
SoftBank was founded in 1981 by Masayoshi Son as a software distributor. Over the years, it diversified its operations and expanded into various sectors, including telecommunications and internet services. The company made significant investments in technology firms, including Alibaba Group, and has played a crucial role in shaping the telecommunications landscape in Japan and beyond. SoftBank's Vision Fund, launched in 2017, became one of the largest technology investment funds in the world.