AnyMind acquires mobile ad platform Pokkt

Singapore-based AnyMind Group said it has acquired Indian mobile video advertising startup Pokkt, expanding its offerings, global presence in India and the Middle East, and leadership team.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Photo credit: AnyMind

Pokkt offers an in-app ad platform that includes video ads and app performance marketing. It uses machine learning to help its over 200 advertising partners better target their audiences.

AnyMind will integrate Pokkt’s mobile-centric tech stack into its AdAsia Digital platform, which currently helps marketers activate, manage, and track media buys across desktop and mobile channels.

The move also extends AnyMind’s global reach, integrating Pokkt’s three offices in India and one office in the UAE. This brings the group’s total geographical span to 17 offices in 13 markets, according to a statement.

As part of the deal, Pokkt’s co-founder and CEO, Rohit Sharma, was appointed to serve as the chief operating officer of AnyMind. Sharma replaces Otohiko Kozutsumi, who will now take on the role of chief commercial officer.

Vaibhav Odhekar, the chief operating officer of Pokkt, was named AnyMind’s managing director for India and the Middle East.

Formerly known as AdAsia, AnyMind started out in 2016 as an AI-driven digital advertising platform. It has since grown to apply its tech to other areas such as entertainment, marketing, and human resources.

AnyMind has made five acquisitions to date. It scooped up influencer network Grove in January, marking its fourth acquisition globally and its second in Japan after FourM. It had previously bought up Moindy in Thailand and Acqua Media in Hong Kong.

Recently, AnyMind raised US$26.4 million in funding and launched its new direct-to-consumer offering through its investment in fitness apparel company Lyft.