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

Kristin Bannon

Investment Director, SoftBank Investment Advisers

Jonathan Bullock

COO and Managing Director

John Cassidy

Investment Director, Life Sciences and HealthTech

Tom Cheung

Partner, Americas

Serena Dayal

Partner, Americas

Angela Du

Partner, Americas

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

Partner, Americas

Chris Lee

Partner, Asia

Anna Lo

Director, Americas

Amit Lubovsky

Director, Americas

Jimi Macdonald

Director

Kentaro Matsui

Managing Partner

Ken Miyauchi

Representative Director and Senior Executive Vice President

Greg Moon

Executive Managing Partner

Karol Niewiadomski

Partner

Shu Nyatta

Managing Partner

Max Ohrstrand

Partner, EMEA

Vikas Parekh

Managing Partner, Americas

Ben Parton

Director of Deals and Transactions

Yanni Pipilis

Managing Partner

Narendra Rathi

Director, Asia

Brett Rochkind

Managing Partner

Masayoshi Son

Founder

Ram Trichur

Partner

Ervin Tu

Partner, Americas

Aaron Wong

Vice President

Kenichi Yoshida

Chief Business Officer and Executive Vice President

Linda Yu

Vice President, Vision Fund

Andrew Zloto

Partner, Americas

Tim Yap

Director, EMEA

Past deals in Autonomous Vehicles

Avatarin

Series B in 2024
Avatarin Inc. is a Tokyo-based company established in 2020 that specializes in the research, development, and deployment of advanced avatar technology. As a subsidiary of ANA Holdings Inc., Avatarin aims to enhance human capabilities through innovative mobility and human augmentation platforms. The company focuses on creating robotic avatar systems that allow individuals to transfer their consciousness, skills, and presence to remote locations, thereby expanding the potential of human interaction and mobility. Avatarin's commitment to next-generation technology positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of avatar services.

Wayve

Series C in 2024
Wayve is a technology company based in London, United Kingdom, focused on developing a fully autonomous driving system for vehicles. The company utilizes end-to-end deep learning to enable its artificial intelligence to perform complex driving tasks, allowing it to adapt to various urban environments. Wayve operates a fleet of electric vehicles that are equipped for autonomous operation and technology development. Its approach combines AI software with lean hardware and a fleet learning platform, facilitating the deployment of autonomous vehicles on public roads. This innovative methodology enables businesses to efficiently adapt autonomous driving systems to new driving domains 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.

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 is a company based in Shanghai, China, that specializes in the development and manufacturing of commercial automatic sweeping robots. Founded in 2013, the company offers a range of products designed for various applications, including commercial cleaning robots, unmanned sanitation vehicles, security robot solutions, and building distribution robots. Additionally, Gaussian Robot provides autonomous positioning navigation modules to enhance the functionality of its robotic solutions. Through its innovative approach, the company aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in commercial cleaning and service automation.

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.

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.

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

Venture Round in 2020
Didi Chuxing, founded in 2012 in Beijing, is a leading mobile transportation platform providing app-based services such as taxi hailing, private car-hailing, social ride-sharing, car rental, and enterprise solutions. With over 450 million users and daily orders reaching 25 million, Didi offers a variety of mobility options to optimize resource allocation through big data-driven algorithms. The company aims to address transportation, environmental, and employment challenges by collaborating with communities and partners. Acquiring Uber China in 2016, Didi has over 21 million drivers and car owners on its platform, generating income while offering convenient transportation solutions to users worldwide.

Brain Corp

Series D in 2020
Brain Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in San Diego, California, specializes in developing a cloud-based artificial intelligence platform for self-driving robots. Its primary product, BrainOS, is an operating system that integrates with off-the-shelf hardware and sensors, providing robots with advanced computer vision and AI capabilities to navigate complex environments. The company's technology supports various industries, including delivery, healthcare, security, and personal services, by enabling robots to operate autonomously. Additionally, Brain Corporation's solutions aid manufacturers in producing and deploying autonomous machines effectively, positioning the company as a leader in the robotics industry. With offices in Amsterdam and Tokyo, Brain Corporation continues to expand its influence in robotics and automation globally.

Goggo Network

Series A in 2019
Goggo Network is a Berlin-based company focused on manufacturing autonomous driverless cars and providing electric, shared mobility solutions through its autonomous mobility networks. The company aims to address contemporary transportation challenges, such as heavy traffic and pollution, by developing legal and engineering frameworks tailored for the European autonomous mobility industry. Goggo Network is committed to leading the driverless revolution, ensuring that all individuals have access to innovative mobility solutions that enhance urban transportation efficiency.

Fetch Robotics

Series C in 2019
Fetch Robotics, Inc. is a San Jose, California-based company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of autonomous mobile robot solutions tailored for the warehousing and intralogistics sectors. Founded in 2014, the company leverages its expertise in robotics to deliver reliable and safe collaborative autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for applications such as material handling and data collection. Fetch Robotics offers a comprehensive suite of products, including its Fetch cloud robotics platform, the VirtualConveyor for material transport, and DataSurvey for data collection. These solutions are designed to enhance productivity in commercial and industrial environments by streamlining workflows, increasing efficiency, and reducing operational costs.

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.

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

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.

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.

Fetch Robotics

Series B in 2017
Fetch Robotics, Inc. is a San Jose, California-based company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of autonomous mobile robot solutions tailored for the warehousing and intralogistics sectors. Founded in 2014, the company leverages its expertise in robotics to deliver reliable and safe collaborative autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for applications such as material handling and data collection. Fetch Robotics offers a comprehensive suite of products, including its Fetch cloud robotics platform, the VirtualConveyor for material transport, and DataSurvey for data collection. These solutions are designed to enhance productivity in commercial and industrial environments by streamlining workflows, increasing efficiency, and reducing operational costs.

Brain Corp

Series C in 2017
Brain Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in San Diego, California, specializes in developing a cloud-based artificial intelligence platform for self-driving robots. Its primary product, BrainOS, is an operating system that integrates with off-the-shelf hardware and sensors, providing robots with advanced computer vision and AI capabilities to navigate complex environments. The company's technology supports various industries, including delivery, healthcare, security, and personal services, by enabling robots to operate autonomously. Additionally, Brain Corporation's solutions aid manufacturers in producing and deploying autonomous machines effectively, positioning the company as a leader in the robotics industry. With offices in Amsterdam and Tokyo, Brain Corporation continues to expand its influence in robotics and automation globally.

Nauto

Series B in 2017
Nauto, Inc. is an artificial intelligence technology company based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in software solutions for autonomous and commercial vehicles. Founded in 2015, Nauto develops an intelligent driver safety system that utilizes an after-market dual-camera device to collect and analyze visual data in real-time, aiming to reduce distracted driving and prevent collisions. This system includes features such as GPS, wireless connectivity, and night vision support, allowing fleet managers to monitor driver performance and vehicle safety effectively. Nauto also offers VERA (Vision Enhanced Risk Assessment), a scoring system that rates the frequency and severity of distracted driving incidents. The company collaborates with strategic partners including Allianz Insurance, Toyota, and BMW, and has expanded its presence with subsidiary locations in Dublin, Ireland, and Tokyo, Japan. Through its innovative technology, Nauto enhances safety and productivity for fleets while contributing to the advancement of self-driving technology.

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. is a Tokyo-based company founded in 2016, specializing in consulting services related to autonomous driving technology for passenger and logistics sectors. As a subsidiary of SoftBank Corp., SB Drive is focused on developing autonomous vehicle solutions aimed at enhancing public transportation, particularly in rural areas. The company has conducted social trials and testing of fixed-route public buses and freight trucks utilizing its autonomous driving technology. Additionally, SB Drive has established partnerships with four municipalities in Japan to facilitate the implementation and testing of its services. The company is preparing to conduct public road tests with the goal of launching a commercial service.

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 that specializes in the development and manufacturing of autonomous mobile robot solutions tailored for the warehousing and intralogistics sectors. Founded in 2014, the company leverages its expertise in robotics to deliver reliable and safe collaborative autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for applications such as material handling and data collection. Fetch Robotics offers a comprehensive suite of products, including its Fetch cloud robotics platform, the VirtualConveyor for material transport, and DataSurvey for data collection. These solutions are designed to enhance productivity in commercial and industrial environments by streamlining workflows, increasing efficiency, and reducing operational costs.

Aldebaran Robotics

Acquisition in 2012
Aldebaran Robotics, established in 2005 and headquartered in Paris, France, specializes in the design, manufacture, and sale of autonomous humanoid robots. Their product portfolio includes NAO, a 58-cm tall companion robot capable of moving, recognizing, hearing, and speaking to humans; Pepper, a social robot that engages in conversation, recognizes individuals, responds to emotions, and navigates autonomously; and Romeo, a 140-cm humanoid robot designed for research into assistance for the elderly and those with mobility challenges, featuring advanced capabilities such as door opening, stair climbing, and object manipulation. The company's robots are employed in entertainment, reception, assistance, home care, and autism therapy applications.
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