SoftBank India Promotes Sarthak Misra to the Role of Partner

SoftBank, a Japanese multinational telecommunications and internet company based in Tokyo, was established in 1983. With a presence in over 40 countries, SoftBank ranks among the largest carriers globally, offering a diverse array of telecommunications services, encompassing mobile, fixed line, and broadband internet. Beyond telecommunications, SoftBank engages in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT) sectors.

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Notably, he has also been deeply engaged with major players such as the food delivery giant Swiggy and the eyewear retailer Lenskart. Despite his new role, Misra will continue to be under the guidance of Sumer Juneja, who holds the position of SoftBank’s Managing Partner for India & EMEA, overseeing operations across India and Europe.

Narendra Rathi, an investment director specializing in SaaS and the B2B sector at SoftBank Investment Advisors, will now collaborate with Juneja, who has helmed SoftBank’s India investment team for over five years.

Meanwhile, Vikas Agnihotri, an operating partner closely involved with Paytm leading up to its 2021 IPO, departed the investment fund in September.

Notably, he has also been deeply engaged with major players such as the food delivery giant Swiggy and the eyewear retailer Lenskart. Despite his new role, Misra will continue to be under the guidance of Sumer Juneja, who holds the position of SoftBank’s Managing Partner for India & EMEA, overseeing operations across India and Europe.

Narendra Rathi, an investment director specializing in SaaS and the B2B sector at SoftBank Investment Advisors, will now collaborate with Juneja, who has helmed SoftBank’s India investment team for over five years.

Meanwhile, Vikas Agnihotri, an operating partner closely involved with Paytm leading up to its 2021 IPO, departed the investment fund in September.

This promotion coincides with SoftBank’s renewed interest in investing in Indian startups, following a dry spell of nearly 18 months. Juneja mentioned earlier that SoftBank will soon resume sealing deals with Indian startups.

SoftBank, known for its hefty investments exceeding $100 million per round, is poised to maintain this strategy, especially focusing on nurturing companies in their growth stages.

In a recent presentation shared during its earnings release, SoftBank India disclosed that the combined value of its investments in Vision Fund I and II has surged to almost $14 billion, marking a notable 9% increase as of December 2023.

Breaking a streak of five quarters, SoftBank achieved profitability, recording a net profit surpassing $6 billion for the quarter ending in December. This financial success was buoyed by a surge in stock prices of companies backed by Vision Fund I. Additionally, SoftBank concluded its stake in Zomato and Policybazaar last year, marking a strategic shift in its investment portfolio.

SoftBank’s commitment to substantial investments and its recent financial achievements underscore its dedication to fostering growth and innovation within the tech industry.

Sarthak Misra’s recent promotion to partner at SoftBank India marks a strategic move amid the company’s revitalized interest in Indian startups after an 18-month pause. His role overseeing key startups like Meesho and OfBusiness under Sumer Juneja’s guidance reflects SoftBank’s commitment to nurturing growth. Notably, SoftBank’s financial success, with a net profit exceeding $6 billion driven by Vision Fund I-backed companies, further emphasizes its dedication to innovation. The combined value of investments in Vision Fund I and II soaring to nearly $14 billion signifies SoftBank’s continued influence and strategic evolution in the tech investment landscape.