About Rakuten Asia Pte Ltd eCommerce Development company in Singapore, Singapore
Since our foundation in 1997 innovation has been at the core of who we are. With the mission of empowering people and society through innovation and entrepreneurship and in line with our vision as a Global Innovation Company we have engaged in a wide range of businesses and services. Here are some key milestones in the history of the Rakuten Group so far.
In an era when everyone seems to be saying that people will not buy things on the internet Rakuten Ichiba a B2B2C marketplace launches with just six employees one server 13 merchants and the strong desire to empower merchants that are small regional or perhaps unfamiliar with computers and the internet.
Rakuten enhances its brand awareness widely while accelerating Mamp;A activities through an IPO on the OTC market representing a major step into the new businesses and services that will ultimately constitute the Rakuten Ecosystem.
Rakuten announces the ambitious target of 1 trillion yen for gross transaction value at a time when it has only 36 billion yen gross transaction value. (The target was achieved in Q4 of FY2006.)
To achieve a further win-win relationship with merchants Rakuten Ichiba launches a pay-as-you-go program’ as well as Rakuten Points service. Rakuten Ichiba welcomes its 6000th registered merchant just 5 years after the service launched.
Rakuten Group dramatically expands scope and scale of operations by adding new core businesses.
Rakuten enters the arena of professional sports with the formation of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles the first new professional Japanese baseball franchise awarded in 50 years instantly spreading the Rakuten brand nationwide.
Synergy of credit card and e-commerce services generates substantial profits for the Rakuten Group.
Rakuten expands overseas for the first time by acquiring U.S.-based LinkShare Corporation (currently Rakuten Marketing LLC dba Rakuten Advertising).
Rakuten announces its vision for a Rakuten Ecosystem that encourages users to enjoy multiple services offered by the Rakuten Group a one-of-a-kind member-based business model.
Rakuten deepens its commitment to investing in human resources over the following 10 years reflecting its belief that employee development is essential for Rakuten#39;s growth.
Taiwan Rakuten Ichiba launches as first e-commerce business outside Japan.
In Japan the Rakuten Group intensifies its focus on improving customer service.
Rakuten further strengthens the Rakuten Ecosystem by expanding its financial services such as banking and e-money.
Rakuten accelerates its global business shifting from a Japan-based venture to a global internet services company.
After 14 years Rakuten Ichiba achieves over 1 trillion yen in gross transaction value and 38000 online merchants.
Rakuten intensifies membership-based e-commerce business worldwide.
Rakuten enters the eBook business by acquiring Kobo Inc. (currently Rakuten Kobo Inc.) in Canada and launching the kobo eBook service in Japan.
Englishnization initiatives accelerate the smooth integration of group companies worldwide.
Rakuten Ichiba passes 100000000 product SKUs.
Rakuten Eagles achieve first ever Japan Series Championship.
Rakuten changes the listing of its shares from the JASDAQ (Standard) market to the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange aiming to further expand business operations and improve corporate value.
With its acquisition of Viber and the launch of low-cost calling service Rakuten Mobile Rakuten strengthens its telecommunications and communications services.
Rakuten launches various new services including O2O services.
Rakuten expands its global gross transaction value adding next generation shopping mall Ebates.
Rakuten further explores new business models such as a C2C marketplace and an open e-commerce platform while also conducting a trial drone delivery service.
Rakuten launches its global partnership with FC Barcelona one of the most iconic and beloved football clubs in the world.
Rakuten strengthens the Rakuten gloablly through brand unification.
Total number of Rakuten Points awarded exceeds 1 trillion.
