SoftBank Vision Fund’s Rajeev Mishra steps down as co-chief of largest-ever VC fund

Rajeev Misra is formally stepping down as co-chief executive officer of SoftBank Group Corp.’s Vision Fund, bringing to a close a tumultuous tenure at the helm of what had been the largest-ever venture capital fund. 

Misra was instrumental in helping SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son set up the Vision Fund in 2017, helping him raise nearly $100 billion from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Apple Inc. and other backers. 

The unprecedented bet on the startup sector originally gave Son and Misra immense power to support their favored founders. The strategy to scale up in venture capital went awry, however, as they bet billions of dollars on the startup ecosystem that saw the implosions of WeWork, Zume Pizza and the dog-walking app Wag.

Misra stepped back from his central role at the company two years ago, as he began to spend more time on his own investment fund, OneIM. Alex Clavel will become the Vision Fund’s sole CEO, as Misra cedes his remaining title and management responsibilities.

“He will no longer play a central role or be a member of management. That relationship will not continue,” said SoftBank Chief Financial Officer Yoshimitsu Goto on an earnings call, adding that he will continue to speak with Misra informally.