SoftBank Investment Advisers

SoftBank Investment Advisers is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It operates as a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp. and specializes in growth capital and late-stage investments predominantly within the technology sector. The firm focuses on a diverse array of industries, including internet-of-things, artificial intelligence, robotics, telecommunications, computational biology, fintech, and digital financial services. With a preference for global investments, particularly in the United States, SoftBank Investment Advisers typically commits a minimum of $100 million to both minority and majority stakes in private and public companies. The firm is known for offering operational expertise and leveraging a vast global network, aiming to support innovative companies that have the potential to revolutionize their respective fields. It maintains additional offices in key locations such as Tokyo, San Francisco, and Singapore.

Karim Abouzahr

Director, SoftBank Europe Ventures

Lee Bocker

COO

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, Americas, Asia

Ted Fike

Director, Americas

Ronald Fisher

Executive Vice Chairman

Eric Gan

Executive Vice President

Navneet Govil

Managing Partner, CFO

Ayush Jain

Investment Vice President

Lydia Jett

Partner

Sumer Juneja

Partner and Head of India

Robert Kaplan

Investment Director

Hiroaki Kitano

SVP

Anna Lo

Director, Americas

Amit Lubovsky

Director, Americas

Jimi Macdonald

Director

Ken Miyauchi

Representative Director and Senior Executive Vice President

Greg Moon

Managing Partner, Asia

Akshay Naheta

Partner, EMEA

Karol Niewiadomski

Partner

Shu Nyatta

Managing Partner

Max Ohrstrand

Partner, EMEA

Vikas Parekh

Partner

Yanni Pipilis

Managing Partner

Narendra Rathi

Director, Asia

Saleh Romeih

Managing Partner, Investment Committee Member, SBIA, EMEA

David Thevenon

Partner

Ram Trichur

Partner

Ervin Tu

Partner, Americas

Munish Varma

Partner, EMEA, Asia

Aaron Wong

Vice President

Andrew Zloto

Investment Director

Tim Yap

Director, EMEA

Vishal Gupta

Director

Past deals in Digital Media

Landvault

Series B in 2023
Landvault is a business focused on advancing the metaverse economy through virtual video game strategies. It combines various technologies to facilitate real estate acquisition, financial analysis, and online marketing, allowing companies to create immersive online environments. By integrating augmented reality, virtual reality, and 3D holographic avatars, Landvault enables businesses to engage users with innovative communication methods. This approach enhances the development of virtual spaces, making it easier for companies to tap into the growing demand for digital experiences.

Xmov

Series C in 2022
Xmov is a company that specializes in developing artificial reality animation solutions, focusing on virtual human and content creation tailored for enterprise users across various Metaverse applications. The company employs advanced motion capture, animation, and artificial intelligence technologies to deliver customized interactive solutions for diverse business scenarios. Additionally, Xmov creates a comprehensive infrastructure for 3D virtual content production, providing full-stack technology and product services aimed at facilitating education, employment, and the development of virtual world platforms. Their innovative approach spans multiple sectors, including entertainment, cultural tourism, e-commerce, finance, education, healthcare, and communications, establishing a multifaceted ecological development model.

Subject

Series A in 2022
Subject is an innovative online education platform focused on delivering accredited courses for middle and high school students. It aims to engage today's learners through a cinematic curriculum that incorporates immersive multimedia experiences and concise video lessons, averaging 3 to 8 minutes in length. By adapting its content to resonate with digital natives, Subject ensures that education meets the needs of students rather than the other way around. The platform is designed to support diverse learners, including Spanish-speaking students, with culturally adapted content and full translation services. Subject's courses are accredited by recognized organizations and approved by various educational authorities, enabling schools to address teacher shortages, facilitate credit recovery, and expand course offerings regardless of geographic limitations. The company is committed to empowering school districts to enhance educational outcomes and achieve their goals through a collaborative partnership.

Spotter

Series D in 2022
Spotter, Inc. is a financial services company founded in 2019 and based in Beverly Hills, California, that focuses on providing financial solutions for independent content creators on digital platforms. It offers liquidity services that grant creators upfront cash, enabling them to expand their channels while maintaining their independence. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by content creators, Spotter has deployed over $940 million to YouTube creators, facilitating reinvestment into their content and growth. The company also provides personalized AI software products and community support, aiming to empower creators in their endeavors. Spotter boasts a premium catalog of over 725,000 videos, generating more than 88 billion monthly watch-time minutes, which presents a scalable media solution for advertisers and ad agencies. The company plans to reach $1 billion in investments by 2024.

Digital Currency Group

Secondary Market in 2021
Digital Currency Group (DCG) is a corporate venture capital firm based in Stamford, Connecticut, founded in 2015. The company focuses on building and supporting businesses within the bitcoin and blockchain sectors by providing insights, networking opportunities, and access to capital. With over 150 investments across more than 30 countries, DCG primarily targets companies involved in financial technology, web3 infrastructure, decentralized finance, and related fields. In addition to its investment activities, DCG owns and operates several key entities in the digital currency ecosystem, including CoinDesk, a leading media and events platform, Genesis Trading, a prominent bitcoin brokerage firm, and Grayscale Investments, the largest asset management firm specializing in digital currencies.

Candy

Series A in 2021
Candy Digital is a rapidly growing company specializing in digital collectibles, particularly in the realm of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Launched in 2021 by notable figures including Fanatics and Gary Vaynerchuk, Candy Digital focuses on creating officially licensed sports NFTs while also expanding into art, entertainment, and music. The company aims to engage fans by offering authentic digital assets that connect them to their passions. In addition to enabling the purchase, sale, and trade of these collectibles, Candy collaborates with athletes, artists, and content creators to produce unique NFT offerings. Led by CEO Scott Lawin, Candy Digital is committed to providing secure and sustainable services within its NFT ecosystem.

Picsart

Series C in 2021
PicsArt, Inc. is a leading digital creation platform that specializes in photo and video editing applications. Its flagship app provides a comprehensive set of tools for users to edit photos, create collages, and produce animated GIFs, catering to both casual users and professional content creators. The platform includes customizable features such as filters, text options, and a community aspect that encourages collaboration among users. Additionally, PicsArt offers a drawing and coloring app for children, as well as a messaging system that allows users to share and collectively edit images. The company is headquartered in Miami, with additional offices globally, and has established a significant presence in the digital content space, supported by various notable investors. Founded in 2010, PicsArt has evolved into a platform that serves a diverse user base, from individuals to businesses, by providing advanced design capabilities through its mobile and web applications.

Jellysmack

Series C in 2021
Jellysmack is a global creator company founded in 2016 by Swann Maizil, Robin Sabban, and Michael Philippe. It specializes in supporting content creators by utilizing advanced technology and data analytics to enhance their social media presence. Jellysmack identifies promising creators and assists them in expanding their reach across multiple platforms. The company provides a comprehensive infrastructure that includes multi-platform distribution, financial backing, and data-driven strategies for content creation. This approach allows creators to optimize their time, embrace risks, and maximize their overall value in the competitive landscape of social media.

Game Jolt

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Game Jolt is a social media platform tailored for gamers and the content they produce. It serves as a user-generated marketplace for digital collectibles, facilitating connections between brands, creators, and the Gen Z gaming community. The platform allows users to share and download video games, participate in on-platform events, and engage in mini-games, thereby enhancing user interaction. Through these features, Game Jolt fosters a dynamic environment where players can connect, compete, and collaborate with friends and other gamers.

C Channel

Venture Round in 2020
C Channel is an online video media provider that focuses on delivering high-quality content tailored to women aged 20 to 34. The company offers a diverse range of lifestyle-related information, including topics such as hairstyling, food, fashion, and travel tips. By leveraging video as its primary medium, C Channel aims to engage its audience with relevant and inspiring content. Additionally, the company operates as a marketing and advertising agency, specializing in the production and management of impactful influencers to enhance its outreach and effectiveness in connecting with its target demographic.

Dely

Venture Round in 2018
Dely is running Japan's best cooking video service, Kurashiru. It strives every day to make services that impact the world. Kurashiru helps many people per day. It introduces a variety of tasty food recipes that color the dining table with cooking videos. Tens of millions of people watch and listen to the monthly recipe service in Japan.

Radish

Seed Round in 2017
Radish is a mobile fiction platform that specializes in serialized storytelling, offering readers the opportunity to engage with a diverse array of stories in manageable, bite-sized installments that cater to smartphone users. The platform hosts a wide range of genres, including romance, fantasy, young adult, paranormal, mystery, and science fiction, allowing readers to easily access thousands of serials. Radish also fosters a direct connection between readers and authors through live community chat rooms. For authors, the platform provides an avenue to publish original content, revive previously published works for a younger audience, and generate anticipation for upcoming releases. Additionally, writers can benefit from immediate payment for their work while retaining copyright, making it a flexible and lucrative option for creators in the digital storytelling landscape.

C Channel

Venture Round in 2016
C Channel is an online video media provider that focuses on delivering high-quality content tailored to women aged 20 to 34. The company offers a diverse range of lifestyle-related information, including topics such as hairstyling, food, fashion, and travel tips. By leveraging video as its primary medium, C Channel aims to engage its audience with relevant and inspiring content. Additionally, the company operates as a marketing and advertising agency, specializing in the production and management of impactful influencers to enhance its outreach and effectiveness in connecting with its target demographic.

Digital Domain

Post in 2016
Digital Domain Holdings Limited is a prominent media entertainment company specializing in visual effects and immersive technology. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Central, Hong Kong, the company operates globally, with offices in major cities including Los Angeles, London, and Beijing. Digital Domain is recognized for its pioneering work in visual effects, having contributed to acclaimed films such as "Titanic" and "Deadpool." The company offers a range of services, including augmented and virtual reality solutions, 360-degree digital capture, animation, and motion capture, catering to motion picture studios, advertisers, and gaming companies. Additionally, it develops original content and intellectual property, conducts research on virtual human technology, and provides production services for commercials and feature films. Digital Domain also engages in real estate investment and manages intellectual property licenses, further diversifying its portfolio. With a legacy of innovation, the company continues to push the boundaries of digital artistry and technology in the entertainment industry.

MicroAd

Seed Round in 2016
MicroAd carries out the ad platform and ad network businesses in the field of online advertising. In the ad platform business, they offer MicroAd BLADE, a demand-side platform (DSP), and MicroAd COMPASS, a supply-side platform (SSP). Cutting-edge display ad serving technologies such as these have become the mainstream in the United States. They provide mutually suitable solutions to both advertisers, such as optimized ad serving, and to publishers, such as the maximization of revenue.

NowThis

Series D in 2015
NowThis Media, Inc. is a digital video news outlet established in 2012 and based in New York City. The company specializes in producing short video news clips tailored for mobile devices and social media platforms, primarily targeting audiences aged 18 to 34. With a focus on engaging content, NowThis delivers daily updates through various channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, and its own applications for iOS and Android. The platform emphasizes key trends in digital consumption, such as social interaction, video format, and mobile accessibility. Co-founded by notable figures from the Huffington Post and Bedrocket Media, NowThis aims to provide original news content that resonates with young adults who increasingly rely on mobile technology and social media for news and commentary. The company is known for its partnerships with prominent digital outlets, further extending its reach and influence in the digital news landscape.

SocialFlow

Series C in 2015
SocialFlow, Inc. is a New York-based software company that specializes in social media distribution and monetization solutions tailored for publishers and media organizations. Established in 2009, SocialFlow's platform employs advanced algorithms to optimize post timing, relevance, and audience targeting. It identifies high-performing content for amplification through advertising, integrates these posts into platform-specific ad formats, and continuously analyzes audience responses to enhance engagement. The company's technology is utilized by numerous journalists and media companies, allowing them to effectively distribute compelling social content and generate new revenue streams. With a client roster that includes prominent organizations such as Condé Nast, CNN, and the BBC, SocialFlow leverages the vast reach of social networks to maximize the impact of editorial content.

The Dodo

Series B in 2015
The Dodo is a digital media company based in New York that focuses on animals, offering a blend of news, entertainment, and advocacy. It aims to create an online community for animal lovers by providing engaging stories and videos related to animal welfare and activism. Through its content, The Dodo encourages connections between people and animals, promoting care and awareness of various animal-related issues.

Super League Enterprise

Series B in 2015
Super League Enterprise hosts recreational video game league events in movie theaters. It aims to give gamers an entirely new way to enjoy the games they love. The Santa Monica-based company cut its teeth producing Minecraft events nationwide, an event series that continues to grow. Never content thinking small, Super League Gaming goes big. Its competitions take place in state-of-the-art movie theaters. All the action is played out on big screens and bolstered with thundering sound systems. In partnership with Riot Games, Super League Gaming is now readying City Champs and City Rec League of Legends events which offer players new ways to compete, learn, socialize and have fun playing their favorite games in a local league.

Beabloo

Venture Round in 2015
Beabloo is a company that specializes in marketing software designed to enhance customer engagement through digital communications. Its platform integrates digital signage, analytics, and automation, allowing businesses to create, manage, and optimize marketing strategies across various channels, including digital signage screens, websites, mobile devices, and social media. The software facilitates content creation, upload, scheduling, and centralized control while providing campaign analytics to measure effectiveness. In addition to its software capabilities, Beabloo offers support services such as hardware certification, live assistance, training, and content management. This comprehensive approach enables organizations to understand customer behavior better and deliver personalized purchasing experiences that enhance marketing impact in commercial environments.

DramaFever

Acquisition in 2014
DramaFever is a leading online platform specializing in the streaming of international television shows and movies. As a subsidiary of SoftBank Internet and Media, Inc., it offers millions of viewers access to a diverse selection of content, featuring professional subtitles and high-definition quality across various apps and devices. The service focuses on delivering an engaging viewing experience, partnering with organizations like AMC Networks to enhance its offerings. With a dedicated team of over 130 professionals, including approximately 50 engineers, DramaFever is committed to creating a user-friendly interface that caters to the preferences of its audience, enabling them to discover and enjoy popular shows and films from around the globe.

Wandoujia

Series A in 2011
Wandoujia is a prominent mobile entertainment search engine based in Beijing, China, known for its innovative contributions to the mobile internet industry. Launched in 2010, it initially offered a desktop phone manager for Android and has since developed a platform that allows users to access a vast array of content, including apps, videos, and ebooks, from over one million options. With more than 350 million installations and daily new installs exceeding 800,000, Wandoujia has established itself as a key player in the market. The company has also facilitated the entry of international applications, partnering with notable foreign developers to distribute their products in China. Additionally, it publishes a monthly report on mobile search trends in China, further solidifying its role in the industry. The team comprises over 250 employees dedicated to enhancing the mobile user experience.

Cycolor

Venture Round in 2001
Their mission is to develop new imaging technology and to be a provider of total digital imaging solutions that span the consumer, commercial and industrial imaging markets. Cycolor is branching out within market alliances to provide digital output solutions to worldwide market opportunities in the photo, internet, entertainment and tele-communications industries which require low-cost, high quality output, including portable photo-printing capablility.

KK RioPort.com

Series A in 2001
KK RioPort.com Japan operates as a music application service provider. The company delivers digital media technologies and services, and digital audio solutions. It provides e-commerce and content delivery infrastructure development for e-tailors; encoding, rights management, and hosting services to content holders; and innovative system software, firmware, and support services to Internet appliance and digital home stereo manufacturers.

Alibaba Group

Venture Round in 2000
Alibaba Group is the largest online and mobile commerce company globally, primarily known for its extensive e-commerce platforms that connect buyers and sellers. It operates notable marketplaces in China, including Taobao, which focuses on consumer-to-consumer transactions, and Tmall, which caters to business-to-consumer interactions. The company's core business lies in its China commerce retail division, which is a significant source of cash flow. In addition to retail and wholesale transactions, Alibaba also generates revenue from various sectors, including international commerce, local consumer services, cloud computing, digital media and entertainment, and logistics through its Cainiao network. Alibaba's diverse portfolio positions it as a key player across multiple industries, including retail, logistics, and technology.

Spin Media Network

Venture Round in 1999
SpinMedia provides digital advertising solutions. They also provide brands with authentic and credible connections through online content, social and mobile platforms, events, and integrated marketing programs.

SINA Corporation

Series C in 1999
SINA is an online media company and MVAS provider in the People’s Republic of China and for the global Chinese communities. With a branded network of localized websites targeting Greater China and overseas Chinese, the Company provides services mainly through SINA.com (online news and content), Weibo.com (microblog), and SINA Mobile (MVAS). Through these businesses and properties and other business lines, SINA offers an array of services including region-focused online portals, MVAS, microblog, blog, video, and music streaming, photo sharing, online games, email, search, classified listings, fee-based services, e-commerce, and enterprise e-solutions. The Company generates the majority of its revenues from online advertising and MVAS offerings and, to a lesser extent, from fee-based services. SINA offers distinct and targeted content on each of its region-specific websites and a range of complementary offerings designed to broaden its user base and increase user traffic. The Company aims to become the media platform of choice for Internet users to research and retrieve information, share opinions and build social networks and for businesses to market and promote their products and services. SINA offers a range of complementary offerings, all centered on its core online media business, that is intended to enhance the attractiveness of its portal and microblogging properties and strengthen its reach in the Chinese online community.

Zip2

Series C in 1997
Zip2 was a mobile media company that developed applications designed to facilitate engagement between business partners and their target audiences through mobile devices. The company operated the Zumobi Network, which comprised a suite of interconnected mobile media applications. This network enabled users to discover applications and content while promoting cross-network interactions and fostering viral distribution. Additionally, Zip2 provided valuable reporting metrics on user behavior and application usage, enhancing the effectiveness of mobile advertising strategies for its partners. By leveraging these capabilities, Zip2 aimed to optimize audience engagement and improve interaction rates within the mobile media landscape.
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