Softbank deals are hardly what I would call VC-style -- certainly not "early" or even "mid stage" venture. Their very size tends to require much later-stage de

Softbank deals are hardly what I would call VC-style -- certainly not "early" or even "mid stage" venture. Their very size tends to require much later-stage deals to absorb the large check sizes. This is growth or borderline "mezz" or "PE" frankly. In contrast, Microsoft Ventures / M12 will do proper early-stage venture, doing a check of $2 M or $5 M or $10 M into a growing but still uncertain company. Source: I have done single-digit $M deals with M12 and am a VC.