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SoftBank to invest US$1 billion in global robotics startups via new AI-Robotics Fund
SoftBank launched a US$1 billion AI-Robotics Fund to back 50 startups in automation and robotics globally starting Q1 2026.
SoftBank Group announced the launch of a US$1 billion AI-Robotics Fund on 9 November 2025 to back 50 early-stage robotics startups worldwide. The fund will target automation, humanoid systems and AI-assisted manufacturing technologies. CEO Masayoshi Son said the initiative aims to accelerate robot integration in logistics and healthcare. Investments will begin in Q1 2026 with initial tickets of US$10–25 million. Analysts viewed the move as a strategic extension of SoftBank’s AI focus and a potential boost to its Vision Fund ecosystem. Shares rose 3.2% in Tokyo following the announcement.