ThinkTank.com Gets $200M Bankroll From Softbank

Newly created Internet incubator ThinkTank.com announced today that it has received $200 million (US$) in capital from Softbank, the internationally-recognized Japanese Internet investor.

The Dana Point, California-based ThinkTank.com -- which was created by Buy.com founder Scott Blum -- will be a Southern California affiliate of Softbank's new HotBank Network. Blum also chipped in $20 million of his own money to start the venture, the company said.

Blum was the chairman of Buy.com and the e-commerce superstore founder, but a company spokeswoman told the E-Commerce Times that he resigned in August. "My experience at Buy.com was very rewarding," he commented. "I enjoy helping other entrepreneurs and I'm excited that through ThinkTank.com, I will be able to utilize my financial position and my strategic business knowledge to help create a developmental path of success for entrepreneurs."

Four Ventures A Year

ThinkTank.com will focus upon four Internet-related start-ups a year. The company said it already has three in its stable: BuyNow.com, a provider of Internet shopping and e-commerce services; Fax.com, which is working on developing an interactive fax broadcasting Web site; and FreeComputer.com, a new marketing company that will supply consumers with free computers in exchange for signing up with major Internet Service Providers.

ThinkTank said it would customize the business strategy of the start-ups it takes on and provide senior executive talent and a full range of support for approximately one year before the company "graduates from ThinkTank as a full-fledged enterprise and a high-tech magnet."

That support includes seed capital, equity investments, marketing and branding strategy, as well as administrative, legal and human resource support.

Blum knows a little something about Softbank's ability to financially back a start-up. Buy.com was provided with $225 million of venture capital from Softbank after being founded in 1996. The company, which offers discount prices on thousands of goods, is currently preparing for an initial public offering.