InMobi founders buy back stake from SoftBank for $250 million

Business Dec 04, 2025

InMobi's founders just bought back a 25-30% stake from SoftBank for $250 million. This move lets SoftBank step back as a promoter and clears the way for InMobi's IPO.
SoftBank has been with InMobi since 2011, investing about $100 million in 2011 and another similar amount in 2012.

Founders use debt to make it happen—like other Indian startups

After this deal, SoftBank's share drops from 35% to just 5-7%, giving InMobi more control as it heads toward going public (and valuing the company under $1 billion).
To pull off the buyback, the founders took on debt by pledging their shares—a playbook we've seen before with Oyo and Zetwerk.
They also secured $350 million in loans from global investors to help fund everything.