AnyMind acquires influencer network in Japan

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.