Rakuten wesentlich besser als Rocket

Der weltweite Markt für kostenlose werbefinanzierte Kanäle (Free Ad-Supported, kurz FAST) ist im Vormarsch, und es gibt keine Anzeichen für eine Verlangsamung.

Im Januar 2023 schätzte das führende Marktforschungsunternehmen OMDIA, dass der Umsatz mit FAST-Kanälen zwischen 2019 und 2022 um das 20-Fache gestiegen ist und sich bis 2027 verdreifachen wird – auf 12 Mrd. US-Dollar.

https://www.adzine.de/whitepaper/...s-weiter-mit-der-fast-revolution/
 

Rakuten Advertising, a global affiliate marketing network, revealed its plans to launch Partnership Discovery, the latest artificial intelligence investment as part of the company’s Affiliate Intelligence platform and vision, at Affiliate Summit West 2024 in Las Vegas. Partnership Discovery leverages AI to help advertisers identify the most effective publisher partners for product-specific affiliate campaigns to drive higher audience engagement and more revenue. Publishers will also benefit from showcasing the strengths of their audiences to the advertisers for which they can deliver the strongest results.

Not only will AI help advertisers discover new, high-performing publisher partners, but it can help them re-engage with existing partners in new and innovative ways. Partnership Discovery will be widely available in early 2024.

https://martechview.com/news/...ising-launches-partnership-discovery/
 

JLL arranges new lease for Rakuten, as major consumer- and B2B-technology firm re-commits and expands within San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 8, 2024 – JLL announced today arranging a lease for Rakuten International, a division of Rakuten Group, Inc., to relocate from its offices of nine years into 29,000 square feet of modern office space on the 18th floor at 300 Mission St. in San Francisco.

Rakuten International, based in nearby San Mateo, CA, has over 550 employees in the Bay Area with nearly 160 assigned to the new 300 Mission offices. The company is well-known in the Bay Area as the official jersey badge sponsor of the Golden State Warriors. Parent company Tokyo-based Rakuten Global, one of the world’s leading Internet service companies, has helped shape the way people shop online, with a wide selection of products and services.

Rakuten International is a division of Rakuten Group, Inc., a Japanese global leader in internet services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Headquartered in San Mateo, California with more than 4,000 employees worldwide, the Rakuten International business portfolio includes market leaders in e-commerce, digital marketing, advertising, communications and entertainment.

https://www.us.jll.com/en/newsroom/...nd-expands-within-san-francisco
 

Beyond the Hype: Navigating the Cost-Effective Future of 5G with Open RAN

Posted on January 11, 2024January 11, 2024

5G technology offers a unique opportunity to increase capacity, enhance the customer experience, and reduce operational costs. This can be achieved through Open RAN and the expansion and diversification of the vendor ecosystem; by promoting an environment of open and interoperable hardware and software, 5G deployment can reshape the telecommunications landscape, making it more cost-effective for operators and creating a competitive marketplace that ultimately benefits consumers.

As technology advances, our networks can’t be left behind.  Moving to virtualization and software defined networks decreases a network’s hardware footprint, in turn lowering costs and making repairs and upgrades achievable via clicks on a keyboard rather than manual service operations.
First, the cost savings of virtual networks are baked into Open RAN networks.

Second,  an Open RAN system allows operators to select the best and most cost-effective components and upgrades every step of the way while avoiding vendor lock-in. This increased competition will help keep costs in check throughout deployment and operation, and also lead to specialized components at scale that will further drive down costs. These factors will change the underlying cost structure for vendors and operators.  

We are currently witnessing the tangible results of the cost-saving efforts. Analysts from New Street Research recently conducted a report in response to Rakuten Mobile’s assertion that Open RAN offers a more cost-effective solution. The research findings indicate that, on a per-site basis, capital expenditures were 40% lower, and operational expenses were 30% lower.

https://www.openranpolicy.org/...ffective-future-of-5g-with-open-ran/

 

Rakuten to refinance $1bn in debt through prepayment and new sale

Move allows Japanese tech group to effectively extend redemption

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/...t-through-prepayment-and-new-sale
 

But Rakuten had could repay the $ 1 billion debt with cash on the hand, because the cash-position is excellent

Rakuten Group (non-financial) Balance Sheets – As of Sep 30, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents was JPY 199.5 billion = about $ 1.4 billion

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/investors/


And additional Rakuten raise up to $433 mln with further sale of bank unit in December 2023.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/...ank-offshore-market-2023-12-06/
 

https://payment.rakuten.co.jp/news/2024012900/
 

Rakuten Medical hopeful of bringing its “transformative” cancer therapy in 2026: COO

Updated - January 29, 2024 at 09:23 AM.

The company expects to complete its trials next year and launch in 2026
BY PT JYOTHI DATTA

With 80 patients enrolled in India on a global trial involving Rakuten Medical Inc’s “transformative therapy” targeting head and neck cancer, the US-headquartered biotech company expects to potentially launch in certain countries including India in 2026.

Rakuten’s precision, cell-targeting therapies based on its proprietary Alluminox platform is approved in Japan, and is presently undergoing global phase III trials, involving 275 patients, in the US, Taiwan and India.

This “highly selective treatment using light” has the potential to become the fifth pillar of cancer treatment, after surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, Abhijit Bhatia, Rakuten Medical’s Chief Operating Officer, told businessline, speaking from San Diego. The company expects to complete its trials next year and launch in 2026, he said.

Six medical institutions are participating in the study, all sites have gone live, and the first patient in India received Alluminox treatment (photoimmunotherapy) using ASP-1929 in August 2023, the company said. The patients on theASP-1929-301 trial include a mix of those getting the innovative therapy and those getting the standard of care.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/...article67786656.ece

 

Still, credit market data signal continued concern about the health of its balance sheet. The cost to insure against debt nonpayment with credit-default swaps was at 408 basis points on Thursday, after surging to 784 basis points in July last year, according to CMA data.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/...plans-1-billion-bond-035019267.html
 

Baaz Bikes Secures $8 Million in Series A Funding Round Led by BIG Capital and Rakuten Capital

November 21, 2023

https://startupstorymedia.com/...-by-big-capital-and-rakuten-capital/
 

January 30, 2024

Rakuten Group, Inc. (“Rakuten”) announced today that it is increasing both the Total Maximum Amount (as defined below) and the 3.546% Tender Cap (as defined below) in respect of its previously announced tender offers (the “Offers”) as specified below for the following series of notes issued by it:

•10.250% Senior Notes due 2024 (Rule 144A—CUSIP: 75102W AD0; ISIN: US75102WAD02; Common Code: 254337714; Reg.S— CUSIP: J64264 AC8; ISIN: USJ64264AC82; Common Code: 254635782) (the “10.250% Notes”); and

•3.546% Senior Notes due 2024 (Reg.S— CUSIP: n/a; ISIN: XS2080765154; Common Code: 208076515) (the “3.546% Notes” and, together with the 10.250% Notes, the “Notes” and each series of the Notes, a “series of Notes”).

 Rakuten has exercised its discretion to increase the combined aggregate purchase price (exclusive of accrued and unpaid interest) (the “Total Maximum Amount”) and the tender cap for the 3.546% Notes (the “3.546% Tender Cap”), which were previously $1 billion and $100 million, respectively. Rakuten is now extending the Offers to any and all outstanding Notes of either series. Except as provided above, the terms and conditions of the Offers remain unchanged.

Below is a summary of certain terms of the Offers, as amended hereby:
Title of Notes 10.250% Senior Notes due 2024 3.546% Senior Notes due 2024
    Issuer§Rakuten Group, Inc. Rakuten Group, Inc.
CUSIP / ISIN / Common Code Rule 144A:
CUSIP: 75102W AD0
ISIN: US75102WAD02
Common Code: 254337714
Regulation S:
CUSIP: J64264 AC8
ISIN: USJ64264AC82
Common Code: 254635782
CUSIP: n/a
ISIN: XS2080765154
Common Code: 208076515

Principal Amount Outstanding $950,000,000 $800,000,000

Authorized Denominations (principal amount) $200,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof $200,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof
Tender Offer Consideration (1)(2) $1,006.76 $956.75
Early Tender Premium (1) $30.00 $30.00
Total Consideration (1)(2)(3) $1,036.76 $986.75

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2024/...tegory=corp%2520ir

 

 

 

Rakuten’s Vietnamese subsidiary to relocate amid growth plans

November 14, 2023

Rakuten‘s Vietnamese subsidiary, Rakuten FinTech Vietnam Co., Ltd., has revealed that it will relocate as it looks to expand its business operations.

The company’s relocation marks a pivotal step amidst its growth, supported by Rakuten Card’s drive for sustainable expansion. The move underscores the company’s commitment to accelerating systems development for an increasingly diverse service portfolio.

Equipped to accommodate around 200 employees, the office is furnished with conference rooms, huddle spaces, and booths, fostering an ideal collaborative environment for project teams. Furthermore, the inclusion of a cafeteria and relaxation zone not only serves as a space for rejuvenation, but also functions as ample meeting spaces for larger gatherings.

Since its inception in July 2005, Rakuten Card has actively fostered cross-utilisation among various Rakuten Group services, propelling the widespread adoption of cashless payments both within and beyond the Group’s ecosystem.

This proactive approach has resulted in the issuance of over 29.54 million Rakuten Cards by September 2023. Concurrently, Rakuten Card has achieved a remarkable annual shopping gross transaction volume, exceeding 20 trillion yen within the 12-month period from October 2022 to September 2023. This sustained growth firmly establishes the company as a prominent leader within the Japanese credit card industry.

https://fintech.global/2023/11/14/...y-to-relocate-amid-growth-plans/
 

auch wenn der Anteil statt der früheren 40% bis 50% inzwischen in einer etwas niedrigeren Range liegen dürfte:

Das spanische Einhorn Cabify sichert sich ein Darlehen in Höhe von 15 Millionen Euro, um nachhaltige Städte voranzutreiben mobility mit profitablem Wachstum.

by Vishal Singh     11. Januar 2024

https://siliconcanals.com/de/crowdfunding/cabify-secures-15m-loan/
 

January 31, 2024

Announcement Regarding Determination of Issuance Conditions for USD-Denominated Senior Notes
Rakuten Group, Inc. announced that it has determined issuance conditions for USD-denominated senior notes due in 2027 in overseas markets outside Japan, as follows:

1.     Issuer Rakuten Group, Inc.
2.     Type USD-denominated senior notes due in 2027
3.     Principal amount USD 1,800 million
4.     Offering price 97.830% of principal amount
5.     Interest rate 11.250% per year
6.     Coupon rate after currency swap* 7.21457% per year
7.     Maturity date February 15, 2027
8.     Subordination In the event of liquidation of the issuer, the notes shall rank pari passu with unsecured and unsubordinated debts and take priority over stock and subordinated debts.
9.     Offering The notes will be offered in overseas markets, centered on the United States, Europe, and Asia.
(However, in the United States, sales will be limited to qualified institutional investors in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of 1933.)
10.  Listing The notes will be listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited.
11.  Closing date February 6, 2024

*Weighted average of coupon rates of multiple currency swaps entered into by Rakuten Group, Inc.

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2024/0131_02.html

 

Tokyo, Jan. 24 (Jiji Press)--Rakuten Securities Inc. is on track to mark a record new account openings in January, thanks to the expansion of Japan's NISA small-lot investment program and the country's robust stock market, President Yuji Kusunoki said in an interview with Jiji Press on Wednesday.

The number of general securities accounts opened by individuals at the major Japanese online brokerage this month is seen exceeding the previous record monthly high of 250,000 marked in March 2021, Kusunoki said, suggesting that the pace of new account openings picked up in December 2023.
The total number of accounts at the brokerage surpassed 10 million last month, he added.

Kusunoki stressed that the NISA expansion has led to an increase in regular purchases of investment trusts. Monthly purchases of investment trusts averaged 50,000 yen per investor as of Jan. 10, up 90 pct from a year before.

https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2024012400975/  
 

New Year Conference 2024: Rakuten Ichiba's Goals for Growth With AI

January 31, 2024

Rakuten Ichiba's big annual event Rakuten New Year Conference was held once again this year. Mickey and leaders from Rakuten Ichiba took to the stage to discuss their strategies for the first half of 2024, AI (artificial intelligence) and strengthening synergy with Rakuten Mobile. RNN also spoke to merchants who participated in-person to hear their thoughts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJvlLav0VQ8
 

By Amber Jackson

January 31, 2024

https://datacentremagazine.com/articles/...January%252031%2C%25202024

 

Europe Open RAN Market size was valued at USD $92.64 Mn in 2021, registering a CAGR of 80.36% during the forecast period (2023-2030), and the market is projected to be worth USD $5620.88 Mn by 2030.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/...-america-open-ran-market-size-gzgtf
 

Upcoming Event
February 14, 2024 (15:00 JST)
Full Year and Q4 of FY2023 Earnings Results  

Upcoming Event
February 14, 2024 (15:00 JST)
Full Year and Q4 of FY2023 Earnings Results  

https://www.deraktionaer.de/artikel/...markt-20349179.html?feed=ariva  

Viber Empowers Small Businesses with Communications Hub

February 01, 2024

Small businesses can now engage with customers, enhance discoverability and drive sales thanks to Rakuten Viber’s free, self-serve communications hub. This is the first of a new suite of business tools for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to roll out on the Viber platform, initially available in the Philippines and Greece. In this report, we focus on the background to the launch in the Philippines, hearing from a couple of Filipino entrepreneurs who are already benefiting from the tool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G80HOktks0k
 

95 billion Yen (end of Q3/2023) of the non-financial sector and the additional $430 million (= about 60 billion Yen) from the sale of shares of Raktuen Securities in Q4/2023 was a good decision.

Rakuten Debt: Kicking the can down the road

Norbert Gehrke

Over the past year, Rakuten has worked to procure various non-interest-bearing debt funding, including the issuance of new equity through a public offering and concurrent third-party allotments, the secondary offering of shares of Rakuten Bank in April 2023 and December 2023, and the partial transfer of shares of Rakuten Securities to Mizuho Securities in November 2022 and December 2023.
Given the large amount of debt coming due over the next 18 months, Rakuten will need to continuously work on balance sheet management through reduction of total debt and proactive debt maturity management.

As such, Rakuten has commenced tender offers to purchase for cash for the two large USD-denominated bonds coming due this calendar year.

After the settlement of the Offers, Rakuten intends to repurchase certain of their JPY denominated senior bonds scheduled to mature in and after 2024 with cash on hand and any remaining proceeds from the Offering. There are JPY 20bn and JPY 10bn instruments coming due at the end of June 2024, as well as a JPY 75bn bond in early December 2024. The “big kahuna” is a JPY 250bn bond maturing in February 2025.

https://medium.com/tokyo-fintech/...he-can-down-the-road-57cb37976a39