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SBVA, formerly known as SoftBank Ventures Asia, is a prominent global venture capital firm founded in 2000 as the early-stage investment arm of SoftBank Group. In June 2023, SBVA became an independent entity following its acquisition by The Edgeof, co-founded by Taizo Son, JP Lee, and Atsushi Taira. The firm rebranded to SBVA in February 2024, marking a new chapter in its evolution. With an impressive $2 billion in assets under management (AUM), SBVA has built a robust portfolio of over 242 companies, including 8 unicorns and 17 IPOs. The firm has garnered recognition for its investment prowess, winning the VC of the Year award at the Korea VC Awards in 2024. SBVA's leadership team comprises 39 professionals, including 13 partners with extensive backgrounds in entrepreneurship and technology, enabling them to provide strategic guidance and support to their portfolio companies.
SBVA's investment focus is primarily on deep technology sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), semiconductor design, and smart infrastructure. In 2025, the firm allocated 44% of its investments to AI, 27% to robotics, 11% to commerce, 10% to content, and 4% to healthcare. Geographically, SBVA concentrates its efforts with 54% of its investments in Korea, 39% in the United States, and 6% in Japan. The firm actively seeks to champion disruptive technology innovators globally, emphasizing innovations that enhance quality of life. SBVA's commitment to deep tech is further exemplified by its establishment of the Alpha Korea Sovereign AI Fund, which has a capital of 150 billion KRW. This strategic focus allows SBVA to identify and support startups that are poised to lead in their respective fields, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
SBVA boasts a diverse portfolio of 242 companies, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation across various sectors. Among its notable investments are Nexon, which achieved a successful IPO in Japan, Tokopedia, Carro, and Socar. The firm has also seen significant success with 8 unicorns, including Tridge, Bucket Place, and ZEPETO, and has facilitated 17 IPOs and 28 acquisitions. In the past year alone, SBVA has made 17 investments, with recent additions such as Liberty Labs, Utaite, and Mythic, which secured Series D funding in December 2025. This extensive portfolio not only highlights SBVA's ability to identify high-potential startups but also underscores its strategic approach to investing in companies that are shaping the future of technology and innovation.
SBVA invests in various stages, including Seed, Series A, Series B, and Series C. This broad range allows them to support startups at different points in their growth journey, from early development to scaling operations.
To pitch SBVA, founders should prepare a comprehensive presentation that outlines their business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy. While specific submission guidelines are not provided, a well-structured pitch deck is essential for capturing the firm's interest.
SBVA primarily focuses on deep tech sectors, including AI, robotics, IoT, semiconductor design, and smart infrastructure. They are particularly interested in innovations that enhance quality of life and drive technological advancement.
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, SBVA's investment strategy spans early-stage to growth-stage startups, indicating a flexible approach to funding based on the needs and potential of the companies they support.
SBVA has a global investment strategy, with a significant focus on Asia, particularly Korea (54% of investments), the United States (39%), and Japan (6%). This geographic diversity allows them to tap into various markets and technological ecosystems.
SBVA offers capital, strategic guidance, and access to a vast network across Asia, the US, Israel, and the EU. They also provide market entry support through events like the SBVA Tokyo Forum, helping portfolio companies navigate new markets effectively.
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