TOPIC : Unpacking the next-generation of commerce for Southeast Asia

After graduating from university in 2010, Kosuke Sogo wanted to travel around Southeast Asia and South Asia before starting his professional career. During this time, he saw the potential of the region and how technology would drive future growth across populations in Asia.

That is why Sogo started his career in the technology space, joining CyberAgent-owned MicroAd, and became the company’s youngest managing director. In 2012, he was tasked to lead the company’s expansion into Southeast Asia at just 25 years old.

In 2016, he co-founded AnyMind Group and took the role of Chief Executive Officer. In 2021, Sogo was appointed as an Endeavor entrepreneur, joining the ranks of this prestigious global network of high-impact entrepreneurs.

He has also been recognized in Forbes Japan’s “Japan Startup of the Year” ranking for three consecutive years, landing within the top 20 entrepreneurs for 2020 and 2021, and top 10 entrepreneurs for 2022.

Founded in April 2016, AnyMind Group is a commerce enablement company that provides individuals and businesses with solutions for business analytics, manufacturing, e-commerce, logistics and marketing. To date, AnyMind Group has raised funding of US$62.3 million, from investors including (but not limited to) LINE, Mirai Creation Fund, VGI, Japan Post Capital and JAFCO Asia. AnyMind Group has over 900 staff across 17 offices in 13 markets, including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, Japan, India and the United Arab Emirates.