Softcap is the minimum amount for a project to continue its operation. If they reached it, then they will continue on to try reaching the hardcap. Without the softcap the project will seize to operate. In this case they will return all investments. There are cases where projects will extend their ICO with the goal of reaching the softcap. But this just takes too long as what many projects are now doing. Delays are now quite prominent in ICO's. But that's just how things are today.