SOFTBANK Latin America Ventures

SoftBank Latin America Ventures, more commonly known as the SoftBank Latin America Fund, was established in March 2019 with an initial commitment of $5 billion, marking a significant strategic move by SoftBank Group to tap into the burgeoning technology market across Latin America. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, the fund was designed to accelerate digital transformation and foster innovation within the region by providing substantial growth capital to promising technology companies. This initiative underscored SoftBank's belief in the long-term potential of Latin American economies and their digital ecosystems.

The fund's investment strategy is broad yet focused on technology-driven businesses across various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, logistics, healthcare, and real estate technology. It targets growth-stage companies, typically those that have demonstrated product-market fit and are poised for rapid expansion. Geographically, the fund has a strong presence in key markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile. In September 2021, SoftBank further solidified its commitment to the region by launching a second fund, the SoftBank Latin America Fund II, with an additional $3 billion, bringing their total capital dedicated to Latin America to an impressive $8 billion.

SoftBank Latin America Fund is known for deploying significant capital, with typical first check sizes ranging from approximately $20 million up to $250 million, reflecting its focus on large-scale growth equity investments. The fund has made numerous high-profile investments in some of Latin America's most valuable startups. Notable portfolio companies include Rappi, a leading delivery super-app; Kavak, a used-car marketplace unicorn; Gympass, a corporate wellness platform; Creditas, a fintech company; and VTEX, an e-commerce platform. These investments often involve substantial capital injections aimed at fueling aggressive expansion, market consolidation, and technological development.

The fund's approach extends beyond just capital provision, often involving strategic guidance and access to SoftBank's global network. Its presence has significantly impacted the venture capital landscape in Latin America, attracting further investment and validating the region's tech potential. By backing companies with strong leadership and innovative solutions, SoftBank Latin America Fund aims to create regional champions that can compete on a global scale, thereby contributing to the economic development and digital maturity of the continent.