’s once-heralded unit posted a $1.7 billion loss for the most recent quarter ended in September, in part due to the writing down of its stake in now-bankrupt .
The loss comes after the investing giant posted its first gain in six quarters in August.
Softbank Group as a whole poised a loss of about $6.2 billion.
Shifting strategies
About four months ago, an emotional told investors that SoftBank, the multinational investment holding behemoth he leads, would again shift from “defense mode” as it looks to be a leader in AI and robotics.
While SoftBank has seemingly made a shift to “offense mode,” its famed Vision Fund — known for its investment in startups including and — has been relatively quiet.
Late last month it was reported SoftBank itself was looking at leading a $75 million to $100 million round for Norway-based robotics startup at a $375 million pre-investment valuation.
Before that, SoftBank is considering investing in creator or one of its competitors.
Also in September, SoftBank Group is backing Pittsburgh-based autonomous trucking startup with more than $1 billion.
SoftBank and its affiliates also recently led a $280 million funding round for San Francisco-based location-mapping startup , which is incorporating AI to push automated driving and safety.
There have been Masayoshi Son — armed with cash from U.K. chip designer ’ IPO — has moved to a different investment project from the Vision Fund codenamed “Project R,” which is looking for deals in warehouse automation, AI and robotics companies.
Related reading:
- SoftBank May Slowly Be Starting To Play ‘Offense’ In AI Arms Race After Son’s Promise
- SoftBank Looking At Leading A $75M To $100M Investment In 1X Technologies — Report
Illustration:
Search less. Close more.
Grow your revenue with all-in-one prospecting solutions powered by the leader in private-company data.
Stay up to date with recent funding rounds, acquisitions, and more with the Crunchbase Daily.


67.1K Followers