SoftBank Group

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.

Karim Abouzahr

Director, SoftBank Europe Ventures

Praveen Akkiraju

Managing Partner, Americas, Asia

Kristin Bannon

Investment Director, SoftBank Investment Advisers

Lee Bocker

COO

Jonathan Bullock

COO and Managing Director

John Cassidy

Investment Director, Life Sciences and HealthTech

Tom Cheung

Partner, Americas

Rodrigo Costa

Partner

Serena Dayal

Investment Director

Angela Du

Investor

Colin Fan

Managing Partner, SoftBank Investment Advisers

Ted Fike

Director, Americas

Ronald Fisher

Vice Chairman

Navneet Govil

Managing Partner, CFO

Ayush Jain

Investment Vice President

Lydia Jett

Partner

Sumer Juneja

Managing Partner and Head of EMEA and India Investing

Robert Kaplan

Investment Director

Nagraj Kashyap

Managing Partner

Matt Krna

Principal

Chris Lee

Partner, Asia

Anna Lo

Director, Americas

Amit Lubovsky

Investor

Jimi Macdonald

Director

Kentaro Matsui

Managing Partner, Asia

Ken Miyauchi

Representative Director and Senior Executive Vice President

Greg Moon

Associate

Akshay Naheta

Partner, EMEA

Gowri Narayanan

Partner, FinTech

Karol Niewiadomski

Partner

Shu Nyatta

Managing Partner

Max Ohrstrand

Partner, EMEA

Vikas Parekh

Managing Partner, Americas

Ben Parton

Director of Deals and Transactions

Paulo Passoni

Managing Investment Partner

Yanni Pipilis

Managing Partner

Narendra Rathi

Director, Asia

Brett Rochkind

Managing Partner

Saleh Romeih

Managing Partner, Investment Committee Member, SBIA, EMEA

Ram Trichur

Partner

Ervin Tu

Partner, Americas

Munish Varma

Partner, EMEA, Asia

Aaron Wong

Vice President

Kenichi Yoshida

Chief Business Officer and Executive Vice President

Linda Yu

Vice President, Vision Fund

Andrew Zloto

Investment Director

Tim Yap

Director, EMEA

Past deals in Autonomous Vehicles

Avatarin

Series B in 2024
Avatarin Inc., founded in 2020 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializes in the research, development, and deployment of avatar services. As a subsidiary of ANA Holdings Inc., the company focuses on creating next-generation mobility and human augmentation platforms. Avatarin's technology aims to expand human potential by enabling individuals to transport their consciousness, skills, and presence to remote locations through advanced robotic avatar systems. This innovative approach seeks to enhance human capabilities and redefine interaction in various settings.

Wayve

Series C in 2024
Wayve is a company focused on developing a fully autonomous driving system for vehicles, utilizing end-to-end deep learning technology. This approach enables the creation of artificial intelligence capable of navigating complex driving scenarios across various urban environments. The company operates a fleet of electric vehicles equipped for autonomous operation, which facilitates technology development and real-world testing. Headquartered in London, Wayve aims to provide a scalable solution for autonomous driving that can adapt quickly and safely to new driving conditions globally.

Stack AV

Venture Round in 2023
Stack AV is a transportation technology company that designs and manufactures autonomous truck systems. Leveraging advanced AI, robotics, machine learning, and cloud technologies, Stack AV develops innovative solutions to enhance safety and efficiency in the trucking industry.

Qraft

Series C in 2022
Qraft Technologies Inc., established in 2016 and headquartered in Seoul, specializes in designing and developing AI-based solutions for the asset management, trading, and insurance sectors. The company's team comprises data scientists, engineers, and investment experts who collaborate to create AI-driven investment solutions. Qraft's platform aims to enhance investment efficiency by reducing costs, maximizing productivity, and offering customizable solutions for various applications, such as autonomous driving and insurance underwriting.

Youibot

Series B in 2021
Youibot Robotics Co., Ltd. is a Chinese company focused on the research, development, and manufacturing of autonomous mobile robots. The firm has independently developed a cutting-edge robot platform that utilizes advanced laser radar and visual real-time SLAM technology for navigation and mapping. Youibot's innovative systems are designed for both indoor and outdoor applications, offering competitive solutions for various industries. Their product line includes autonomous robots equipped with a standalone control system and a cluster collaboration platform, enabling efficient and automated operations for clients.

Robotic Research

Series A in 2021
Robotic Research, LLC, is a small engineering firm founded by Alberto Lacaze and Karl Murphy in 2002. Both worked together in the Intelligent Systems Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Gaithersburg, MD) when they decided to make the move (across the street as it turned out) to pursue focused interest in unmanned vehicles.

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.

Nuro

Series D in 2021
Nuro, Inc. is a technology company based in Mountain View, California, that specializes in the development of self-driving vehicles specifically designed for local goods transportation. Incorporated in 2016, Nuro aims to transform local commerce through its fleet of fully autonomous, electric vehicles that facilitate the delivery of a wide range of products, including food and pharmaceuticals. By enabling retailers to efficiently and safely deliver goods to customers, Nuro enhances the convenience of local commerce and meets the growing demand for autonomous delivery solutions.

Nuro

Series C in 2020
Nuro, Inc. is a technology company based in Mountain View, California, that specializes in the development of self-driving vehicles specifically designed for local goods transportation. Incorporated in 2016, Nuro aims to transform local commerce through its fleet of fully autonomous, electric vehicles that facilitate the delivery of a wide range of products, including food and pharmaceuticals. By enabling retailers to efficiently and safely deliver goods to customers, Nuro enhances the convenience of local commerce and meets the growing demand for autonomous delivery solutions.

Didi Autonomous Driving

Venture Round in 2020
Didi Autonomous Driving offers autonomous driving research, development, product application, and technologies for automotive industry.

Didi Woya

Venture Round in 2020
Didi Woya is a pioneering startup focused on creating autonomous vehicles for rideshares. Their goal is to revolutionize transportation services by providing efficient, affordable, and comfortable rides with rapid response times and budget-friendly fares. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning, the Internet of Things, and comprehensive 360-degree monitoring, DiDi Woya is dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions in the field.

Goggo Network

Series A in 2019
Goggo Network is a Berlin-based company focused on developing autonomous driverless cars and creating autonomous mobility networks. The company aims to address contemporary transportation challenges, such as heavy traffic and pollution, by providing autonomous, electric, and shared mobility solutions. Goggo Network also works on establishing the legal and engineering frameworks necessary for the European autonomous mobility industry, facilitating the integration of these technologies into existing infrastructures. Through its initiatives, Goggo Network seeks to lead the shift towards driverless transportation, fostering a more efficient and sustainable mobility ecosystem for all.

Fetch Robotics

Series C in 2019
Fetch Robotics, Inc. is a San Jose, California-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in developing and manufacturing autonomous mobile robot solutions for the warehousing and intralogistics sectors. The company focuses on creating collaborative autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that enhance material handling and data collection processes. Its offerings include the Fetch cloud robotics platform, the VirtualConveyor system for material transport, and DataSurvey tools for data collection. Fetch Robotics integrates advanced robotics and software to tailor workflows, enabling commercial and industrial environments to improve warehouse productivity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Cruise

Corporate Round in 2019
Cruise is a company focused on developing advanced self-driving vehicles that aim to enhance road safety and transform the transportation experience. By producing zero-emission vehicles at a dedicated manufacturing facility, Cruise integrates sophisticated hardware and software to navigate complex and unpredictable driving environments. The company's autonomous vehicles are designed to connect people with essential places, things, and experiences, particularly in dense urban settings, thereby restoring freedom of movement while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and transit times.

Uber

Corporate Round in 2019
Uber Technologies, Inc., established in 2009, is a global technology company that connects users with transportation and logistics services through its mobile application. It operates in over 300 cities worldwide, offering a range of services including ridesharing, food delivery, and freight transportation. Uber's core business is facilitating transportation by matching riders with drivers, providing safe, reliable, and convenient options at varying price points. Additionally, Uber Advanced Technologies Group, a subsidiary, focuses on developing self-driving car technology to enhance transportation safety and accessibility.

Nuro

Series B in 2019
Nuro, Inc. is a technology company based in Mountain View, California, that specializes in the development of self-driving vehicles specifically designed for local goods transportation. Incorporated in 2016, Nuro aims to transform local commerce through its fleet of fully autonomous, electric vehicles that facilitate the delivery of a wide range of products, including food and pharmaceuticals. By enabling retailers to efficiently and safely deliver goods to customers, Nuro enhances the convenience of local commerce and meets the growing demand for autonomous delivery solutions.

Boston Dynamics

Venture Round in 2019
Boston Dynamics, Inc. is an engineering company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializing in the design and manufacture of advanced robots and software for human simulation. Founded in 1992 as a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the company has gained recognition for its innovative robots that mimic animal movement, such as Spot, a quadruped robot, and Atlas, a humanoid robot. These robots are equipped with cutting-edge mobility, dexterity, and intelligence, allowing them to perform tasks in challenging environments, including industrial plants, construction sites, and warehouses. Boston Dynamics also develops software for human simulation, which is utilized in various training applications, including law enforcement and military operations. The company collaborates with organizations globally, providing solutions to some of the most complex challenges in automation and robotics.

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.

Cruise

Corporate Round in 2018
Cruise is a company focused on developing advanced self-driving vehicles that aim to enhance road safety and transform the transportation experience. By producing zero-emission vehicles at a dedicated manufacturing facility, Cruise integrates sophisticated hardware and software to navigate complex and unpredictable driving environments. The company's autonomous vehicles are designed to connect people with essential places, things, and experiences, particularly in dense urban settings, thereby restoring freedom of movement while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and transit times.

Uber

Venture Round in 2017
Uber Technologies, Inc., established in 2009, is a global technology company that connects users with transportation and logistics services through its mobile application. It operates in over 300 cities worldwide, offering a range of services including ridesharing, food delivery, and freight transportation. Uber's core business is facilitating transportation by matching riders with drivers, providing safe, reliable, and convenient options at varying price points. Additionally, Uber Advanced Technologies Group, a subsidiary, focuses on developing self-driving car technology to enhance transportation safety and accessibility.

Uber

Secondary Market in 2017
Uber Technologies, Inc., established in 2009, is a global technology company that connects users with transportation and logistics services through its mobile application. It operates in over 300 cities worldwide, offering a range of services including ridesharing, food delivery, and freight transportation. Uber's core business is facilitating transportation by matching riders with drivers, providing safe, reliable, and convenient options at varying price points. Additionally, Uber Advanced Technologies Group, a subsidiary, focuses on developing self-driving car technology to enhance transportation safety and accessibility.

Fetch Robotics

Series B in 2017
Fetch Robotics, Inc. is a San Jose, California-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in developing and manufacturing autonomous mobile robot solutions for the warehousing and intralogistics sectors. The company focuses on creating collaborative autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that enhance material handling and data collection processes. Its offerings include the Fetch cloud robotics platform, the VirtualConveyor system for material transport, and DataSurvey tools for data collection. Fetch Robotics integrates advanced robotics and software to tailor workflows, enabling commercial and industrial environments to improve warehouse productivity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Schaft

Acquisition in 2017
Schaft is a robotics company that evolved from the JSK Robotics Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, where significant advancements in humanoid robotics were made under the leadership of Professor Masayuki Inaba. Co-founders Junichi Urata and Yuto Nakanishi, who began their work in the lab around a decade ago, contributed to the development of various humanoid robots, including projects named Kotaro, Kojiro, Kenzo, and Kenshiro. The company specializes in creating robotic technology and hardware tailored for industrial applications, focusing on humanoid bipedal robots. These machines are designed to assist clients in safely performing tasks in hazardous environments, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Boston Dynamics

Acquisition in 2017
Boston Dynamics, Inc. is an engineering company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, specializing in the design and manufacture of advanced robots and software for human simulation. Founded in 1992 as a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the company has gained recognition for its innovative robots that mimic animal movement, such as Spot, a quadruped robot, and Atlas, a humanoid robot. These robots are equipped with cutting-edge mobility, dexterity, and intelligence, allowing them to perform tasks in challenging environments, including industrial plants, construction sites, and warehouses. Boston Dynamics also develops software for human simulation, which is utilized in various training applications, including law enforcement and military operations. The company collaborates with organizations globally, providing solutions to some of the most complex challenges in automation and robotics.

SB Drive

Series A in 2017
SB Drive Corp., founded in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a subsidiary of SoftBank Corp. The company specializes in consulting services related to the operations of autonomous driving technology, focusing on both passenger and logistics sectors. SB Drive is dedicated to developing autonomous vehicle solutions for public transportation, particularly in rural areas, and has conducted social trials utilizing fixed-route public buses and freight trucks equipped with this technology. The company has established partnerships with four municipalities in Japan and aims to conduct public road tests in the near future, with the goal of launching a commercial service in the coming years.

Quicktron Robotics

Series B in 2017
Quicktron Robotics is an industrial automation company that focuses on providing advanced hardware, control software, and robotic system solutions tailored for warehouse and factory environments. The company specializes in intelligent driving and autonomous robotics, aiming to streamline material handling and fulfillment processes. Quicktron develops an intelligent warehouse logistics operating system that integrates artificial intelligence algorithms with AI robots to automate manual labor tasks such as selecting, transporting, and sorting goods. This innovative approach enables clients to enhance operational efficiency and optimize warehouse management, significantly reducing the burden of repetitive tasks in manufacturing centers.

Fetch Robotics

Series A in 2015
Fetch Robotics, Inc. is a San Jose, California-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in developing and manufacturing autonomous mobile robot solutions for the warehousing and intralogistics sectors. The company focuses on creating collaborative autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that enhance material handling and data collection processes. Its offerings include the Fetch cloud robotics platform, the VirtualConveyor system for material transport, and DataSurvey tools for data collection. Fetch Robotics integrates advanced robotics and software to tailor workflows, enabling commercial and industrial environments to improve warehouse productivity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Aldebaran Robotics

Acquisition in 2012
Aldebaran Robotics, founded in 2005 and based in Paris, France, specializes in the design, manufacture, and sale of autonomous humanoid robots primarily for entertainment and assistance purposes. The company's notable products include NAO, a 58-cm tall humanoid robot designed to be a friendly companion capable of movement, recognition, auditory engagement, and conversation. Another key product, Pepper, is a social robot that interacts with humans, recognizes their emotions, and operates autonomously. Additionally, Romeo, a larger humanoid robot at 140 cm, is developed for research focused on assisting the elderly and individuals with reduced autonomy, featuring functionalities such as opening doors, climbing stairs, and grasping objects. Aldebaran Robotics aims to advance the field of humanoid robotics through innovative solutions that enhance human-robot interaction and support various applications in care and therapy.
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