E in 2020
Zuoyebang is an online education startup based in Beijing, China, founded in 2014 by Hou Jianbin. The company focuses on providing educational products and services for primary and high school students, utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance learning experiences. Its platform allows students to upload homework questions and seek answers, making it easier for them to tackle study-related challenges. In addition to homework assistance, Zuoyebang offers online courses, live lessons, and evaluations for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The company has gained significant backing from prominent investors, including Baidu, Alibaba Group, Tiger Global Management, SoftBank Vision Fund, Sequoia Capital China, and FountainVest Partners.
MemBlaze
Series D in 2020
MemBlaze is a Beijing-based company specializing in the production of memory cards and solid-state drives (SSDs) for enterprise applications. The firm focuses on developing enterprise-class NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) SSDs that are suitable for a variety of fields, including databases, virtualization, cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence. MemBlaze's products aim to deliver stable and reliable high-speed storage solutions tailored for businesses in sectors such as internet services, cloud computing, finance, and telecommunications.
XAG
Series D in 2020
XAG Co., Ltd., established in 2007 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, specializes in the design and manufacture of drones, robots, autonomous driving solutions, and AI-based equipment tailored for the agricultural industry. The company's product portfolio includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for recreational and commercial use, ranging from hobbyist model aircraft to large-scale professional UAVs for various applications such as aerial imaging, monitoring, lifting, and logistics. XAG's offerings also extend to commercial and industrial products and services, which are employed in low-altitude airspace logistics, police and medical assistance, fire prevention, geological prospecting, surveying, and arctic expeditions.
XtalPi Technology
Series C in 2020
XtalPi Inc. is a pharmaceutical technology company that focuses on digital drug development solutions, leveraging quantum mechanics and artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency of drug research and development. Founded in 2014 by a group of quantum physicists at MIT, the company has developed its Intelligent Digital Drug Discovery and Development (ID4) platform, which integrates advanced cloud computing algorithms to aid pharmaceutical firms in critical stages of drug R&D. XtalPi offers various tools, including XtalForc for visual force field calculations, XtalVision for crystal structure predictions, and Renova for platform support of its AI research initiatives. Its comprehensive services encompass crystal structure determination, solid-state testing, small molecule drug design, and collaborations in antibody and peptide research. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in China, XtalPi has established strategic partnerships with leading international pharmaceutical companies, demonstrating the broad applicability and recognition of its innovative technologies across the pharmaceutical value chain.
Sunmnet Technology
Series B in 2020
Sunmnet Technology Co., Ltd., founded in 2009 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, focuses on developing and operating an online education platform. The company specializes in smart education technology and solutions, leveraging advanced technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, facial recognition, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These innovations aim to enhance educational systems and infrastructure, enabling universities to implement more efficient and effective campus environments. Through its comprehensive approach, Sunmnet seeks to drive technology-driven improvements in education.
Zuoyebang
Series E in 2020
Zuoyebang is an online education startup based in Beijing, China, founded in 2014 by Hou Jianbin. The company focuses on providing educational products and services for primary and high school students, utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance learning experiences. Its platform allows students to upload homework questions and seek answers, making it easier for them to tackle study-related challenges. In addition to homework assistance, Zuoyebang offers online courses, live lessons, and evaluations for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The company has gained significant backing from prominent investors, including Baidu, Alibaba Group, Tiger Global Management, SoftBank Vision Fund, Sequoia Capital China, and FountainVest Partners.
Chehaoduo
Series D in 2020
Chehaoduo designs an online car trading platform that sells used cars. Its online car trading platform directly links individual car sellers and buyers, which help buyers remove the middlemen as well as purchase used cars easily. Haoyong Yang founded Chehaoduo in 2014, with its headquarters in Beijing in China, with branches in Chinese cities such as Hangzhou and Chongqing.
Ziroom
Venture Round in 2020
Ziroom is a leading provider of apartment rental and residential services in China, established in 2011 in Beijing. Unlike traditional leasing models, Ziroom operates as an online-to-offline (O2O) company specializing in professional housing asset management. It manages over 600,000 properties and serves more than 1.4 million customers across nine major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The company offers a diverse selection of high-quality, renovated apartments for rent, along with comprehensive residential services such as cleaning, moving, and maintenance. Through its innovative approach, Ziroom has positioned itself as a key player in the long-term rental market in China, catering to the evolving needs of urban residents.
Ke.com
Series D in 2020
Beike (www.ke.com) was founded in early 2018, China's newest, smartest and technology-driven multi-service property platform, designed to improve user experience and increase exposure for our trusted partners at the same time. Beike is an open platform and enables excellent agents to use resources more effectively, together to be a high-quality ecosystem of second-hand property, new property, rental property and decoration on the one hand. On the other, All accredited partners through providing high-quality housing and technical support, and partner could apply to be a franchisee. In the following several years, Beike aims to cover over 300 cities in China and franchise more than 100 partners, linking 100 thousand branches and 1 million property agents and serving over 200 million households. Beike Overseas was designed to meet the needs for the growing number of Chinese families seeking overseas property, including new property, secondhand property, and rental property. Beike overseas now covers 11 countries, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., France,Germany, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and Korea, and has over 10,000 listings online.
Ziroom
Secondary Market in 2020
Ziroom is a leading provider of apartment rental and residential services in China, established in 2011 in Beijing. Unlike traditional leasing models, Ziroom operates as an online-to-offline (O2O) company specializing in professional housing asset management. It manages over 600,000 properties and serves more than 1.4 million customers across nine major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The company offers a diverse selection of high-quality, renovated apartments for rent, along with comprehensive residential services such as cleaning, moving, and maintenance. Through its innovative approach, Ziroom has positioned itself as a key player in the long-term rental market in China, catering to the evolving needs of urban residents.
TThunDer Animation
Series B in 2019
Hangzhou TThunder Animation Co., Ltd., founded in 2015 and located in Hangzhou, China, specializes in the development, production, and operation of animation video content for preschool children. The company focuses on creating professional and aesthetically engaging videos that support the psychological development of young audiences. TThunder Animation distributes its content through various national channels in China and internationally, ensuring broad accessibility for preschool-age viewers. In addition to video content, the company also manufactures smart toys, further enhancing the interactive experience for children.
Chehaoduo
Series D in 2019
Chehaoduo designs an online car trading platform that sells used cars. Its online car trading platform directly links individual car sellers and buyers, which help buyers remove the middlemen as well as purchase used cars easily. Haoyong Yang founded Chehaoduo in 2014, with its headquarters in Beijing in China, with branches in Chinese cities such as Hangzhou and Chongqing.
SenseTime
Series D in 2018
SenseTime Group Limited is an artificial intelligence company specializing in computer vision and deep learning technologies. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Beijing, China, the company develops a wide range of AI solutions, including face and body analysis, image and video recognition, autonomous driving technologies, and medical image analysis. SenseTime's proprietary AI infrastructure, SenseCore, supports scalable and efficient AI software platforms tailored for various applications across sectors such as smart cities, intelligent transportation, healthcare, and finance. The company is also active in advancing industry standards related to data security and ethical AI practices, having contributed to numerous national and international guidelines. With a presence in multiple countries, including Japan, Singapore, and several locations in China, SenseTime aims to drive innovation and foster sustainable productivity through its AI technologies.
Zhong An
Post in 2018
ZhongAn Online P & C Insurance Co., Ltd. is an insuretech company based in Shanghai, China, founded in 2013 by prominent enterprises including Ant Financial, Tencent, and Ping An Insurance. As the first internet-based insurance provider in China, ZhongAn exclusively offers its products and services online, eliminating the need for physical branches. The company specializes in property and casualty insurance, providing coverage for accidents, health, liability, cargo, household property, and motor-related incidents. In addition to insurance, ZhongAn also delivers a range of technology services, including IT consulting, asset management, and telemedicine solutions. The company's technological capabilities extend to developing digital operating systems and industry models, which are offered to financial institutions both domestically and internationally. With a focus on e-commerce and mobile payment solutions, ZhongAn supports internet businesses and individual users through financing guarantees and innovative online services.
Snow Corporation
Series A in 2018
Snow is the developer and operator of the selfie pic and video app SNOW, featuring face recognition-enabled stickers and GIF-enabled chat functionality. With SNOW, users pick from over 700 stickers and 30 types of filters to liven up their photos and videos, then send the finished product to their friends or post them within the SNOW app to give their friends a peek into what they are up to now. User numbers have been growing steadily since the app first launched in Korea, with service being expanded to Japan and China in November 2015 and February 2016, respectively. In Japan, the number of users has been growing rapidly, and the app has been ranked as No.1 in both iOS App Store’s free app Photo & Video category and Google Play’s Photography category.
Ping An Good Doctor
Series B in 2017
Ping An Health Internet is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Ping An Group, an important member of the Internet business segment/. It was established in August 2014 with 350 million yuan registered capital and is headquartered in Shanghai, China. Companies around the network of doctors, drug network and information network formed three product lines, involving online inquiry, a plurality of segments of the doctor-patient health care management, drug O2O, electronic health records, chronic disease management, child health services. Chinese company to the mobile Internet era medical wisdom of the leader as the goal, to create a user-stop health management solutions provider, China's largest Internet to build a healthy industry ecosystem. Ping An Health Internet also developed a children's health management and chronic disease management, and other vertical applications, to meet the needs of market segments. Reform the health care system combined with the trend, the company vigorously promote the integration of physician resources.
Quixey
Series C in 2015
Quixey, Inc. is a mobile technology company based in Mountain View, California, with additional offices in Beijing, Bengaluru, and Tel Aviv. Founded in 2009, Quixey operates a platform that enhances user access and engagement with applications through its innovative Deep View Cards. This solution connects users directly to app functionalities, enabling quick actions such as booking a hotel or ordering a ride without the need for user registration. By employing content acquisition techniques and application mining technology, Quixey effectively delivers relevant app content through various channels, including ads, search, and social messaging platforms. The company's offerings cater to both users and leading mobile brands, streamlining the process of finding and utilizing application features in a visually engaging manner.
Kuaidi Dache
Series D in 2015
Kuaidi Group, as the most technologically integrated and largest car service company in the world, is rapidly transforming the concept of moving people – starting in China. The app combines integrated mapping and third party payment technology to make its service accessible to everybody, and provides over 1 million taxis and a variety of standard and luxury cars for all lifestyles. To ensure the service fits smoothly into urban life, Kuaidi has developed a framework is that is adaptable to other platforms in China, and works in partnership with China’s government and regulators instead of against them. In a country where only 18% of per capita car ownership, Kuaidi is clearly meeting an important need. Kuaidi’s unique business model has attracted 100m registered users in over 300 cities, fulfilling 6 million requests per day. To optimize its services and go beyond customer expectations Kuaidi has secured partnerships with Alipay, Ctrip, AutoNavi, Baidu Maps, Qunar, and Beijing’s ‘96106’ government official platform.
TalkingData
Series B in 2014
TalkingData is a Beijing-based company established in 2011, specializing in advanced data analytics for the Chinese mobile internet market. It offers a suite of big data products, including scalable data mining, deep data analytics, industry benchmarking reports, and market insights. With nearly 1.5 billion devices covered, TalkingData serves 80% of China's top app developers, helping them track metrics, analyze user data, and optimize monetization strategies. The company collaborates closely with major distribution channels and ad networks, and is expanding into cross-border cooperation with financial industries.
Wandoujia
Series B in 2014
Wandoujia is a prominent mobile entertainment search engine based in Beijing, China, that significantly influences the mobile internet landscape. Established in 2010, the platform has been installed over 350 million times, with daily new installations surpassing 800,000. Wandoujia's extensive search index encompasses over one million options across various content categories, including apps, videos, ebooks, wallpapers, music, and themes, sourced from more than 130 content providers. The company has pioneered mobile search products that enhance user discovery and consumption of content. Additionally, Wandoujia has formed successful international partnerships that facilitate the entry of foreign applications into the Chinese market, collaborating with well-known developers such as Flipboard and Evernote. The company also publishes a monthly report titled "The Mobile Search Index," which highlights trends in mobile search within China. With a dedicated team of over 250 employees, Wandoujia continues to innovate in the realm of mobile applications and distribution.
Wandoujia
Series A in 2011
Wandoujia is a prominent mobile entertainment search engine based in Beijing, China, that significantly influences the mobile internet landscape. Established in 2010, the platform has been installed over 350 million times, with daily new installations surpassing 800,000. Wandoujia's extensive search index encompasses over one million options across various content categories, including apps, videos, ebooks, wallpapers, music, and themes, sourced from more than 130 content providers. The company has pioneered mobile search products that enhance user discovery and consumption of content. Additionally, Wandoujia has formed successful international partnerships that facilitate the entry of foreign applications into the Chinese market, collaborating with well-known developers such as Flipboard and Evernote. The company also publishes a monthly report titled "The Mobile Search Index," which highlights trends in mobile search within China. With a dedicated team of over 250 employees, Wandoujia continues to innovate in the realm of mobile applications and distribution.
Alibaba Group
Series D in 2004
Alibaba Group is the largest online and mobile commerce company globally, primarily known for its extensive e-commerce platforms that connect buyers and sellers. It operates notable marketplaces in China, including Taobao, which focuses on consumer-to-consumer transactions, and Tmall, which caters to business-to-consumer interactions. The company's core business lies in its China commerce retail division, which is a significant source of cash flow. In addition to retail and wholesale transactions, Alibaba also generates revenue from various sectors, including international commerce, local consumer services, cloud computing, digital media and entertainment, and logistics through its Cainiao network. Alibaba's diverse portfolio positions it as a key player across multiple industries, including retail, logistics, and technology.
Focus Media
Series A in 2003
Focus Media Holding Limited is a prominent digital media company based in Central, Hong Kong, specializing in out-of-home advertising through a diverse array of platforms. The company operates an extensive network of liquid crystal display (LCD) screens and other advertising formats strategically located in high-traffic areas, including malls, hotels, and residential buildings. Its offerings encompass video media in commercial buildings, digital displays in stores, advertising in elevators, and large outdoor LED screens, as well as traditional billboards and cinema advertising. With a significant presence across approximately 112 cities in China, Focus Media has established a vast network that includes over 172,000 digital displays, more than 505,000 traditional poster frames, and extensive cinema partnerships. The company is known for its innovative business models and targeted audience segmentation, making it a key player in the media advertising industry.
Alibaba Group
Private Equity Round in 2000
Alibaba Group is the largest online and mobile commerce company globally, primarily known for its extensive e-commerce platforms that connect buyers and sellers. It operates notable marketplaces in China, including Taobao, which focuses on consumer-to-consumer transactions, and Tmall, which caters to business-to-consumer interactions. The company's core business lies in its China commerce retail division, which is a significant source of cash flow. In addition to retail and wholesale transactions, Alibaba also generates revenue from various sectors, including international commerce, local consumer services, cloud computing, digital media and entertainment, and logistics through its Cainiao network. Alibaba's diverse portfolio positions it as a key player across multiple industries, including retail, logistics, and technology.
ChinaWeb
Venture Round in 2000
ChinaWeb Ltd. is China's largest online provider of bilingual financial news and services.
Alibaba Group
Venture Round in 2000
Alibaba Group is the largest online and mobile commerce company globally, primarily known for its extensive e-commerce platforms that connect buyers and sellers. It operates notable marketplaces in China, including Taobao, which focuses on consumer-to-consumer transactions, and Tmall, which caters to business-to-consumer interactions. The company's core business lies in its China commerce retail division, which is a significant source of cash flow. In addition to retail and wholesale transactions, Alibaba also generates revenue from various sectors, including international commerce, local consumer services, cloud computing, digital media and entertainment, and logistics through its Cainiao network. Alibaba's diverse portfolio positions it as a key player across multiple industries, including retail, logistics, and technology.
NetEase
Series A in 1999
NetEase, Inc., established in 1997, is a prominent Chinese Internet technology company headquartered in Hangzhou. It specializes in providing online services focused on content, community, communication, and commerce. NetEase operates in three primary segments: Online Games Services, Youdao (an AI-driven knowledge platform), and Innovative Businesses and Others. The company develops and operates popular PC-client and mobile games, both self-developed and licensed from global leaders like Blizzard Entertainment. Additionally, it offers a range of services including online music streaming (NetEase Cloud Music), e-commerce (Yanxuan), live streaming (CC Live Streaming), email service (NetEase Mail), and enterprise solutions such as Youdao Smart Cloud. NetEase also provides online courses and interactive learning apps through its education platform. As of 2021, the company has over 700 million registered users across its services.
SINA Corporation
Series C in 1999
SINA is an online media company based in the People's Republic of China, serving both domestic and global Chinese communities. It operates a network of localized websites, with its primary platforms being SINA.com for news and content, Weibo.com for microblogging, and SINA Mobile for mobile value-added services. The company offers a diverse range of services, including online portals, microblogging, video and music streaming, photo sharing, online gaming, email, search, classified listings, and e-commerce. SINA primarily generates revenue through online advertising and mobile services, supplemented by fee-based offerings. It aims to be a leading media platform for information retrieval, opinion sharing, and social networking, while also assisting businesses in marketing their products. The company's targeted content across its various websites is designed to enhance user engagement and expand its audience within the Chinese online community.
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