Staff Reporters
Jan 8, 2020

AnyMind acquires influencer network in Japan

The purchase of Grove adds 150 exclusive creators and 750 registered creators to the CastingAsia network.

L-R: Grove CEO Junki Kitajima, Kosuke Sogo of AnyMind
L-R: Grove CEO Junki Kitajima, Kosuke Sogo of AnyMind

AnyMind Group has agreed to acquire 51% of Japan-based influencer network Grove from its owner, Space Shower Network.

The acquisition adds 150 exclusive creators and 750 registered creators to AnyMind's CastingAsia Creators Network, which provides resources and support to influencers and content creators across Asia. The services of these influencers will be available to marketers through the CastingAsia platform, which aids in the discovery of influencers and the activation, management and tracking of campaigns.

“The Grove acquisition will enable us to provide resources and support Grove’s influencers to expand their follower base globally and bring more collaboration opportunities from overseas markets," Kosuke Sogo, CEO and co-founder of AnyMind Group, said in a release. "Marketers globally will also be able to tap into more influencer marketing opportunities in Japan for 2020 and beyond." 

Grove fits in with two acquisitions and a launch AnyMind announced last year:

  • Moindy, a Thai influencer network acquired in March
  • AnyUp, a joint venture between AnyMind Group and Japanese PR agency Sunny Side Up, announced in August.
  • AnyStyle.Tokyo, an influencer network of expatriates and overseas influencers who are producing content about Japan, announced in November.

CastingAsia said it is also working to evolve the state of influencer marketing and diversify how influencers and content creators can express themselves, helping influencers and content creators to create and launch their own brands and branded materials.

Source:
Campaign Asia

Related Articles

Just Published

2 hours ago

VCCP executive Sophie Maunder leaves to launch ...

Matri will offer the support and mentoring programme to its staff across 13 offices in North America, EMEA and APAC.

2 hours ago

DoubleVerify invests in FirstPartyCapital

The company aims to support innovation in the global adtech ecosystem through this investment.

3 hours ago

All AI, no 'aha': Has SXSW lost its creative spark?

Once the industry’s most inspiring week, SXSW 2025 leaned too heavily on AI and left creativity to the sidelines. If it wants to stay relevant for brand and agency leaders, it’s time to refocus on substance over spectacle.

3 hours ago

Trump postpones TikTok ban for another 75 days

Plus, a handy cheat sheet overview of who is reportedly kicking the tires on TikTok.