Japanese tech firm AnyMind Group launches online store for influencers

Brand-enablement firm AnyMind Group has launched PopBox, an online retail platform where influencers can sell merchandise.

PopBox is available in Japan and Thailand, featuring influencers like Kanockstar and Mukuena and brands such as MayyR’s 11am-Shop and Nisamanee Nutt’s Land of N. Plans to expand into other Asian markets are also in the pipeline, AnyMind Group said.

Headquartered in Tokyo, AnyMind Group is present in 13 Asian countries. It has raised almost US$62 million from investors such as Line, Mirai Creation Fund, VGI Partners, Japan Post Capital, and JAFCO Asia. After starting out as an AI solutions player, AnyMind Group entered the content creation space after it acquired Thai influencer-marketing network Moindy Digital in 2019, going against the trend of multichannel networks in Asia.

PopBox boosts AnyMind Group’s efforts to build a direct-to-consumer ecosystem, allowing it to start with products from influencers who are already in its network. The new online shop rides on AnyMind Group’s existing product ecosystem in the areas of ecommerce, logistics, and cloud manufacturing.

The move also expands AnyMind Group’s current offerings for influencers and content creators in terms of monetization and distribution, brand collaborations, and the creation of influencer brands, according to CEO and co-founder Kosuke Sogo.