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SoftBank Group

Japanese multinational investment holding company

SoftBank Group is a Japanese investment holding company focusing on technology. It manages the world's largest technology-focused venture capital fund. Known for its founder Masayoshi Son, it invests in various industries including robotics, AI, e-commerce, and telecommunications. SoftBank Corporation, its affiliate, is a major wireless carrier in Japan. Despite some poor investment decisions, SoftBank was ranked as one of the largest public companies globally.

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Timeline

1990-07
Nihon SoftBank changed its name to SoftBank Corp.
In July 1990, Nihon SoftBank rebranded itself as SoftBank Corp. as part of its global expansion strategy. This marked a significant milestone in the company's journey towards becoming a global entity.
1994-07
SoftBank Corp. Acquires Computer Trade Show Operator and Publisher in the U.S.
In July 1994, following the launch of OTC trading, SoftBank Corp. (now known as SoftBank Group Corp.) acquired a computer trade show operator and a publisher in the United States.
1995-09
Acquisition of Ziff Davis publishing
In September 1995, SoftBank agreed to purchase US-based Ziff Davis publishing for $2.1 billion, expanding its presence in the publishing industry.
2001-09
Launch of Yahoo! BB by SoftBank
In September 2001, SoftBank launched Yahoo! BB, a broadband commercial service using ADSL in Japan to provide cheaper and faster access to the Internet. The service, widely known as Yahoo! BB, offered double the speed and approximately half the price compared to its competitors.
2001-11
J-Phone Group affiliate of Vodafone Group Plc (UK)
In November 2001, J-Phone Group became an affiliate of Vodafone Group Plc (UK), establishing a partnership between the two telecommunications companies.
2002-04
Introduction of BB Phone in Oguchi
In April 2002, Nagoya Metallic Communications Corp. introduced the BB Phone in the town of Oguchi, Aichi Prefecture in collaboration with SoftBank Group, Yahoo Japan Corporation, and the town of Oguchi. They also promoted the Cyber Town Plan.
2004-01
Attempted extortion incident related to SoftBank BB Corp.
In January 2004, an attempted extortion incident occurred concerning customer information of SoftBank BB Corp.
2004-07
Number of Subscribers to Yahoo! BB Exceeds Four Million
By July 2004, the number of subscribers to Yahoo! BB had surpassed four million, indicating a significant growth in the user base.
2004-09
Launch of BB Soft Software Distribution Service
September 2004 marked the commencement of BB Soft, a paid streaming-based software distribution service introduced by SoftBank.
2004-12
Acquisition of JAPAN TELECOM CO., LTD.
In December 2004, SoftBank acquired 100% ownership of JAPAN TELECOM CO., LTD., which later became known as SoftBank Corp.
2005-01-01
Acquisition of Fukuoka Daiei HAWKS
After completing the transactions, Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS was established, marking SoftBank's entry into professional baseball. This move significantly boosted SoftBank's corporate reputation and brand recognition.
2007-03
Merger of BB TECHNOLOGY Corp. and SoftBank BB Corp.
In March 2007, BB TECHNOLOGY Corp. and SoftBank BB Corp. merged, leading to a reorganization of their broadband business. The newly merged entity was named SoftBank BB Corp.
2007-07
Gold Prize of Contact Center Awards 2007
In July 2007, SoftBank was honored with the Gold Prize at the Contact Center Awards 2007 for their exceptional work improvement efforts at contact centers, particularly call centers.
2008-07-11
Release of iPhone 3G by SoftBank Mobile Corp.
SoftBank Mobile Corp. released the iPhone 3G in Japan on July 11, 2008, becoming the exclusive provider of the device. This event led to long queues of people in front of SoftBank shops throughout Japan.
2009-01
20 million SoftBank mobile phone subscriptions milestone
By January 2009, the cumulative number of SoftBank mobile phone subscriptions had surpassed 20 million, reflecting the company's growing customer base.
2009-04
Unification of SoftBank Service Brand Logo
In April 2009, SoftBank Mobile Corp., SoftBank BB Corp., and SoftBank Telecom Corp. unified their service brand logo.
2011-10
SoftBank Group's Vision for the Next 30 Years
In October 2011, SoftBank Group unveiled its vision for the next 30 years, reconfirming its aim to become the most needed company globally.
2015-04-01
Merger of SoftBank BB Corp., SoftBank Telecom Corp., and Ymobile Corporation
SoftBank BB Corp., SoftBank Telecom Corp., and Ymobile Corporation merged to form SoftBank Mobile Corp. on April 1, 2015.
2015-07-01
Renaming of SoftBank Mobile Corp. to SoftBank Corp.
On July 1, 2015, SoftBank Mobile Corp. was rebranded as SoftBank Corp. This name change marked a significant shift in the company's identity and branding strategy.
2016-09-05
Arm Acquisition
SoftBank acquired Arm Holdings in 2016, a British semiconductor and software design company.
2017-01-30
SoftBank Group considers investment in WeWork
On January 30, 2017, the Wall Street Journal reported that SoftBank Group was contemplating investing over $1 billion in shared-office space company WeWork from its new $100 billion technology fund.
2017-02-14
SoftBank agrees to buy Fortress Investment Group LLC
On February 14, 2017, SoftBank Group announced a deal to acquire Fortress Investment Group LLC for $3.3 billion.
2017-03-20
SoftBank acquires $300m stake in WeWork
On March 20, 2017, SoftBank purchased a $300 million stake in WeWork.
2017-03-28
SoftBank approaches Didi Chuxing for investment
On March 28, 2017, SoftBank Group Corporation discussed investing $6 billion in Didi Chuxing to aid in self-driving car technologies.
2017-05-18
SoftBank invests in Paytm
On May 18, 2017, SoftBank completed its largest investment in India by investing $1.4 billion in Paytm.
2017-05-27
SoftBank and PIF create Softbank Vision Fund
On May 27, 2017, SoftBank and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia formed the Softbank Vision Fund, the world's largest private equity fund with a capital of $93 billion.
2017-08-10
SoftBank invests in Flipkart
On August 10, 2017, SoftBank injected $2.5 billion into Flipkart.
2017-08-25
SoftBank invests in WeWork
On August 25, 2017, SoftBank finalized a $4.4 billion investment in WeWork.
2017-10-24
SoftBank collaborates with Saudi Arabia for Neom project
On October 24, 2017, SoftBank announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia to develop Neom, a high-tech business and industrial city.
2017-11-14
SoftBank invests in Uber
On November 14, 2017, SoftBank agreed to invest $10 billion in Uber.
2017-12-29
SoftBank-led consortium invests in Uber
On December 29, 2017, a SoftBank-led consortium invested $9 billion in Uber, making SoftBank the largest shareholder with a 15 percent stake.
2018-01-14
SoftBank's Vision Fund invests in Auto1
On January 14, 2018, SoftBank's Vision Fund announced a $560 million investment in the German used-car sales portal Auto1.
2018-03-01
SoftBank's Vision Fund invests in DoorDash
On March 1, 2018, SoftBank's Vision Fund led a $535 million investment in DoorDash.
2018-09-27
SoftBank invests in Opendoor
On September 27, 2018, SoftBank announced a $400 million investment in Home-Selling Startup Opendoor.
2021-05-28
Warning regarding Investment Solicitation by Companies Illegally Using SoftBank Names
A warning was issued regarding companies falsely using the name of SoftBank to solicit investments and other services. This could potentially deceive investors and lead to financial losses.
2023-08-21
Arm files for IPO on Nasdaq
On 21 August 2023, SoftBank Group's Arm initiated the process for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq stock exchange, marking a significant milestone in its corporate journey.
2023-09-14
Arm goes public raising $4.87 billion
On 14 September 2023, Arm successfully went public, raising $4.87 billion at a valuation of $54.5 billion, with SoftBank retaining a majority ownership stake in the company.
2023-10-01
Z Holdings Corporation Reorganization and Name Change
Z Holdings Corporation completed an intra-group reorganization involving LINE Corporation and Yahoo Japan Corporation, changing its trade name to LY Corporation.
2024-02-08
Earnings Investor Briefing for Q3 FY2023
On February 8, 2024, an Earnings Investor Briefing for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2023 was held, where presentation materials were shared.
2024-04-01
Notices Corporate
Corporate notices issued on April 1, 2024.
2024-04-03
Live Webcasts - Earnings Results Briefing for FY2023
Live webcasts presenting the earnings results briefing for the fiscal year 2023.
End of the Timeline
SoftBank Group

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