Rakuten wesentlich besser als Rocket
Look Out Amazon, Here Comes...Rakuten?
Japanese e-commerce firm Rakuten announced on Tuesday it is acquiring Ebates for $1 billion.
The acquisition, which Rakuten hinted at last week, is part of the Japanese company’s push to grow its base beyond its domestic market and hopefully, become a global player. Having made some $1.2 billion acquisitions to date along these lines, this is Rakuten’s most ambitious move to date.
However, investors are dubious that the company can absorb yet another foreign acquisition, much less one the size of Ebates, despite Rakuten’s strong cash position.
Then there is the ever-present Amazon, which dominates the e-commerce market in the U.S. Few believe it will falter in the face of Chinese giant Alibaba, much less a Rakuten-Ebates combo.
Rakuten Goes Forth
Not surprisingly, Rakuten says it is undaunted. For starters, it has assembled a very interesting mix of acquisitions. There is messaging app Viber, which it purchased for $900 million in February, the Canadian ebook offering Kobo, Spanish video service Wuaki.tv, Viki, a digital content platform and Buy.com.
Now it has picked up Ebates.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikamorphy/2014/09/...ere-comes-rakuten/
By TTG Asia
Posted on 12 April, 2024 15:56
Japanese OTA Rakuten Travel recently hosted a closed-door influencer gathering as well as a public engagement in Singapore’s CBD in a bid to inspire greater interest in Japan.
The influencer gathering on March 27 was attended by almost 40 guests with a combined reach of nearly four million. Attendees were introduced to Rakuten Travel’s extensive features, including its wide range of travel services and the largest selection of Japanese hotels among travel agencies in Japan.
Rakuten Travel provides an extensive range of ryokans (Japanese-style inns) and hotels throughout the country and is committed to offering a “Japan Quality” experience throughout the entire accommodation booking journey.
https://www.ttgasia.com/2024/04/12/...p-engagement-with-singaporeans/
September 05, 2024
Users who referred the most people to Rakuten Mobile were invited to Rakuten Optimism 2024 for an awards ceremony. Check out this series for a recap of the event and interviews with award recipients, where they talk about different topics such as why they can make a solid recommendation of Rakuten Mobile and their use of social media to make referrals to foreign nationals living in Japan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcO6KCschIs
By Mercedes Milligan July 17, 2024
With the Asia-Pacific animation market expected to reach a $145 million-plus value by 2029 (per Data Bridge Market Research) leading Asian content streamer Rakuten Viki is investing in new partnerships to bring more animated content to its users. The service has announced the highly anticipated CG anime feature Yumi’s Cells: The Movie will launch this week, as well as a new collaboration with Chinese content powerhouse Bilibili.
Rakuten Viki has grown its registered user base in the U.S. and worldwide by 23% since April 2023 (now numbering 90 million). The service, which took off with the rising demand for K-dramas, has continued to grow with not only popular Korean content, but also series and films from Japan, Mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore, among other regions.
https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/07/...-collabs-to-u-s-screens/
Another day, another bullish mobile industry forecast, this time anticipating a boom in spending on Open RAN despite a stagnant broader market.
Scott Bicheno July 29, 2024
uniper Research release a press release to promote its new Global Operator O-RAN Strategies, 2024-2029 report. The headline data point is that ‘annual operator investment into O-RAN (Open Radio Access Networks) will reach $11 billion in 2029; rising from $2 billion in 2024.’ So that’s 5.5x growth over five years at a CAGR of over 40%.
https://www.telecoms.com/open-ran/...ng-will-increase-over-5x-by-2029
Das führende KI-Start-up dürfte in einer neuen Finanzierungsrunde mit über 100 Milliarden Dollar bewertet werden. Mit Nvidia und Apple könnten laut Medienberichten zwei weitere Tech-Riesen einsteigen.
30.08.2024 - 09:48 Uhr
New York. Das führende Start-up für Künstliche Intelligenz (KI), OpenAI, darf auf weitere prominente Investoren hoffen. Wie die Agentur Bloomberg und die Zeitung „Wall Street Journal“ am Donnerstag berichteten, könnten sich der Chipentwickler Nvidia und der Tech-Riese Apple an einer neuen Finanzierungsrunde beteiligen.
Bereits am Mittwoch war über eine geplante Runde berichtet worden, die OpenAI mit mehr als 100 Milliarden Dollar bewerten könnte. Diese soll vom Wagniskapitalgeber Thrive angeführt werden, auch der bisherige Ankerinvestor Microsoft könnte sich demnach beteiligen.
https://www.handelsblatt.com/technik/it-internet/...031t00000PCrtuAAD
July 16, 2024
We spoke with Rakuten International Chief Operation Officer, Adrienne Down Coulson on the sidelines of Rakuten Optimism US in Carlsbad, California about how the company is creating a more equitable employee experience across regions. Coulson also shared her thoughts on Rakuten International’s European expansion, the launch of Rakuten+ and synergies between the company’s e-commerce and entertainment businesses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q83dmYZ164c
Read our Deep Dive report “The Open RAN ecosystem gathers steam. The future RAN is open” where we tried to address many of the outstanding questions, with the help of eleven vendors and operators: NEC, Vodafone, Ciena, Analog, Fujitsu, Rakuten Symphony, Picocom, Dish, Verizon, TIP, and Radisys. You can get the report for free, and read or watch the conversations here.
https://senzafili.com/open-ran/
SINGAPORE, 2 SEP 2024– Klink.cloud , a leading omnichannel contact center platform in APAC, announces an official partnership with Rakuten Viber, the global leader in private and secure messaging and voice-based communication. This collaboration empowers businesses across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) by incorporating Viber Chatbots into klink.cloud's unified platform, including email, chat, social media, SMS, and telephony.
The collaboration ensures a consistent and efficient customer experience, particularly in key APAC regions like the Philippines, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, while also offering cost-effective, secure communication on a user-friendly platform. Klink.cloud’s expertise in Conversational AI development, combined with Rakuten Viber’s capabilities, enables businesses to deploy Generative AI that handle inquiries, automate responses, and provide 24/7 support.
https://www.klink.cloud/post/...nhance-business-communication-in-apac
In Europe, the revenue in the Free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) market) market is projected to reach US$490.20m in 2024.
It is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2027) of 9.20%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$638.40m by 2027.
By 2027, the number of users in the Free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) market) market is expected to amount to 184.6m users.
In Europe, the rise of FAST platforms like Pluto TV and Rakuten TV has revolutionized the way viewers consume free ad-supported streaming TV, creating a new era of digital entertainment.
https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/...rted-streaming-tv-fast/europe
By Valeria Levantino
Communications Manager Rakuten Symphony
Joshua Gillman, Senior Director of Strategy and Executive Office at Rakuten Symphony, shares his journey from tech consulting to shaping the future of telecom.
Tell us about your journey to Rakuten Symphony.
I’m originally from Wokingham, a town about an hour away from London, UK. After graduating, I ventured into tech consulting, working on various projects, including deploying software for telcos and assisting banks with data migrations. This experience sparked my interest in the broader strategic aspects of technology deployment. To deepen my understanding of strategy and delivery, I pursued an MBA at London Business School. This education provided me with a comprehensive view of business transformations and industry impacts, exposing me to strategic processes that shape successful companies.
As I considered my next career move, Rakuten Symphony caught my attention. I was drawn to its mission of democratizing connectivity and its innovative approach to transforming the industry with cutting-edge technologies. The company's commitment to leveraging advanced tech to revolutionize the telecom sector presented an exciting and challenging opportunity for meaningful contribution.
In August 2022, I joined Rakuten Symphony and relocated from the UK to Japan with my wife and daughter. Moving to Japan and joining Rakuten Symphony has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The company's supportive community and innovative work environment made the transition seamless. I've been impressed by the collaborative culture and the passion of my colleagues, who are all dedicated to driving progress and innovation.
What does your daily job involve?
As the Senior Director of Strategy and Executive Office, I’m part of the strategy team, working to unify the various innovations and strategies across different Business Units into one cohesive company story. My role involves acting as an interface between the BU Presidents and Rakuten Symphony management to ensure a common understanding of our goals. This includes business planning, deciding on department targets, targeting goals, unblocking cross-department challenges, and shaping our sales strategy narrative for customers.
A significant part of my job is to bridge the communication and strategy gaps between various departments, ensuring everyone is aligned and moving towards the same objectives. This means I spend a lot of time collaborating with the heads of different BUs to understand their unique challenges and opportunities, and then conveying these insights to the management. By doing this, I help craft a unified vision that supports both our short-term targets and long-term aspirations.
In addition to strategic alignment, my role also involves a lot of problem-solving. Whether it’s unblocking cross-departmental challenges or finding innovative solutions to streamline our operations, I’m constantly working to keep all parts of the organization moving smoothly. This often requires balancing immediate needs with future goals, ensuring that our strategies are both effective and adaptable.
Essentially, we are the glue that holds the different departments together, fostering collaboration and ensuring that our collective efforts contribute to the overarching success of Rakuten Symphony.
What has been your best day so far?
Since joining Rakuten Symphony, some of my most memorable days have been at Leadership Summits. These events showcase the exchange of ideas and the passion driving the company forward. Being involved in preparing for these events and facilitating discussions is truly inspiring.
One standout moment was the Leadership Summit in Barcelona this year. What made this day particularly special was seeing everyone bring their ideas to the table and engage in meaningful discussions. This experience underscored the innovative drive and collaborative spirit at Rakuten Symphony, making me proud to be part of the team and excited for our future.
Is there anything that inspires you?
One quote that inspires me is by Elon Musk: “If something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.” This sentiment resonates deeply with me and reflects the spirit of our company. It’s not easy, and often people think you’re crazy for trying, but progress requires bold moves, and this company truly embodies that message.
On a more personal level, my family is my greatest source of inspiration. Seeing my daughter and wife every morning motivates me to be the best version of myself. I want to make them proud and set an example through my work and dedication.
Do you have any hobbies?
Family time is very important to me, especially with my young daughter. I try to spend as much time with her as possible, cherishing these moments as she grows. Alongside family activities, I have a strong interest in sports. Recently, I picked up jiu-jitsu, and it's been thrilling to be a beginner again. I enjoy the challenge of learning something new and the physical and mental discipline it requires.
I also play futsal with some colleagues from Rakuten. It's a great way to stay active and socialize with people from different departments. Beyond sports, I listen to a lot of podcasts, particularly those focused on technology, to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations.
Any plans for what you want to do next?
I’m eager to build my experience in strategic decision-making and positively impact the company's direction. Personally, I plan to take on bigger and more challenging projects to grow as a leader within the team. My goal is to bring new positive impacts every day and learn from each step of the way.
By taking on more significant challenges and fostering innovation, I aim to enhance my skills and make a meaningful impact on our team's growth and success.
https://symphony.rakuten.com/blog/...conversation-with-joshua-gillman
By Kamile Bigenyte September 2, 2024
Additionally, the FCC has earmarked up to $900 million in incentives for networks implementing Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) technology. These moves aim to foster innovation and enhance network efficiency.
https://voip.review/2024/09/02/...ves-9b-rural-5g-innovates-open-ran/
Rakuten hat viele sinnvolle Features auf der Website und bietet den besten Service und Support aller Netzwerke. Die Auswahl der Advertiser steigt wöchentlich um kleinere und größere Brands und Retailer.
Michael Elschenbroich
CEO, stylink
https://rakutenadvertising.com/de-de/affiliate/
Rakuten Advertising has provided strategic recommendations that have helped us to optimize campaigns and test new acquisition strategies with publishers. Their expertise in the vertical and their strong partner relationships have led to a highly successful program.
Jessica Joyner
AVP, Digital Acquisition Strategy at Wells Fargo
https://rakutenadvertising.com/affiliate/
Die Wahl eines Affiliate-Netzwerks ist nicht einfach. Gebühren und Funktionen sind wichtig, aber es ist die Wahl eines echten Partners, die den Unterschied ausmacht. Rakuten Advertising ist ein großartiger Geschäftspartner, der in der Lage war, sich an unsere Marken- und Geschäftsziele anzupassen und sein Netzwerk zum Arbeiten zu bringen. Wir waren in der Lage, unsere Präsenz in Europa auszubauen, ohne ein großes Budget oder zusätzliches Personal zu benötigen, was ohne einen Partner wie Rakuten nicht möglich gewesen wäre.
Niki Harrold
Leitender Marketingleiter, RAD Power Bikes
https://rakutenadvertising.com/fr-fr/affiliation/
June 2024
Thomas Patchett, Japanese Equity Specialist
Donald Farquharson, Head of Japanese Equities
From paper to platforms: a domestic digitalisation story
Whether it's due to the limited supply of labour, rising wages, or the need for productivity gains and scale advantages, Japan is slowly but surely shifting online.
Having lagged other developed markets across most areas of digitalisation, such as ecommerce, cashless payments, software-as-a-service, and general enterprise IT investment, Japan has now recognised the critical need to develop these labour-saving solutions. This shift opens up significant long-term growth opportunities. Although this opportunity is still in its infancy – and is therefore far less prominent than in other developed markets – it is often accessible at little to no premium to the broader market.
Rakuten's ecosystem of services
Rakuten is home to Japan’s largest points-based ecosystem with over 100 million users accessing upwards of 70 online services (from hotel bookings to brokerage and banking). Despite consistently growing its top line for 27 years since inception, the company trades at a mere 0.6x sales, which is half that of the market average, because of the capital-intensive decision it made to develop its mobile phone network. Although this new venture required significant outlay, an accelerating pick-up in paying subscribers could soon see the network become profitable by year-end. As a standalone, we believe it could double the enterprise value of the group. Beyond that, we think it has the potential to add value to the entire ecosystem. By adding another customer touchpoint, it is improving its access to data and raising the potential to cross-sell more of its services.
https://www.bailliegifford.com/en/ireland/...xt-opportunity-10048027/
Um unsere Kunden zu ermutigen, sich diesen Produkten zuzuwenden, haben wir auch das Vision'R-Badge entwickelt, ein System, das Second-Hand-Käufe belohnt. Darüber hinaus wollten wir die Hindernisse für den Kauf von Second-Hand-Produkten aus dem Weg räumen. Unser generalüberholtes CeRtifié-Programm und unser Käuferschutz garantieren dem Kunden Qualität und Funktionsfähigkeit. Diese Initiativen ermöglichen es unseren Verkäufern, immer mehr Kunden zu erreichen, zum Nutzen aller.
https://global.fr.shopping.rakuten.com/actualites/...antages-astuces/
Since migrating to Rakuten Advertising and its fully affiliate managed service – our programme has gone from strength to strength. Rakuten Advertising’s strategies have helped grow the programme and we have been able to really move the dial. Our account management team have felt like a true extension of our team and have led to the affiliate channel becoming our strongest growing channel!
Simon Porter
Digital Marketing Manager, Ann Summers
https://rakutenadvertising.com/en-uk/affiliate/
He noted it is now in the third phase of its launch, which is telling customers about its improved network quality. It is working to a target of 10 million subscribers by end-2025.
Symphony revenue jumped 55.3 per cent in Q1/2024 to $118 million.
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/rakuten/...ils-network-quality-gains/
1 month ago
Ray Sharma
Rakuten Mobile and Cisco announced a major milestone for network infrastructure in support of efforts to build a better, more inclusive internet for the future.
The two companies have collaborated to successfully complete one of the world's largest Segment Routing over IPv6 Micro Segment ID (SRv6 uSID) IP transport network migrations, unlocking a new era of unprecedented speed, agility and on-demand services*2 for Japanese businesses nationwide.
Rakuten Mobile has already adopted SRv6 in its IP transport network, which connects base stations to its core network. In traditional networks adopting IPv6, the standard for IP addresses, priority is given to packet processing via the shortest possible route. SRv6 assigns Segment IDs to packets, enabling scalability for networks and other functions. By adopting uSID, Rakuten Mobile now has access to more refined and efficient methods of packet processing.
Utilizing a robust foundation built on SRv6 uSID-based IP transport networks, Rakuten Mobile launched its ultra-high-speed internet connection service 'KOSOKU Access' in January 2024 as a fixed network service for enterprise customers. This enables customers to access fast, low-latency on-demand services in a secure and reliable business infrastructure with a 24/7 network maintenance system. This enables KOSOKU Access customers across Japan to effectively scale their connectivity usage depending on their evolving business demands.
https://www.thefastmode.com/technology-solutions/...etwork-migrations
Symphony revenue jumped 55.3 per cent in Q1/2024 to $118 million.
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/rakuten/...ils-network-quality-gains/
Rakuten Symphony sales dropped 18 per cent to $85 billion in Q2/2024.
https://www.mobileworldlive.com/rakuten/...criber-growth-accelerates/
The $ 203 million revenue of Rakuten Symphony in the first half of 2024 are $ 406 million on a yearly base in 2024 (and Q4 was the strongest quarter of Rakuten Symphony in the past).
If you take a look at the market volume from Juniper Research of $ 2 billion, the market-cap of Rakuten Symphony is more than 20%.
“Juniper Research release a press release to promote its new Global Operator O-RAN Strategies, 2024-2029 report. The headline data point is that ‘annual operator investment into O-RAN (Open Radio Access Networks) will reach $11 billion in 2029; rising from $2 billion in 2024.’ So that’s 5.5x growth over five years at a CAGR of over 40%.”
https://www.telecoms.com/open-ran/...ng-will-increase-over-5x-by-2029
https://www.lionheartv.net/2024/09/...he-upcoming-shopping-festivals/
by Viktor Hendelmann
https://productmint.com/how-does-rakuten-make-money/
1 Nutzer wurde vom Verfasser von der Diskussion ausgeschlossen: Scansoft