SoftBank Group

One of the world's largest technology-focused investment conglomerates, with indirect but significant influence across the global AdTech and digital media landscape through portfolio companies.

SoftBank Group Corp. is a Tokyo-based multinational conglomerate holding company founded by Masayoshi Son in 1981. Originally a software distributor, SoftBank has evolved into one of the most influential technology investment vehicles in the world, operating through its flagship SoftBank Vision Fund 1 and Vision Fund 2, which together represent over $150 billion in committed capital. Its portfolio spans artificial intelligence, robotics, e-commerce, ride-sharing, fintech, and digital advertising technology. In the AdTech and digital media ecosystem, SoftBank has been a significant force through strategic investments and ownership stakes in companies such as The Trade Desk (early investor), Snap Inc., Uber (which has advertising operations), and numerous other platforms with advertising components. SoftBank also owns ARM Holdings, whose chip architecture underpins mobile devices that are central to mobile advertising. Its subsidiary SoftBank Corp. in Japan operates one of the country's largest mobile carriers, giving it direct access to valuable first-party consumer data and mobile advertising inventory. SoftBank's market position is that of a mega-fund and strategic holding company rather than a direct AdTech operator, but its capital deployment has shaped the competitive landscape of digital advertising globally. The Vision Funds have backed companies that collectively reach billions of consumers, making SoftBank an indirect but enormously influential participant in the AdTech ecosystem. The company is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and continues to actively manage and rebalance its technology portfolio.

• 1981Founded