SoftBank’s Kabir Misra in advanced talks to set up new investment fund

NEWDELHI: Kabir Misra, managing partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers, is in advanced talks to set up an investment fund, which will make early- and mid-stage investments primarily in US- and South-east Asia-based start-ups, said three people close to the development.

The $200-250 million fund, which is yet to be closed, will count SoftBank Group as the anchor limited partner.

While the Japanese firm is likely to be on the advisory board of the new fund, it will look at investments sub-$20 million to avoid conflicts with the SoftBank Vision Fund.

Once the fund is closed, Misra will step down from his existing role at SoftBank, citing personal reasons, the people mentioned above said, requesting anonymity.

Misra, 49, who has been associated with SoftBank for more than a decade, will continue to work closely with the group. “He is essentially transitioning into a new role and will act as an adviser to SoftBank,” said the first person, requesting anonymity.

Misra is in talks with more investors to raise money for the fund and could bring one more limited partner on board, the second person said, also declining to be named.