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

Jonathan Bullock

COO and Managing Director

John Cassidy

Investment Director, Life Sciences and HealthTech

Tom Cheung

Partner, Americas

Rodrigo Costa

Partner

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

Investment Director

Chris Lee

Partner, Asia

Anna Lo

Director, Americas

Amit Lubovsky

Director, Americas

Jimi Macdonald

Director

Kentaro Matsui

Managing Partner, Asia

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

Investment Director

Tim Yap

Director, EMEA

Past deals in Washington

Helion

Series F in 2025
Helion Energy, Inc., established in 2013 and based in Redmond, Washington, specializes in designing and manufacturing power generation equipment. The company's core focus is developing fusion engines and technology, with a mission to create the world's first fusion power plant. Helion has successfully tested prototypes like Trenta and is currently advancing its Polaris project. The company's patented plasma accelerator technology enables it to design fusion generators based on magneto-inertial fusion, producing zero-carbon electricity from fusion. This clean energy solution offers low-cost, safe, and environmentally friendly power generation.

Mapbox

Series E in 2023
Mapbox Inc. operates a robust mapping platform that creates and publishes custom maps for mobile and web applications. Founded in 2010 and based in Washington, D.C., the company provides essential infrastructure for businesses across various industries, including logistics, real estate, insurance, and transportation. Mapbox offers a suite of products, including APIs for directions and geocoding, mobile SDKs, and advanced data services that enable enterprises to analyze data, visualize properties, and enhance navigation. With over 4 million registered developers and a significant share of Fortune 500 companies utilizing its services, Mapbox stands out for its flexibility, security, and compliance with privacy standards. The platform is designed to empower location-aware applications, offering tools that support real-time map updates, routing engines, and traffic-aware travel times, thereby facilitating engaging navigation experiences across diverse sectors.

Weee!

Series E in 2022
Weee!, Inc. is an online grocery delivery platform based in Fremont, California, that specializes in providing a wide range of products tailored for Asian and Hispanic families. Founded in 2015, the company offers an extensive selection of groceries, including fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, snacks, beauty products, and daily necessities. Weee! serves various metropolitan areas, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, New York City, and New Jersey. The platform focuses on delivering authentic gourmet delicacies from Asia and ensures a farm-to-door experience by partnering with local farms and trusted brands to source quality ingredients.

fabric

Series C in 2022
Fabric is a headless commerce platform designed to enhance the digital commerce experience for merchants who find traditional hosted solutions inadequate. By providing an open and modular design, Fabric enables businesses to launch their e-commerce operations swiftly, often within a few months, without the need for extensive replatforming. This approach allows retailers to leverage their existing technological investments effectively, resulting in potential digital revenue growth of up to three times. With a mission to simplify and democratize access to advanced digital commerce tools, Fabric serves a range of clients, including well-known brands like BuildDirect and GNC. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Fabric operates globally and is supported by a diverse group of investors, ensuring its capacity to innovate and expand in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

Variant Bio

Series B in 2021
Variant Bio Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on developing therapeutics through the study of human genetic diversity. Founded in 2018, the company identifies individuals and populations that exhibit extreme traits of medical significance, utilizing advanced sequencing technologies and analytic methods to uncover the genes and pathways associated with these traits. By leveraging insights from genetic research, Variant Bio aims to discover new therapeutic targets for conditions such as neurodegenerative, autoimmune, and cardiometabolic diseases. The company's innovative approach combines statistical genetics and machine learning, enhancing the potential for genomic drug discovery to address unmet medical needs.

Icertis

Secondary Market in 2021
Icertis is a cloud-based enterprise contract management platform that addresses complex contract management challenges through an intuitive interface. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, Icertis utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze and structure various types of contracts, helping organizations streamline their processes. The platform enhances contract velocity, ensures compliance with regulatory and policy requirements, and optimizes commercial relationships by maximizing revenue and minimizing costs. By providing detailed risk reports and automating the management of obligations, Icertis enables clients to improve governance, mitigate risks, and boost overall productivity.

Getaround

Series E in 2020
Getaround, Inc. is an online marketplace specializing in peer-to-peer car sharing and local car rentals. Founded in 2009 and based in San Francisco, California, Getaround allows users to rent vehicles on-demand, ranging from economy cars to luxury models, by the hour or day. The platform facilitates a seamless experience through its patented Getaround Connect technology, which enables users to access cars without needing to meet the vehicle owner or handle physical keys. This innovative approach eliminates the traditional hassles of car rental, such as long lines and paperwork. Getaround operates in several major U.S. cities, including San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., providing a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to car ownership while allowing vehicle owners to earn extra income. The service also includes comprehensive insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for users.

Zymergen

Series D in 2020
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.

Grab

Series H in 2019
Grab Holdings Inc., headquartered in Singapore, operates a mobile technology platform that integrates city transportation and various on-demand services in Southeast Asia. The company, founded in 2012 by Anthony Tan and Tan Hooi Ling, offers services such as ride-hailing (GrabTaxi, GrabCar), carpooling (GrabHitch, GrabShare), shuttle services (GrabShuttle, GrabShuttle Plus), and food delivery through its GrabFood platform. Grab also provides financial services, including payments, consumer loans, and enterprise offerings. It operates in eight countries: Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Grab generates revenue by charging commissions to both consumers and service providers, with ride-hailing and food delivery contributing to 89% of its total revenue. The company competes with Foodpanda and Gojek in the region.

Zymergen

Series C in 2018
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.

Getaround

Series D in 2018
Getaround, Inc. is an online marketplace specializing in peer-to-peer car sharing and local car rentals. Founded in 2009 and based in San Francisco, California, Getaround allows users to rent vehicles on-demand, ranging from economy cars to luxury models, by the hour or day. The platform facilitates a seamless experience through its patented Getaround Connect technology, which enables users to access cars without needing to meet the vehicle owner or handle physical keys. This innovative approach eliminates the traditional hassles of car rental, such as long lines and paperwork. Getaround operates in several major U.S. cities, including San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., providing a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to car ownership while allowing vehicle owners to earn extra income. The service also includes comprehensive insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for users.

EarthNow

Seed Round in 2018
EarthNow, LLC is a satellite imaging company based in Bellevue, Washington, founded in 2017. It specializes in providing real-time and intelligent video observations of the Earth through a large constellation of advanced imaging satellites. This system ensures that at least one satellite is always positioned above most locations on the planet, enabling continuous and on-demand video streams for enterprise and government customers. EarthNow aims to offer clients an immediate, unfiltered view of various locations on Earth, enhancing user experience with machine intelligence. The company's mission includes promoting awareness of the planet's beauty and fragility, encouraging responsible stewardship of the environment.

Mapbox

Series C in 2017
Mapbox Inc. operates a robust mapping platform that creates and publishes custom maps for mobile and web applications. Founded in 2010 and based in Washington, D.C., the company provides essential infrastructure for businesses across various industries, including logistics, real estate, insurance, and transportation. Mapbox offers a suite of products, including APIs for directions and geocoding, mobile SDKs, and advanced data services that enable enterprises to analyze data, visualize properties, and enhance navigation. With over 4 million registered developers and a significant share of Fortune 500 companies utilizing its services, Mapbox stands out for its flexibility, security, and compliance with privacy standards. The platform is designed to empower location-aware applications, offering tools that support real-time map updates, routing engines, and traffic-aware travel times, thereby facilitating engaging navigation experiences across diverse sectors.

Grab

Series G in 2017
Grab Holdings Inc., headquartered in Singapore, operates a mobile technology platform that integrates city transportation and various on-demand services in Southeast Asia. The company, founded in 2012 by Anthony Tan and Tan Hooi Ling, offers services such as ride-hailing (GrabTaxi, GrabCar), carpooling (GrabHitch, GrabShare), shuttle services (GrabShuttle, GrabShuttle Plus), and food delivery through its GrabFood platform. Grab also provides financial services, including payments, consumer loans, and enterprise offerings. It operates in eight countries: Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Grab generates revenue by charging commissions to both consumers and service providers, with ride-hailing and food delivery contributing to 89% of its total revenue. The company competes with Foodpanda and Gojek in the region.

Viro Media

Seed Round in 2017
Viro Media, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in developing a software platform that empowers mobile developers to create and publish augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications. The company's platform offers a range of tools and features, including support for 360-degree photos and videos, 3D assets, and sample applications, allowing developers to write code once and deploy it across various mobile VR head-mounted displays. Viro Media's focus is on simplifying the creation of immersive VR experiences, providing extensive developer assistance and documentation to facilitate the development process.

Zymergen

Series B in 2016
Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.

Grab

Series F in 2016
Grab Holdings Inc., headquartered in Singapore, operates a mobile technology platform that integrates city transportation and various on-demand services in Southeast Asia. The company, founded in 2012 by Anthony Tan and Tan Hooi Ling, offers services such as ride-hailing (GrabTaxi, GrabCar), carpooling (GrabHitch, GrabShare), shuttle services (GrabShuttle, GrabShuttle Plus), and food delivery through its GrabFood platform. Grab also provides financial services, including payments, consumer loans, and enterprise offerings. It operates in eight countries: Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Grab generates revenue by charging commissions to both consumers and service providers, with ride-hailing and food delivery contributing to 89% of its total revenue. The company competes with Foodpanda and Gojek in the region.

FlightCar

Series B in 2015
FlightCar, Inc. is a car rental service that operates an online platform connecting car owners with travelers in need of vehicles while at the airport. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, FlightCar allows individuals who are parking their cars at airports to rent them out to other approved travelers, providing a cost-effective and convenient option for transportation. The company has expanded its services to multiple locations across the United States, including major cities such as Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle. By facilitating this peer-to-peer rental system, FlightCar aims to enhance the travel experience for both car owners and renters, promoting a collaborative community among travelers.

Grab

Series E in 2015
Grab Holdings Inc., headquartered in Singapore, operates a mobile technology platform that integrates city transportation and various on-demand services in Southeast Asia. The company, founded in 2012 by Anthony Tan and Tan Hooi Ling, offers services such as ride-hailing (GrabTaxi, GrabCar), carpooling (GrabHitch, GrabShare), shuttle services (GrabShuttle, GrabShuttle Plus), and food delivery through its GrabFood platform. Grab also provides financial services, including payments, consumer loans, and enterprise offerings. It operates in eight countries: Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Grab generates revenue by charging commissions to both consumers and service providers, with ride-hailing and food delivery contributing to 89% of its total revenue. The company competes with Foodpanda and Gojek in the region.

Banjo

Series C in 2015
Banjo, Inc. is a live intelligence platform that specializes in social discovery services, enabling users to explore social and local conversations across various social networks. This allows individuals to access relevant updates occurring in their vicinity quickly. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Park City, Utah, Banjo also operates offices in Redwood City, California; Washington, D.C.; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The company focuses on delivering critical, life-saving information rapidly, aiming to save lives and reduce human suffering. Its services are accessible through a mobile application, enhancing its reach and usability for users.

Grab

Series D in 2014
Grab Holdings Inc., headquartered in Singapore, operates a mobile technology platform that integrates city transportation and various on-demand services in Southeast Asia. The company, founded in 2012 by Anthony Tan and Tan Hooi Ling, offers services such as ride-hailing (GrabTaxi, GrabCar), carpooling (GrabHitch, GrabShare), shuttle services (GrabShuttle, GrabShuttle Plus), and food delivery through its GrabFood platform. Grab also provides financial services, including payments, consumer loans, and enterprise offerings. It operates in eight countries: Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Grab generates revenue by charging commissions to both consumers and service providers, with ride-hailing and food delivery contributing to 89% of its total revenue. The company competes with Foodpanda and Gojek in the region.

FlightCar

Series A in 2014
FlightCar, Inc. is a car rental service that operates an online platform connecting car owners with travelers in need of vehicles while at the airport. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, FlightCar allows individuals who are parking their cars at airports to rent them out to other approved travelers, providing a cost-effective and convenient option for transportation. The company has expanded its services to multiple locations across the United States, including major cities such as Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle. By facilitating this peer-to-peer rental system, FlightCar aims to enhance the travel experience for both car owners and renters, promoting a collaborative community among travelers.

FlightCar

Series A in 2013
FlightCar, Inc. is a car rental service that operates an online platform connecting car owners with travelers in need of vehicles while at the airport. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California, FlightCar allows individuals who are parking their cars at airports to rent them out to other approved travelers, providing a cost-effective and convenient option for transportation. The company has expanded its services to multiple locations across the United States, including major cities such as Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle. By facilitating this peer-to-peer rental system, FlightCar aims to enhance the travel experience for both car owners and renters, promoting a collaborative community among travelers.

Cheezburger

Venture Round in 2012
Cheezburger, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that operates a network of social humor websites, including popular platforms such as I Can Has Cheezburger, FAIL Blog, Know Your Meme, and Memebase. Founded in September 2007 by Ben Huh and Eric Nakagawa, the company specializes in providing social humor and entertainment content, allowing users to view, create, and remix memes, images, and videos. In addition to its extensive digital humor offerings, Cheezburger also provides advertising services to generate revenue. The company has published several books that compile humorous content from its platforms, further extending its brand into print media. Cheezburger operates as a subsidiary of Literally Media.

Cheezburger

Venture Round in 2011
Cheezburger, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that operates a network of social humor websites, including popular platforms such as I Can Has Cheezburger, FAIL Blog, Know Your Meme, and Memebase. Founded in September 2007 by Ben Huh and Eric Nakagawa, the company specializes in providing social humor and entertainment content, allowing users to view, create, and remix memes, images, and videos. In addition to its extensive digital humor offerings, Cheezburger also provides advertising services to generate revenue. The company has published several books that compile humorous content from its platforms, further extending its brand into print media. Cheezburger operates as a subsidiary of Literally Media.

Viathan Corporation

Venture Round in 2000
Viathan Corporation specializes in developing software infrastructure for storage environments, focusing on data management solutions. The company offers a virtual storage system that enables the aggregation of various storage devices, enhancing efficiency for businesses and e-commerce vendors. Founded in February 1999 and based in Seattle, Washington, Viathan was acquired by Dantz Development in October 2001. Its technology aims to streamline data management processes, making it a valuable asset for organizations looking to optimize their storage capabilities.

Terabeam

Series C in 2000
Terabeam is an American company that designs and manufactures free-space optical transceivers for internet access in downtown areas. Terabeam was founded in 1997 and is located in Kirkland, Washington. As of August 29, 2008, the company operates as subsidiary of Renaissance Electronics & Communications LLC.
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