Western world pressing Softbank to drop Saudi Arabia
A branch of Soft Bank, the major investing bank in startups where billions in Saudi money is pumped
After the killing of the little-known journalist Jamal Khashoggi – the world did not really know who he was until he was reported killed at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul – the Western world is not happy.
They are pressing for Softbank, the biggest startup funder in the world, to abandon its ties with Saudi Arabia.
But it is not an easy thing to do for the Japanese banker.
Saudi Arabia is the largest investor in SoftBank’s $93 billion Vision Fund. This is the fund that invests in startups and buys shares in successful firms, including in Grab.
Reuters said the Khashoggi murder case made it difficult for Softbank to raise further funds.
Son and other global executives cancelled speaking engagements at Saudi Arabia’s investment conference last month.
But startups are not giving in to the pressures from the West.
Internet-connected window company View on Friday accepted a $1.1 billion investment from Softbank.
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Dunia Barat menekan Softbank untuk menggulingkan Arab Saudi
Setelah pembunuhan jurnalis terkenal Jamal Khashoggi – dunia tidak benar-benar mengenal siapa dia sampai dia dilaporkan dibunuh di dalam kantor Konsulat Saudi di Istanbul – mengetahui hal itu dunia Barat tidak senang.
Mereka mendesak Softbank, penyandang dana startup terbesar di dunia, untuk meninggalkan hubungannya dengan Arab Saudi.
Tapi itu bukan hal yang mudah bagi bankir Jepang.
Arab Saudi adalah investor terbesar di Dana Vision senilai US $ 93 miliar. Ini adalah dana yang berinvestasi di startup dan membeli saham di perusahaan yang sukses, termasuk di Grab.
Reuters mengatakan kasus pembunuhan Khashoggi menyulitkan Softbank untuk mengumpulkan dana lebih lanjut.
Putra dan eksekutif global lainnya membatalkan kuliah pada konferensi investasi Arab Saudi bulan lalu.
Tetapi startup tidak menyerah pada tekanan dari Barat.
Perusahaan jendela yang terhubung ke internet. Lihat pada hari Jumat menerima investasi $ 1,1 miliar dari Softbank.