SoftBank Plans AI Tour for Founders to Boost Technology Adoption
Aug 29, 2023 - bloomberg.com
SoftBank Group Corp. is planning to take a group of founders from its Indian startup portfolio to Silicon Valley for an artificial intelligence (AI) tour next month. The move is part of the Japanese investor's efforts to increase the adoption of AI technology in its portfolio companies. Sumer Juneja, managing partner overseeing Europe, Middle East, Africa and India investments at SoftBank’s Vision Fund, said the company has been arranging meetings between the founders and leading players in the AI field.
The tour is expected to include many of the 20 founders from SoftBank's India companies, although specific names were not disclosed. SoftBank's portfolio in India includes Oyo Hotels, ride-hailing provider Ola, and delivery firm Swiggy. The initiative is part of SoftBank's broader plan to boost technology adoption among its investments.
Key takeaways:
SoftBank Group Corp. is planning to take a group of its Indian startup founders to Silicon Valley for an artificial intelligence tour.
The Japanese investor is increasing efforts to infuse its portfolio companies with AI technology.
SoftBank is setting up meetings for the founders it backs with leading players in the AI field.
Its portfolio in India includes Oyo Hotels, ride-hailing provider Ola and delivery firm Swiggy.
