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Company Directory - SoftBank Vision Fund

Company Details - SoftBank Vision Fund

SoftBank Vision Fund Logo

SoftBank Vision Fund

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SoftBank's Vision Fund is a technology-focused venture capital fund that invests in technology and finance sectors globally.

CCI Score

CCI Score: SoftBank Vision Fund

-36.80

Latest Event

SoftBank Vision Fund Tied to Authoritarian Capital

The report details how significant Saudi capital—with links to authoritarian governance, opaque decision‐making, and human rights abuses—is being funneled into global startup investments via arrangements associated with the SoftBank Vision Fund. This connection raises serious concerns about the ethical and political implications of such funding.

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TOADIE

SoftBank Vision Fund is currently rated as a Toadie.

-30 to -44 CCI Score
Companies scoring in this range actively seek to please authoritarian regimes. They offer proactive support and assistance in exchange for preferential treatment, compromising ethical standards for business gains and political favor.

Latest Events

  • SoftBank Vision Fund Tied to Authoritarian Capital Logo
    NOV
    20
    2024

    The report details how significant Saudi capital—with links to authoritarian governance, opaque decision‐making, and human rights abuses—is being funneled into global startup investments via arrangements associated with the SoftBank Vision Fund. This connection raises serious concerns about the ethical and political implications of such funding.

  • -60

    Public and Political Behavior

    June 18

    SoftBank Vision Fund is implicated in receiving Saudi state capital from sources linked to bypassing governance norms and upholding repressive policies. By channeling funds from a sovereign wealth fund known for authoritarian practices and human rights abuses, the fund inadvertently supports a regime that undermines democratic accountability.

    The Man Who Bought The World: Rights Abuses Linked to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund

  • -40

    Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

    June 18

    The involvement of the SoftBank Vision Fund in deals that channel Saudi capital—known for its repressive, opaque, and unethical practices—casts doubts on its commitment to ethical business practices and accountability. This association with a fund used by an authoritarian regime raises concerns over its business ethics.

    The Man Who Bought The World: Rights Abuses Linked to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund

  • Mass Layoffs at SoftBank Vision Fund Logo
    JUN
    13
    2023

    SoftBank's Vision Fund is preparing a new round of layoffs that could cut up to 30% of its 349-strong workforce amid heavy losses. This move adds to previous job cuts and raises concerns over the company’s commitment to worker rights and ethical labor practices.

  • -70

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    June 18

    The planned layoffs, affecting up to 30% of the workforce, highlight a troubling disregard for labor rights and worker security. Mass job cuts, especially when repeated, undermine fair labor practices and contribute to weakening worker protections.

    SoftBank lays off up to 30% of Vision Fund staff amid heavy losses

  • SoftBank Vision Fund Amplifies Lobbying Efforts on Capitol Hill Logo
    MAR
    12
    2020

    The company has substantially ramped up its lobbying activities in Washington, D.C. as it aligns its political efforts with the interests of its portfolio companies. The report notes an increase in its lobbying budget, a growing government affairs team, and active participation in crucial regulatory processes, such as facilitating the Sprint sale to T-Mobile.

  • -70

    Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

    June 18

    SoftBank Vision Fund's intensified lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. demonstrate a strategic use of political influence to secure favorable outcomes for its investments. This kind of political engagement, aimed at swaying regulatory decisions and protecting corporate interests, can undermine democratic processes and contribute to the concentration of corporate power, reflecting an anti-democratic corporate behavior.

    SoftBank Amplifies Capitol Hill Lobbying Efforts

  • SoftBank Vision Fund Expands Lobbying Operations in the US Logo
    JUN
    15
    2019

    SoftBank Group has increased its political influence by registering four lobbyists in Washington to support its $100 billion Vision Fund, aimed at investing in emerging U.S. tech sectors such as autonomous driving and fintech. The move includes hiring seasoned political operatives, including a former national security adviser and a legislative affairs director, reflecting a strategic effort to influence policy in favor of its interests.

  • -40

    Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

    June 18

    The registration of four lobbyists by SoftBank Vision Fund indicates a deliberate effort to shape policy outcomes that benefit its massive tech investments. This political maneuver, aimed at bolstering corporate interests in policymaking, contributes to a problematic imbalance of power in democratic processes, which is a strong indicator of authoritarian alignment.

    SoftBank beefs up US lobbying power to support Vision Fund bets

  • SoftBank Vision Fund’s Founding Amidst Ties to Authoritarian Regime Logo
    JAN
    01
    2016

    In 2016, SoftBank Group and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) established the SoftBank Vision Fund with an intent to invest up to $45 billion in the tech sector. The collaboration raised concerns due to the PIF's documented links to human rights abuses and authoritarian practices, potentially implicating the fund in reputational and ethical risks.

  • -40

    Public and Political Behavior

    June 18

    The establishment of the SoftBank Vision Fund in partnership with the Saudi-controlled PIF—a fund implicated in human rights abuses (e.g., connection with the murder of Jamal Khashoggi) and authoritarian practices—raises red flags from a public and political behavior perspective. This association can be seen as complicity with authoritarian regimes, posing risks to ethical business practices and transparency.

    Public Investment Fund

Industries

523910
Miscellaneous Intermediation
523999
Miscellaneous Financial Investment Activities
523920
Portfolio Management
523100
Securities and Commodity Contracts Intermediation and Brokerage