Japanese Internet services business and e-commerce giant, Rakuten, has reached a milestone in its global expansion, and now offers services in over 25 countries and territories.
The launch of Rakuten Austria in May 2013 also marked the business’ first home grown e-commerce platform in Europe.
A rapid growth trajectory has seen the business make a series of high profile acquisitions and investments to build out a comprehensive portfolio of businesses, encompassing digital content, performance marketing, Internet services, e-commerce and consumer technology.
In just four years, the business has grown from a domestic Japanese success story to a global Internet services firm, delivering consumer services including e-commerce, travel, logistics and digital media.
Nine acquisitions have been completed since 2010,including Webgistix, PriceMinister, Play.com, Buy.com, Tradoria, Ikeda, Alpha Direct Services, Wuaki and MediaForge.
2012 saw the business lead $100 million investment round in Pinterest and a $10 million funding round in AhaLife.
An expanding global footprint in Southeast Asia saw the launch of Rakuten Online Shopping in Malaysia in 2012.
Meanwhile Rakuten’s creation of the Asian Startup Fund to support start ups and related businesses, boosting growth in the region.
http://global.rakuten.com/corp/.