At a Glance
SoftBank Latin America Fund represents a strategic pivot by the Japanese conglomerate to capture growth opportunities across Latin America's rapidly expanding technology sector. Launched in 2019 with $5 billion in committed capital that later expanded to $8 billion, the fund operates as SoftBank Group's dedicated regional investment vehicle, headquartered in Miami to facilitate access to both North and South American markets. The fund's creation coincided with a surge in Latin American startup activity, particularly in fintech and e-commerce, as smartphone penetration and digital payment adoption accelerated across the region. SoftBank's approach in Latin America mirrors its global strategy of making large-scale investments in market-leading companies, though with ticket sizes typically smaller than those deployed by the flagship Vision Fund. Notable portfolio companies include Colombian delivery platform Rappi, Brazilian digital bank Inter, Mexican buy-now-pay-later provider Kueski, and Argentine logistics unicorn Andreani. The fund has also backed Gympass (workplace wellness), Loft (proptech), and various fintech startups addressing the region's underbanked population. Unlike traditional VC firms that focus on early-stage investments, SoftBank Latin America Fund typically writes checks ranging from $50 million to $200 million, targeting companies that have already demonstrated product-market fit and are ready to scale rapidly. The fund's investment pace accelerated significantly in 2020-2021, deploying capital across 15+ countries in the region. However, like other SoftBank vehicles, it faced scrutiny during the 2022 market correction as several portfolio companies experienced valuation resets. The Miami headquarters provides strategic proximity to major Latin American markets while offering access to U.S. capital markets for portfolio company exits. SoftBank's regional presence extends beyond capital, with the firm leveraging its global network and operational expertise to help portfolio companies expand internationally. The fund's sector focus reflects Latin America's digital transformation, with particular emphasis on financial inclusion technologies that serve the region's large unbanked population and logistics solutions addressing complex distribution challenges across diverse geographies.
“Deploys significant capital into Latin America's most promising technology companies, accelerating regional digital transformation.”
The fund is led by Managing Partner Marcelo Claure, former SoftBank Group Chief Operating Officer and ex-CEO of Sprint, who brings extensive Latin American business experience and telecommunications industry expertise. Claure, who previously founded telecommunications company Brightstar, provides strategic oversight and regional market knowledge. The investment team includes professionals with both local market expertise and international scaling experience, reflecting SoftBank's global approach adapted for regional markets. The team leverages SoftBank Group's broader network and resources while maintaining focused expertise in Latin American market dynamics, regulatory environments, and consumer behaviors across the region's diverse economies.
SoftBank Latin America Fund launched in 2019 as the firm's first dedicated regional vehicle for Latin America, initially with $5 billion in committed capital. The fund size was subsequently increased to $8 billion as investment opportunities expanded and deployment accelerated. This represents SoftBank's largest regional commitment outside of Asia, reflecting the firm's confidence in Latin America's technology growth potential. The fund operates independently from SoftBank's Vision Fund while maintaining coordination on global portfolio company expansion and cross-regional opportunities.
SoftBank Latin America Fund primarily invests at the Series A, Series B+ stages. This means they focus on companies that are scaling their go-to-market after proving product-market fit.
SoftBank Latin America Fund is headquartered in Miami, FL. Many of their portfolio companies are also based in this region, though they invest across geographies.
SoftBank Latin America Fund focuses on investments in Fintech, Consumer, Enterprise, Marketplace, Digital Health. Their portfolio reflects deep expertise and networks within these sectors.
SoftBank Latin America Fund's typical investment check size ranges from $10M to $300M. Actual amounts may vary based on the stage, sector, and specific opportunity.
SoftBank Latin America Fund manages approximately $8B in assets under management (AUM) across their funds.
