As SoftBank has been spraying money at tech companies in recent months, it has been negotiating unusually tough terms that sharply improve its chances of earning a big return, according to a review of previously undisclosed deal terms. In some cases, the terms allow SoftBank to assert control over many matters at the companies.
For instance, companies such as online lenders Kabbage and SoFi have given SoftBank the right to veto an IPO if the investor won’t earn a big return from the offering, Delaware filings show. The terms are aimed at reducing risk for SoftBank, which, through its $93 billion Vision Fund, has been paying exorbitant valuations in an array of tech investments in recent months.