Rakuten wesentlich besser als Rocket

- und daher habe ich mir nach dem Einstieg bei Alibaba, die inzwischem mehr als 20% gut gemacht haben, auch einige Rakutens gekauft.

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/  

EBITDA rose to ¥79.9 billion ($515 million), a 51.4% increase year-over-year. CFO Kenji Hirose clarified during Rakuten’s earnings call that the widened net loss was primarily driven by technical hedging impacts, not underlying business deterioration.  

Rakuten International’s global expansion with CEO Amit Patel

11.07.2025

On the sidelines of Rakuten Optimism U.S. 2025, Rakuten International CEO Amit Patel reveals the global businesses driving company growth, how Rakuten leverages AI to boost efficiency and innovation, and the importance of building resilience in the workplace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XziBZo1hpc4&t=3s
 

Open Ran Market is projected to grow from USD 10.34 billion in 2025 to USD 80.21 billion by 2034, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.56% during the forecast period (2025 - 2034).

Additionally, the market size for Open Ran Market was valued at USD 8.23 billion in 2024.

Key Open Ran Market Trends Highlighted

The Open RAN Market is experiencing significant shifts driven by the increasing demand for flexible and cost-effective network solutions. Key market drivers include the need for enhanced network performance, growing mobile data traffic, and the push for 5G technology deployment. Operators are looking for innovative ways to optimize their networks while reducing operational costs, and open radio access networks offer a way to achieve this through decoupled hardware and software components. Additionally, the rise of cloud computing and virtualization techniques in telecommunications is supporting the expansion of Open RAN, as it enables network operators to leverage existing infrastructure while adapting to emerging requirements.

Source: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/open-ran-market-11181
 

Day in the Life of Rakuten Rewards' Digital Strategy Team in San Francisco

July 28, 2025

To get an insight into life working for Rakuten's Cash Back shopping platform Rakuten Rewards, we followed VP of Digital Strategy Brynn Todesco as she went about a typical day in the San Francisco office. Through this behind-the-scenes look, find out how Brynn's team is helping to prepare for the Big Stack summer sales promotion and optimize the website and mobile experience to engage customers, as well as how she's personally involved in a program called Executive Leap, which has supported 135 women across Rakuten International in their career development.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGpyKfKIs-o
 

Open RAN Market to Skyrocket from $5.1B in 2023 to $41.5B by 2032, at 26.24% CAGR Growth Rate

July 11, 2025

https://www.newstrail.com/open-ran-market/
 

Rakuten Securities Reports Increased Revenue but Declining Net Income for H1 2025

Rakuten Securities, Inc. announced its interim financial results for the first half of 2025, reporting an increase in operating revenue to 70,627 million yen compared to the same period in 2024. Despite the rise in revenue, net income decreased significantly to 5,584 million yen, indicating potential challenges in cost management or market conditions.

https://www.tipranks.com/news/...but-declining-net-income-for-h1-2025
 

Rakuten Securities Clients Generated 3 Million AI Stock Reports in 24 Hours

Tuesday, 29/07/2025

The Japanese broker has handed its users a new artificial intelligence tool developed by BridgeWise.
The reported engagement demonstrates an appetite among local retail investors for automated, institutional-grade market insights.

Rakuten Securities customers generated over 3 million AI-powered investment reports within 24 hours of accessing new artificial intelligence analysis tools. It may signal a strong demand for automated stock insights among Japanese retail investors.

The surge in engagement followed the mid-July launch of BridgeWise's StockWise platform, which provides AI-generated analysis for more than 7,100 stocks directly through Rakuten Securities' existing trading platforms. The brokerage, which serves over 12 million customers, integrated the tools across its web interface, MARKETSPEED II desktop application, and iSPEED smartphone app.

The partnership represents Rakuten Securities' latest push to differentiate itself in Japan's competitive online brokerage market through technology adoption. The firm became the first major domestic securities company to offer this level of AI-generated stock intelligence for both Japanese and U.S. equities.

https://www.financemagnates.com/forex/brokers/...reports-in-24-hours/

 

THE BEST APP FOR WATCHING K-DRAMA AND C-DRAMA, VIKI RAKUTEN APP HONEST REVIEW STEP BY STEP TUTORIAL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg_byNPE5Xw&t=23s
 

Rakuten TV's main headquarters is located Barcelona. The company has employees across 3 continents, including Europe, Asia, North America.

As of July 2025, Rakuten TV's annual revenue reached $75M.

As of July 2025, Rakuten TV has approximately 201 employees across 3 continents, including Europe, Asia, North America.

Rakuten TV is one of the leading streaming platforms in Europe that combines TVOD (Transactional video-on-demand), AVOD (Advertising video-on-demand) and FAST channels (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) providing users with a universe of content and making the whole entertainment experience easier.

Rakuten TV is available in 43 European territories and forms part of Rakuten Group, Inc. one of the world's’ leading internet services companies, offering a wide variety of services for consumers and businesses, with a focus on e-commerce, fintech and digital content.

https://leadiq.com/c/rakuten-tv/...520revenue%2520reached%2520%2475M.
 

Rakuten Announces Full-Scale Launch of Rakuten AI, Unveils Vision for Agentic Ecosystem

Cutting-edge agentic AI tool Rakuten AI launches today on Rakuten Link; rollout on Rakuten Ichiba planned for Autumn 2025
Rakuten AI also directly accessible through its own web app

Tokyo, July 30, 2025 - Rakuten Group, Inc. and Rakuten Mobile, Inc. today announced the full-scale launch of Rakuten AI, a new cutting-edge AI agent designed to enhance user experiences and streamline interactions across the Rakuten Ecosystem, as well as enrich and empower daily life. The initial rollout integrates Rakuten AI into Rakuten Link, the communication app for Rakuten Mobile subscribers, and offers Rakuten AI as a web app (beta), heralding the start of the Rakuten Agentic AI era. Rakuten AI is free of charge to use in all its forms, and rollout on Rakuten Ichiba is planned for Autumn 2025.

Rakuten AI is an essential gateway seamlessly integrated with the expansive Rakuten Ecosystem, spanning diverse sectors including shopping, lifestyle, fintech, travel, education, work, wellness and entertainment. In addition to Rakuten AI’s robust research and action capabilities, its deep Japanese Context Awareness is a key differentiator, enabling integration with local services through its comprehensive understanding of the Japanese language and culture, and delivering personalized experiences designed to foster lifelong happiness, success and fulfillment.

Moving forward, Rakuten AI will evolve into a force multiplier designed to decode intent, unify fragmented data and drive action. Users will gain instant access to the intelligence of thousands of experts to think faster, make better decisions and execute with the insight of an expert in every field.

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2025/0730_01.html
 

Operating Revenues and Operating net income increased

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2025/...2520ir%2520fintech
 

Poland: Rakuten TV powers Pilot WP’s TVoD store

March 20, 2025

Rakuten TV, the European streaming platforms, has partnered with Audioteka Group, owner of Polish OTT platform Pilot WP, to launch a co-branded TVoD store, bringing thousands of films directly to Pilot WP users.

“We are thrilled to partner with Audioteka Group to bring an outstanding selection of films from Rakuten TV’s extensive catalogue to the Pilot WP platform. This seamless integration enhances the user experience, making it easier than ever to enjoy blockbuster hits and award-winning titles at their convenience. Rakuten TV and Pilot WP are perfect business partners, as together we provide a complementary service in a streamlined and agile way. This agreement marks a significant milestone for ‘Rakuten TV Enterprise Services’, reinforcing our commitment to deliver premium entertainment experiences across Europe,” commented Karina Rompa, Partnerships and Business Development at Rakuten TV.

https://www.advanced-television.com/2025/03/20/...ilot-wps-tvod-store
 

March 3, 2025

At Mobile World Congress, Rakuten TV, the European streaming platform, has announced that it is positioning itself as a key enabler for telcos looking to expand their content offering in the growing FAST market. Through Rakuten TV Enterprise Services, the company provides solutions for the launch, distribution and monetisation of FAST channels.

After three years of collaboration with some of Europe’s top telcos in the TVoD and AVoD segment, Rakuten TV is now completing its business proposition for telcos via its Enterprise Services, enabling them to enhance their content offering through FAST channels distribution and monetisation. Four months after its launch at MIPCOM, Rakuten TV Enterprise Services is now opening up to telcos, providing them with the opportunity to strengthen their entertainment offering.

“For 15 years, Rakuten TV has been at the forefront of streaming, building a scalable and comprehensive platform to offer the best entertainment experience to our users. Now, via Rakuten TV Enterprise Services, we are leveraging our expertise to offer content partners a suite of high-quality, cost-effective solutions to easily launch and monetise their FAST channels and video centric Apps and, starting today, empower telcos to expand their content offer across the FAST market ensuring them access to high-quality content, greater reach, and more monetisation opportunities,” commented Cédric Dufour, CEO and President of Rakuten TV. “We have been already working with major telcos across Europe to provide them TVoD and AVoD options, and we are now ready to offer them an easy access to FAST market, which data shows being the most rapidly growing segment of entertainment landscape.”

https://www.advanced-television.com/2025/03/03/...-services-to-telcos
 

Rakuten TV Enterprise Services is built around three core services:

Content Syndication – Access to localised content tailored to regional preferences: over 18,000 TVoD titles, featuring the latest releases; 100 Owned and Operated and a selection of content partners FAST channels; and 10,000 AVoD titles, from Hollywood blockbusters and indie films to globally recognised TV series.

Monetisation – Rakuten TV Enterprise Services also provides its partners an effective monetisation solution: it relies on a team of marketers of CTV inventory in EMEA, with expert local sales teams, close links to some of Europe’s leading advertising agencies and seamless integration with the major SSP and DSP platforms.

FAST Channels & Video App Solutions – Tools for the launch, distribution and monetisation of FAST channels, as well as the development of OTT Video Apps for all major operating systems running on consumer electronic devices.

Rakuten TV already has a solid track record of partnerships with a number of European telecom operators such as Virgin Media O2 (UK), MasOrange (Spain), 1&1 (Germany) and Altibox (Norway), as well as FAST services including VIDAA, Xiaomi TV+, LG Channels, and Samsung TV Plus.

https://www.advanced-television.com/2025/03/03/...-services-to-telcos
 

Key features and benefits of Rakuten AI

Starting today, Rakuten AI is integrated into the Rakuten Link communication app for Rakuten Mobile subscribers. Originally launched as Rakuten Link AI in October 2024, the updated version empowers subscribers with AI chat and auto-generated prompts for effortless Rakuten Ecosystem searches. Users can conveniently input queries via text, voice-to-text conversion and image search, and choose from multiple AI-generated prompts for follow-up questions.

The Rakuten AI web app*3 is an innovative service designed to usher in a new era of humanized technology that aims to make every user feel seen, accepted and empowered in their digital interactions. Anyone with a Rakuten ID can use this version of Rakuten AI. It offers specialized AI skills, including AI chat, AI search with deep think, voice mode, translation, AI reading, coding, problem-solving and image creation. The future vision for Rakuten AI is to enable consumers to benefit from an agentic ecosystem.

Rakuten AI will roll out on Rakuten Ichiba in Autumn 2025 in the next step of the ongoing optimization and expansion of agentic AI within the Rakuten Ecosystem. Within Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten AI will leverage integrated specialized agents and insights data including user attributes, preferences and purchasing trends to offer users personalized product recommendations.

Rakuten AI is a key component of Rakuten's vision for an Agentic Ecosystem which aims to create a hyper-personalized, intelligent and interconnected experience for users across the Rakuten Ecosystem. By harnessing agentic AI, Rakuten aims to empower users with intelligent orchestration of tasks across its core services, aligned with their unique preferences.

Rakuten AI is ideally positioned to lead the future of commerce on the agentic web. By optimizing for AI agents and offering seamless access both in-browser and within Rakuten apps, Rakuten AI will serve as the premier gateway to the Rakuten Ecosystem, connecting users directly to Rakuten services and beyond.

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2025/0730_01.html
 

April 16, 2025

By Nik Roseveare

Rakuten TV, the European streaming platforms, has announced a new agreement with Mattel, the toy manufacturing and entertainment company. This partnership will bring a lineup of Mattel’s iconic children’s content across Europe. The content will be available on Rakuten TV’s Family channel and will also be accessible on-demand as part of Rakuten TV’s library of free content.

As part of the deal, Rakuten TV will offer a selection of beloved animated series and movies, featuring celebrated brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, Monster High and more. The partnership covers key European markets, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Nordics, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland and Portugal.

Marcos Milanez, Chief Content Officer at Rakuten TV, commented: “We are excited to partner with Mattel to bring their iconic brands to our European audiences through our AVoD and FAST channels. This collaboration enhances our commitment to providing a diverse range of high-quality, family-friendly content, ensuring viewers across the region can enjoy the best in entertainment, free of charge.”

https://www.advanced-television.com/2025/04/16/...-mattel-partnership
 

Big progress of Rakuten 0% discounted in the share-price!  

Rakuten Sales: Japan eCommerce Data (Updated July 25)

TMO Group July 11, 2025

Japan boasts one of the world’s most mature consumer markets, with eCommerce sales reaching approximately US $110 billion in 2023—and continuing to grow steadily. Fueled by high disposable incomes, a strong preference for domestic and premium goods, and near-universal internet access, Japan ranks as the fourth-largest eCommerce market globally.

Within this landscape, Rakuten remains a cornerstone of online shopping behavior. With over US $30 billion in annual transaction volume and a sprawling digital ecosystem that spans shopping, finance, travel, and mobile services, Rakuten’s loyalty-driven model makes it a strategic priority for both domestic brands and cross-border sellers aiming to expand in Japan.

For overseas brands considering market entry, refining product strategy, or monitoring local competitors, keeping up with category shifts and fast-moving trends is crucial.

These reports provide a strategic snapshot of the platform—but they’re also just the beginning. Each data pack serves as a sample of our larger data capabilities, which include long-term category monitoring, competitor benchmarking, and custom eCommerce intelligence tailored to your brand’s goals.

https://www.tmogroup.asia/insights/japan-ecommerce-sales/

 

Global Open RAN Market USD 79,379 Million by 2034

The Global Open RAN Market size is expected to be worth around USD 79,379 Million by 2034, from USD 2,957 Million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 38.9% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. North America dominated a 34.6% market share in 2024 and held USD 1,024.3 Million in revenue from the Open Ran Market.

The market for Open RAN is experiencing significant growth, propelled by its promise to reduce costs and increase system flexibility. With the backing of major telecom operators and the active involvement of a broad array of equipment vendors, the Open RAN ecosystem is rapidly expanding. This market evolution is driven by both technological advancements and strategic partnerships among key industry players, making Open RAN a viable alternative to traditional RAN solutions.

The main drivers of Open RAN adoption include the need for greater network flexibility, reduced vendor lock-in, and lower capital and operational expenditures. These factors are crucial as operators seek more customizable and cost-effective solutions in the face of evolving consumer demands and the ongoing rollout of 5G networks.

https://market.us/report/open-ran-market/
 

Compare the numbers with the nonsense from Stefan Pongratz from del Oro.  

Eyes on the edge: Japan's Rakuten Cloud lands in LatAm aiming at AI-driven demand
July 12, 2025

https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/...atam-aiming-at-ai-driven-demand
 

Current State of E-commerce in Japan
Japan is a key player in the Asia-Pacific e-commerce market, with 98% of its population banked—one of the highest rates globally—ensuring easy access to online payments.

Key e-commerce statistics for Japan (data from PCMI)

Total e-commerce volume in Japan for 2024: US$380 billion
Retail e-commerce volume in 2024 in Japan: US$121 billion
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for 2024–2027: 7%
Forecasted e-commerce market size for 2027: US$465 billion

Japan E-Commerce Payment Methods and Devices

Japan’s e-commerce market benefits from a variety of payment options and a significant mobile shopping presence. According to our PCMI’s E-commerce Data Library, the primary payment methods for online purchases in Japan, by share of volume, are:

Credit card — 63%
Digital wallet — 15%
Cash — 8%
Other — 8%
Buy Now Pay Later — 3%
Bank transfers — 2%
Debit card — 1%

https://paymentscmi.com/insights/japan-ecommerce-market-data-insights/
 

Unlock Next-Level Engagement with Viber Carousel Messages!

by: Promotexter

https://promotexter.com/insight-viber-carousel-messages/
 

Rakuten Mobile Selects Cisco, Nokia and F5 as Partners for 5G SA Network, Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity in Japan

Strategic partnerships will enhance network capabilities, simplify operations through AI-driven systems, and drive innovation for consumers and enterprises.

5G SA network cloud functions to be deployed in collaboration with Rakuten Symphony Cloud Solutions, offering Rakuten Mobile operational benefits of native cloud infrastructure.

Tokyo, Japan, July 31, 2025 – Rakuten Mobile, a global leading cloud-native AI intelligent mobile network operator, today announced the selection of Cisco, Nokia and F5 as partners for the deployment of its 5G Standalone (SA) mobile network.

The strategic technology partnerships with Cisco, Nokia and F5 will significantly enhance Rakuten Mobile’s network capabilities, simplify operations through AI-driven systems, and drive innovation for enhanced consumer and enterprises mobile services across Japan.

Since its launch of full-scale commercial mobile carrier services in 2019, Rakuten Mobile has been transforming the global telecommunications landscape with affordable, high-quality mobile services powered through cloud-native technology and Open RAN standards.

"Rakuten Mobile disrupted the industry in 2019 with the world's first end-to-end cloud-native, virtualized mobile network built on Open RAN. Today, we're accelerating our evolution towards fully autonomous network operations," said Sharad Sriwastawa, co-CEO and CTO of Rakuten Mobile.

"Through the power of 5G, AI, and strategic partnerships with leading innovators like Cisco, Nokia, and F5, we are empowering customers in Japan with state-of-the-art, secure, and sustainable mobile connectivity. We are setting a new global benchmark for intelligent, cloud-native mobile networks, meeting the dynamic needs of both consumers and enterprises and solidifying our position as a leading global innovator."

https://corp.mobile.rakuten.co.jp/english/news/press/2025/0731_03/
 

Getting Paid for Shopping Just Got Even Easier, Rakuten.ca Launches Interac e-Transfer Payouts

Thu, July 31, 2025

TORONTO, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Getting paid for shopping just got a major upgrade. Rakuten.ca is thrilled to introduce Interac e-Transfer as a brand-new, faster, and more secure way for members to cash in on their Cash Back - straight to their bank accounts in minutes via email.
Interac e-Transfer is Canada’s trusted, real-time bank-to-bank digital money transfer service, allowing Rakuten members to receive their Cash Back directly into their bank account using only an email address. With over 750 retailers, such as H&M, New Balance, Sephora, Mejuri, Best Buy, Expedia, Sporting Life, Well.ca, HelloFresh and more, offering Cash Back on everything from fashion and beauty to travel, takeout, gift cards and more, Rakuten’s new Interac e-Transfer option means rewards land in bank accounts faster and more securely. Now, Canadians can enjoy the rewards of their shopping even sooner.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/...id-shopping-just-got-100000571.html