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/  

Optimistic about the long-term benefits of Open RAN

There are plenty of reasons for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and players in the wider RAN ecosystem to be optimistic about the long-term benefits of Open RAN. While some analysis of the market has fueled skepticism, the reality is that contracts continue to be signed and MNOs’ Open RAN strategies present opportunities for extending 5G coverage, optimizing network performance, reducing costs and enhancing the security of networks. Coupled with that promise is the exciting proposition of exploring Open RAN’s potential in a neutral host network architecture.

MNOs are at varying stages of maturity when it comes to Open RAN deployments, for the most part they have deployed Open RAN technologies in lower traffic rural environments. This trend is more due to a matter of building confidence rather than any inherent limitation of Open RAN. However, that is now changing with deployment in High Density Demand environments.

https://www.thefastmode.com/technology-solutions/...tions-of-open-ran
 

Taiwan Rakuten Card Launches First Rakuten Panda Card

February  04, 2025

Taiwan Rakuten Card has launched its first card featuring Rakuten (Okaimono) Panda, the "Rakuten Panda J Card." In addition to up to 3% cashback on purchases in Taiwan, the card also offers up to 5% cashback on purchases in Japan, Korea, and Thailand, popular travel destinations for many Taiwanese. Taiwan Rakuten Card CEO Eiji Ishii spoke to press at the venue after the ceremonial card signing and celebratory opening ceremony featuring the Rakuten Monkeys cheerleading team, the Rakuten Girls.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpgWZRl-zDc&t=7s
 

 

High School Students Host Cashless Culture Festival with Rakuten Pay

February  05, 2025

Rakuten Payment introduced cashless payments at a high school culture festival in Yamaguchi Prefecture. High school students used Rakuten Pay terminals, experiencing both the customer and business sides. This initiative, which uses Rakuten's assets to increase financial literacy, is part of the company's next-generation education program conducted in collaboration with local governments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ds3lk9tR0I&t=31s
 

Why Japanese E-Commerce Giant Rakuten Is Betting Big on AI

The e-tailer’s head of fashion Ryo Matsumura sees its recent investments in semantic search and other artificial intelligence features as key to driving sales growth in the country’s lucrative but lagging online luxury market.

14 January 2025

Key insights

Rakuten is investing in generative AI search and discovery to make buying journeys more seamless for consumers amid increased e-commerce uptake.

In addition to semantic search technology for consumers, Rakuten has released a natural-language user interface for merchants to harness data insights.

Online players are up against tough competition in Japan, where the virtual experience must match the country’s enviable brick-and-mortar hospitality.

https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/...n-is-betting-big-on-ai/
 

Ever wondered who creates the subtitles you see on Viki? Our amazing community of volunteers are people just like you - passionate fans of global TV. Together, we’re breaking down language barriers between great entertainment and fans everywhere!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mh3lPRHctA
 

SpaceTech: Vodafone-CEO mit historischem Anruf dank AST SpaceMobile

Historische Demonstration eines Videotelefonats via Satellit von ASTS - einfach auf dem Handy!
Am 1. Januar 1985 rief Michael Harrison kurz nach Mitternacht vom Parliament Square in London seinen Vater Ernest Harrison, den Gründer und ersten Vorsitzenden von Vodafone, an. Die beiden schrieben mit diesem Anruf Geschichte, denn zum ersten Mal wurde in Großbritannien ein Telefongespräch von einem Handy aus geführt. 40 Jahre später schrieb das Unternehmen erneut Geschichte, denn der Margherita della Valle, CEO des Unternehmens, führte Ende Januar mit Ingenieur, Rowan Chesmer, das erste weltraumgestützte Handy-Videotelefonat. Möglich wurde es durch die Technik von AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS, WKN: A3CL8W).

https://www.ariva.de/news/kolumnen/...rischem-anruf-dank-ast-11522735
 

January 24, 2025

https://symphony.rakuten.com/blog/...a-conversation-with-guruprasad-s

 

4,973

224 4.72%

Ope = ¥4,770

Day Range = 4,760 - 5,078

52 Week Range = 2,248 - 5,078

Market Cap = ¥867.7B = $5.73 billion

https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/5838?countrycode=jp
 

Rakuten Symphony’s Top 25 AI initiatives: Network Performance Anomaly Detection

By Dewa Siswanto
Senior Director of Product Operations, OSS Rakuten Symphony

The use of KPIs to understand network performance is an effective way to determine the operating status of a network and any conditions that might make it fail. But manual processing of this data is slow and error prone. Every moment the network is impacted can result in customer dissatisfaction that results in churn. With the Network Performance Anomaly Detection use case, Rakuten Symphony has leveraged the power of AI/ML to understand the performance issues – accounting for seasonality – and alert the correct team to resolve the underlying problem. The impact of this use case can be a significant improvement in mean-time-to-repair, leading to more satisfied customers.

https://symphony.rakuten.com/blog/...rk-performance-anomaly-detection
 

Rakuten Rakuma Expands into U.S. Market with Full-Scale Launch of Cross-Border Sales on eBay
- Following successful trials, sales launch with eBay Authenticity Guarantee for handbag products, with plans for future expansion into other fashion categories

Tokyo, February 7, 2025 – Rakuten Rakuma, the Rakuten Group’s community-powered marketplace app, today announced that the full-scale launch of cross-border sales on eBay USA will begin in late February, enabling shoppers in the Unites States to purchase pre-loved fashion products from Rakuma Official Shops.

https://global.rakuten.com/corp/news/press/2025/0207_01.html
 

From USD 3.18 billion in 2025 to USD 38.71 billion by 2034

Open RAN Market Size and Forecast 2025 to 2034

The global open RAN market size was estimated at USD 2.39 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 3.18 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 38.71 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 32.11% from 2025 to 2034.

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

Rakuten: Gebrauchtwarenservice Rakuma startet Ende Februar über Ebay in vollem Umfang auf dem US-Markt

Am 07. Februar 2025 um 05:00 Uhr

https://de.marketscreener.com/kurs/aktie/...48987920/#google_vignette
 

Rakuten Launches Programmatic Loyalty: AI-Powered Ad Solution Drives Performance and Guarantees ROAS for Retailers

New, industry-first solution helps retail marketers optimize Cash Back budgets for increased performance with minimal financial risk

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rakuten, the leading Cash Back shopping platform, launched Programmatic Loyalty, an industry-first advertising solution that leverages AI and Rakuten's robust first-party data to deliver performance-driven outcomes—all with a guaranteed return on ad spend (ROAS). Retailers leveraging Programmatic Loyalty are already seeing impressive results. A leading home and garden brand experienced a 107% year-over-year increase in shoppers during the second half of 2024 during its ongoing campaign.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/...urn%2520on%2520ad%2520spe
 

Open RAN Market Size 2024 to 2034 (USD Billion)

2024: $ 2.39 billion

2025: $ 3.18 billion

2026: $ 4.23 billion

2027: $ 5.64 billion

2028: $ 7.52 billion

2029: $ 10.03 billion

2030: $ 13.39 billion

2031: $ 17.89 billion

2032: $ 23.92 billion

2033: $ 32.00 billion

2034: $ 38.71 billion

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

Top Shareholders of AST Space Mobile

    Holder§# of Shares Type % Holding

Abel Antonio Avellan 78,163,078 Insider 39.01%
Hiroshi Mikitani  (Rakuten)  31,020,155 Insider 15.48%
  Vanguard 9,884,508Institution     4.93%          §
Vanguard Index Funds 8,885,760 Institution 4.44%
   iShares 5,323,416Institution     2.66%          §
Janus Investment Fund 3,394,096 Institution 1.69%
Hennessy Funds Trust 2,982,567 Institution 1.49%
Jeff Osher 2,500,000 Institution 1.25% 53,850,000
Fidelity Salem Street Trust 1,522,652 Institution 0.76%
Fidelity Concord Street Trust 1,464,652 Institution 0.73%

https://www.tipranks.com/stocks/asts/ownership

 

Open RAN offers cost savings in terms of network deployment and operational expenses. By allowing operators to use equipment from multiple vendors, it fosters competition, potentially reducing prices and making the overall network infrastructure more cost-efficient.

Open RAN's emphasis on interoperability enables network operators to mix and match components from different vendors. This promotes vendor diversification, reducing dependence on a single supplier and creating a more flexible and competitive market environment.

The modular and open nature of open RAN facilitates quicker adoption of new technologies. This promotes innovation as vendors can introduce updates and improvements independently, enabling faster integration of advanced features and technologies within the network.

Open RAN architecture allows for easier scalability, making it adaptable to varying network demands. This flexibility is crucial in accommodating the evolving requirements of 5G networks and beyond, contributing to the long-term growth of the Open RAN market.

Open RAN can play a pivotal role in extending mobile network coverage to underserved and remote areas. Its cost-effective and adaptable approach makes it an attractive solution for addressing global connectivity challenges and bridging the digital divide, contributing to market growth.

The Open RAN ecosystem benefits from collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders. The establishment of interoperability standards and collaborations between telecom operators, equipment manufacturers, and technology developers contributes to a more cohesive and standardized Open RAN environment, fostering market growth.

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

Die Nutzer interagieren im Jahr 2024 mehr mit Unternehmen über Viber.
In Griechenland:

Die Zahl der Geschäftskonten stieg um 12 %.

Business-to-User-Messaging stieg um 53 %.

Transaktionsnachrichten (z. B. Zustellungsbenachrichtigungen) nahmen um 61 % zu.
Werbebotschaften (z. B. Sonderangebote) stiegen um 58 %.

Es ist klar, dass Benutzer zunehmend über Viber mit Unternehmen interagieren, sei es durch Live-Kommunikation oder Chatbots, insbesondere wenn es um Kundensupport und Verkaufsunterstützung geht. Die Anzahl dieser Gespräche hat sich verdoppelt, was die gestiegene Präferenz der Verbraucher für direkte und personalisierte Kommunikation zeigt.

Gleichzeitig startete Viber Gems, spezielle Animationen, die mit Schlüsselwörtern wie "Happy Birthday" oder "Happy New Year" aktiviert werden. Globale Marken wie Fanta, Puma und L'Or éal haben dieses Potenzial bereits in ihren Kampagnen genutzt. Für Unternehmen, die auf der Suche nach nativer Produktplatzierung und Werbung sind, bietet Viber einzigartige Möglichkeiten, um ihr Bewusstsein und ihre Sichtbarkeit zu verbessern. Mit einem beeindruckenden Durchschnitt von 366 Millionen monatlichen Anzeigenimpressionen in Griechenland im vergangenen Jahr entwickelt sich die Plattform zu einem leistungsstarken Instrument für gezielte Werbung und Interaktion mit dem Publikum.

https://www.queen.gr/life/tech/story/305491/...akolouthei-gia-to-2025

 

E-Hailing Market Forecasts 2025-2030, Competitive Analysis of Uber, Lyft, Didi Chuxing Technology, Ola Cabs, MyCar, Grad, Gojek, Bolt, Wingz, Gett, Cabify, Maxim Service, BlaBlaCar, Free Now, Indecab

January 10, 2025

The global e-hailing market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.12% over the forecast period, from US$114.981 billion in 2025 to US$325.345 billion by 2030.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/...-Free-Now-Ind.html
 

Rakuten Securities’ operating revenue FY 2015-2024

Published by Statista Research Department, Feb 5, 2025

In the fiscal year 2024, the operating revenue of Rakuten Securities, Inc. amounted to 130.1 billion Japanese yen, up 17.3 percent from the previous fiscal year.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1368742/...ies-operating-revenue/
 

Unlock Exclusive Rewards with Viber Pay: Shop Smarter and Save More

By Eden Ezion
January 29, 2025

Viber Pay is not just about seamless and secure money transfers; it also offers exciting Rewards that add extra value to your everyday transactions. With Viber Pay Rewards, you can enjoy exclusive discounts from your favorite brands, making every purchase more rewarding. Currently, Rewards are available in Greece and Cyprus, but stay tuned as we expand to more countries!

https://www.viber.com/en/blog/2025-01-29/...op-smarter-and-save-more/
 

Viber's Milestones: A Journey of Innovation and Impact

Viber has achieved remarkable milestones since its inception in 2010. The platform has transformed the way people communicate, making it a significant player in the messaging app landscape. Here are some of the major achievements that highlight Viber's influence and growth:

Rapid User Growth: Within just a year of its launch, Viber attracted 19 million users. Today, it boasts over 1.1 billion registered users globally, showcasing its widespread appeal.

Acquisition by Rakuten: In 2014, Viber was acquired by the Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten for $900 million. This acquisition not only provided financial backing but also expanded Viber's reach into new markets.

Introduction of Unique Features: Viber has consistently rolled out innovative features, such as end-to-end encryption in 2016, which enhanced user privacy. The introduction of disappearing messages in 2017 further solidified its commitment to secure communication.

Community Engagement: Viber has launched various initiatives to engage users, including partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and the International Federation of the Red Cross. These collaborations have focused on promoting positive social change and providing reliable information during crises.

Adaptation During the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic saw a 170% increase in group-related activities on Viber. The platform quickly adapted by enhancing its features to support remote communication, including doubling the number of participants allowed in group calls.

Launch of Viber Payments: In 2023, Viber introduced a real-time account-to-account money transfer service, allowing users to send money securely within the app. This feature positions Viber as a versatile platform for both communication and financial transactions.

Viber's YouTube Channel: Since its launch in 2010, Viber's YouTube channel has garnered over 115,000 subscribers and more than 211 million views. The channel serves as a hub for tutorials, updates, and news, further enhancing user engagement.

These achievements reflect Viber's commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. The platform continues to evolve, adapting to the needs of its users while maintaining a strong focus on security and community engagement.

https://www.networthspot.com/viber/net-worth/
 

2015: 55.05 billion JPY
2016: 46.49 billion JPY
2017: 55.88 billion JPY
2018: 45.11 billion JPY
2019: 58.06 billion JPY
2020: 72.31 billion JPY
2021: 89.58 billion JPY
2022: 95.44 billion JPY
2023: 110.88 billion JPY
2024: 130.10 billion JPY

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1368742/...ies-operating-revenue/
 

im Wert von mehr als 800 Millionen US-Dollar.

AST SpaceMobile wird ab 2030 rund 4,5 Mrd. Dollar generieren

8. Dezember 2024

Erst vor Kurzem schloss AST SpaceMobile einen Zehnjahresvertrag mit Vodafone ab. Das sieht die Deutsche Bank als wichtigen Meilenstein.

https://www.ariva.de/news/kolumnen/...-mrd-dollar-generieren-11477710
 

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS)
32.90
+6.39
https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/ASTS/

Rakuten owning about 31 million shares of AST.