SoftBank’s managing partner Kabir Misra is reportedly in the advanced stages of launching a startup fund worth $200-250 million, which will focus on startups situated out of India, USA and Southeast Asia.
According to the anonymous statements, Misra will make early-stage to mid-stage investments in US, India and Southeast Asia. Softbank will be the anchor limited partner in the deal.
“While SoftBank is likely to be on the advisory board of the new fund, it will look at sub-$20 million investments to avoid conflicts with the SoftBank Vision Fund,” stated a report.
It has also been reported that after the closing of the fund, Kabir Misra will resign from his position in SoftBank, because of some personal reasons. The fund’s motive is to basically give importance to the mid-stage investments which would be under $20 million.
A source stated, “Misra is essentially transitioning into a new role and will act as an adviser to SoftBank.”
Misra has played a vital part in the implementation of the $16 Bn worth Walmart-Flipkart deal and was also a part of the Flipkart’s $2.5 billion fundraise from SoftBank in the year 2017. Along with this, Misra is also associated with Paytm. He was also a part of Snapdeal’s board but stepped down earlier this year in March. However, he will continue to be a part of these companies.
In case of SoftBank, Misra is responsible for the PrinceVille Growth Equity Fund. He is also the president of SB China and India Holdings, which manages SoftBank’s Bodhi Fund. He also assists SoftBank with numerous direct investments and other business development activities.