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SoftBank Sees $7.4B Gains from Indian Investments

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 16:56 GMT by newsbytesapp.com
      Locales: INDIA, JAPAN

TOKYO - February 12th, 2026 - SoftBank Group Corp. today announced a significant win in its turnaround strategy, reporting $7.4 billion in realized gains from its investments in Indian companies. Despite a period of challenging global investment performance, India remains a key asset for the Japanese tech conglomerate, with a current portfolio value in the region of $13.7 billion. This news comes as SoftBank continues to recalibrate its investment approach following years marked by substantial losses and a reassessment of its risk tolerance.

For years, SoftBank, under the leadership of Masayoshi Son, pursued a strategy of aggressive investment in technology companies globally, often placing large bets on high-growth, but sometimes unproven, ventures. The Vision Fund, intended to be a major driver of returns, faced setbacks with high-profile investments like WeWork and a volatile market climate. This led to a period of significant financial strain for the group. However, SoftBank's long-held belief in the potential of the Indian market has proven prescient.

The $7.4 billion realized through stake sales in prominent Indian companies like Paytm, Zomato, and MapmyIndia highlights the success of this long-term strategy. These exits aren't simply about recouping capital; they represent a strategic shift towards profitability and a more disciplined investment approach. While earlier investments were often focused on scale at all costs, the current strategy prioritizes sustainable growth and a clear path to profitability for portfolio companies.

A Deeper Look at the Indian Market's Appeal

Several factors contribute to India's attractiveness as an investment destination. The country boasts the world's largest population, a rapidly growing middle class, and increasing digital penetration. This creates a fertile ground for tech companies offering services like digital payments (Paytm), food delivery (Zomato), and mapping/navigation (MapmyIndia). The rise of smartphone usage and affordable data plans have further fueled this growth.

"India presents a unique combination of scale, innovation, and resilience," explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a tech investment analyst at GlobalTech Insights. "Unlike some other emerging markets, India's domestic consumption is strong enough to drive growth even amidst global economic uncertainty. SoftBank was early to recognize this potential, and the current results validate their initial vision."

However, the Indian market is not without its challenges. Intense competition, regulatory hurdles, and infrastructure limitations pose ongoing obstacles. Zomato, for example, continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the food delivery sector, while Paytm faces increasing scrutiny and competition from other digital payment platforms. MapmyIndia, while a leading player in its niche, must contend with the presence of global tech giants like Google Maps.

What's Next for SoftBank in India?

Despite the recent stake sales, SoftBank remains significantly invested in India, with a $13.7 billion portfolio still on the books. This suggests the company isn't abandoning the market, but rather strategically managing its holdings. Analysts predict that SoftBank will likely continue to selectively exit positions, particularly in companies that have reached maturity, while also exploring opportunities for further investment in promising startups.

The company is reportedly focusing on sectors like artificial intelligence, fintech, and e-commerce within India, seeking to capitalize on the country's burgeoning digital economy. There's also increasing interest in companies developing solutions for India's unique challenges, such as agricultural technology and healthcare access.

Furthermore, SoftBank's approach is evolving beyond simply providing capital. The company is increasingly offering mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to its global network to help portfolio companies scale and succeed. This hands-on approach signals a commitment to long-term value creation, rather than just short-term gains.

The recovery strategy isn't solely reliant on Indian investments, but the success in India provides a much-needed boost to SoftBank's overall financial health and demonstrates a clear path to rebuilding investor confidence. The coming quarters will be crucial in determining whether SoftBank can sustain this positive momentum and fully realize the potential of its Indian portfolio.