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SoftBank Recovers $7.4 Billion from Indian Investments

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 6:11 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: INDIA, JAPAN

February 13th, 2026 - SoftBank Group has successfully realized $7.4 billion through exits from its Indian portfolio companies, bringing the total value of exited investments in the region to a substantial $13.7 billion, according to recent reports. This marks a significant turning point for the Japanese investment giant in India, signaling a clear shift towards capital recovery and portfolio consolidation after a period of aggressive growth and, in some cases, substantial losses.

The exits are largely attributed to successful divestments in prominent Indian startups including food delivery giants Swiggy and Zomato, online insurance aggregator Policybazaar, and a range of other ventures. These companies, once hailed as potential unicorns, have matured to a point where SoftBank can unlock value through secondary sales, initial public offerings (IPOs), and strategic acquisitions.

For years, SoftBank, under the leadership of Masayoshi Son, pursued a high-risk, high-reward investment strategy, particularly through its $100 billion Vision Fund. India was a key component of this strategy, viewed as a rapidly growing market with immense potential. However, the global economic climate shifted dramatically in the early 2020s, impacting startup valuations and forcing investors to re-evaluate their risk tolerance. Several of SoftBank's high-profile Indian investments, while showing growth, were burning through capital at a concerning rate, leading to questions about their long-term viability.

This latest development reflects a deliberate recalibration of SoftBank's approach. Instead of continuing to pour money into loss-making companies, the firm is now prioritizing the recovery of capital and focusing on investments with a clearer path to profitability. The $7.4 billion recoupment provides a much-needed boost to SoftBank's overall financial health, particularly as the company faces pressures from a challenging global economic landscape. It also eases concerns raised in late 2025 regarding the performance of the Vision Funds.

Industry analysts suggest this isn't merely about damage control. The exits allow SoftBank to redeploy capital into more promising areas, potentially including emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology - sectors where the firm sees stronger long-term growth potential. The focus is shifting from growth at all costs to sustainable profitability.

"SoftBank's exits in India are a logical consequence of the changing investment environment," says Anika Sharma, a venture capital analyst at TechInsights India. "The era of easy money is over. Investors are now demanding returns, and SoftBank is responding by locking in profits where it can. We're seeing a similar trend globally, with many large venture funds reassessing their portfolios and trimming their exposure to risky assets."

The Indian startup ecosystem, while still vibrant, is also undergoing a correction. Funding rounds have become smaller and more selective, and investors are scrutinizing unit economics more closely. Companies are being forced to prioritize profitability over hyper-growth, and several have implemented cost-cutting measures, including layoffs. SoftBank's actions are, in a way, mirroring this broader trend.

However, the recovery isn't complete. SoftBank still holds significant stakes in several Indian companies, including potentially troubled ventures. The success of its future exit strategy will depend on the ability of these companies to improve their financial performance and navigate the increasingly competitive Indian market. Analysts are keen to observe how SoftBank manages these remaining investments and whether it will pursue further exits in the coming months.

The remaining portfolio, valued at approximately $6.3 billion, will face intense scrutiny. The focus will be on identifying companies that can demonstrate a clear path to profitability and generating strong returns. SoftBank may also consider strategic mergers and acquisitions to consolidate its holdings and create more valuable entities. This strategy indicates a move towards a more mature and disciplined investment approach in the Indian market. The lessons learned from the previous, more aggressive phase will undoubtedly shape its future decisions. This shift also signals a potential broader re-evaluation of its global investment approach.