SoftBank stands to win or lose the most from its $97.7 billion Vision Fund, while outside investors face much less risk, but also stand to get far less of the upside. It’s a reminder that all investors aren’t created equal.
As a result of the fund’s unusual structure, SoftBank could take more than half of the gains if the fund triples in value, despite only having a one-third interest in the fund, according to an analysis by The Information. Indeed, SoftBank’s earnings statement Monday said it received as income 59% of the fund’s gains during the six months ended Sept. 30. The fund rose in value by $1.7 billion during that period.