SoftBank Group

One of the world's largest technology investors with unparalleled capital deployment in AI, AdTech, and digital media through its Vision Funds

SoftBank Group Corp. is a Tokyo-based multinational conglomerate founded by Masayoshi Son in 1981, best known today as one of the world's most influential technology investment vehicles. Through its SoftBank Vision Fund 1 and Vision Fund 2, the company has deployed over $140 billion into technology companies spanning artificial intelligence, e-commerce, ride-hailing, fintech, and digital advertising. Its portfolio includes or has included major AdTech and digital media players such as The Trade Desk (early backer), Verizon Media (Yahoo), and numerous AI-driven marketing platforms, making it a significant force in shaping the global AdTech landscape. In the AdTech and digital media ecosystem, SoftBank's influence is felt through its massive bets on data-driven advertising infrastructure, programmatic platforms, and AI-powered marketing technology. Portfolio companies have spanned demand-side platforms, content monetization, and consumer data analytics. SoftBank also owns SoftBank Corp., the Japanese telecommunications operator, which itself operates digital advertising and media businesses in Japan, further deepening its footprint in the advertising technology space. SoftBank Group is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has faced periods of significant volatility tied to the performance of its Vision Fund investments. Despite high-profile write-downs on companies like WeWork, SoftBank remains a dominant force in global tech investment, with a stated long-term focus on the AI revolution. Its scale, global network, and capital deployment capacity give it unmatched leverage to influence emerging AdTech and AI-driven marketing technology companies worldwide.