Softbank increasingly active in biotech

If the first quarter of this year is a guide, Softbank Vision Fund 2 is on pace to have its biggest year yet in biopharma investing. The fund participated in seven biopharma financings in 1Q22, putting it 44% of the way to 2021’s total of 16, and ahead of 2020’s total of five. 

Launched in 2019 with $108 billion, Softbank Vision Fund 2 has made 28 venture investments in 27 biopharma companies to date, and led or co-led 16 (57%) of the deals. The analysis focused on therapeutics and diagnostics companies and excluded healthcare services, veterinary and surgical device companies...