by | Feb 18, 2025 | Business
Tokyo – Japan, January 20, 2025 – Vector Inc.
(Headquarters: Tokyo; Chairman and CEO: Keiji Nishie; TYO: 6058) has been actively supporting startup growth through
investments and PR/IR assistance. To date, Vector Inc. has invested in
approximately 250 domestic companies and has backed 32 companies achieve IPOs
and sustatin post-listing growth.
As part of it’s pioneering expansion into
overseas investments, Vector Inc. has decided to invest in bythen, an Indonesian-based AI startup, and
enter into a capital and business alliance.
The Global IP market has been experiencing
rapid growth, reaching approximately USD 315.5 billion in 2021-threee times its
size a decade ago. Additionally, the rise of social media has fuled the
expansion of the “creator economy,” where individuals can develop and
montize their own original IP.
bythen empowers users to creative AI-powered
digital twins, produce engaging content, and live stream, unlocking new
opportunites to elevate their online presence and monetize influence. The
platform democratizes access to virtual influencers, leveraging AI-driven content
generation to enbale 24/7 automated engagement across social media platforms. bythen
is poised to disrupt the $325 billion creator economy and empower over 200
million global content creators.
Kevin Mintaraga, the founder of bythen, is a
globally recognized serial entrepreneur. He previously built Magnivate, which
was acquired by WPP in 2012, and Bridestory, which was acquired by Tokopedia in
2019.
Looking ahead, the Vector Inc. will continue
to expand its focus beyond domestic companies to include overseas companies, driving
business and economic growth by investing in companies with cutting-edge
technologies and world-leading services.
Profile of Kevin Mintaraga, CEO of bythen
・Co-founded Magnivate, a digital agency
(now Mirum Agency), in 2008.
・Sold Magnivate to WPP, the world’s
largest advertising and marketing company, in
2012 and served as the youngest subsidiary CEO in WPP’s history until
2013.
・Founded Bridestory in 2013, which grew
into Indonesia’s largest wedding
marketplace and was acquired by Tokopedia in 2019.
・Served as CMO of Tokopedia (now part of
the GoTo Group) from 2019.
・Featured on Campaign Asia’s Power List
for four consecutive years.
Comment from Kevin Mintaraga
“Japan is a global leader in the virtual influencer industry and a
powerhouse of IP content. Receiving investment from Vector, Asia’s largest PR
company with a vast domestic and international network, is a great honor.
Vector’s strong reputation and customer network in Japan and the broader
Asian region will play a pivotale role in helping bythen promote its avatar
collections and solutions. Furthermore, this partnership opens the possibility
for collaborations between bythen and Japan’s iconic IPs.
Until now, the rights to virtual influencer IPs were typically owned by
companies, limiting individuals’ freedom to customize and adapt them. bythen aims
to democratize virtual influencer IPs globally by providing users with tools and
solutions to build and grow their digital presence.”
Profile of Ryo Umezawa, Vice President of New
Business Development and Global M&A, Vector Inc.
・Spent ten years in the Philippines before graduating from Sophia
University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Business
and Economics, in 2007.
・Interned at J-Seed during university, contributing
to business launches
and marketing activities from 2005.
・Worked at Traffic Gate (now LinkShare
Japan) from 2008, building smartphone ad network businesses and developing voice
recognition search app
・Co-founded two startups, a mobile
marketing company and a coupon aggregation business
・Served as the CEO of HAILO Japan, a
taxi-hailing app, and held executive roles
at HomeAway Japan, Tinder Japan, and investment funds East Ventures and
Antler.
・Appointed as Vice President of New
Business Development and Global M&A at Vector Inc. in 2024.
Comment from Ryo Umezawa
“It is a great honor to support an entrepreneur embarking on his
third venture with a vision of democratizing AI virtual characters and pursuing
global expansion. This initiative will showcase Japan’s content and culture
globally, unlock creators’ full potential, and contribute to the growth of the
sharing economy.”
by | Feb 18, 2025 | Business
Tokyo – Japan, January 20, 2025 – Vector Inc.
(Headquarters: Tokyo; Chairman and CEO: Keiji Nishie; TYO: 6058) has
been actively supporting startup growth through investments and PR/IR
assistance. To date, Vector Inc. has invested in approximately 250 domestic
companies and has backed 32 companies achieve IPOs and sustatin post-listing growth.
As part of it’s pioneering expansion into
overseas investments, Vector Inc. has decided to invest in bythen, an Indonesian-based AI startup, and
enter into a capital and business alliance.
The Global IP market has been experiencing
rapid growth, reaching approximately USD 315.5 billion in 2021-threee times its
size a decade ago. Additionally, the rise of social media has fuled the
expansion of the “creator economy,” where individuals can develop and
montize their own original IP.
bythen empowers users to creative AI-powered
digital twins, produce engaging content, and live stream, unlocking new
opportunites to elevate their online presence and monetize influence. The
platform democratizes access to virtual influencers, leveraging AI-driven content
generation to enbale 24/7 automated engagement across social media platforms. bythen
is poised to disrupt the $325 billion creator economy and empower over 200
million global content creators.
Kevin Mintaraga, the founder of bythen, is a
globally recognized serial entrepreneur. He previously built Magnivate, which
was acquired by WPP in 2012, and Bridestory, which was acquired by Tokopedia in
2019.
Looking ahead, the Vector Inc. will continue
to expand its focus beyond domestic companies to include overseas companies, driving
business and economic growth by investing in companies with cutting-edge
technologies and world-leading services.
Profile of Kevin Mintaraga, CEO of bythen
・Co-founded Magnivate, a digital agency (now Mirum
Agency), in 2008.
・Sold Magnivate to WPP, the world’s largest advertising
and marketing company, in 2012 and
served as the youngest subsidiary CEO in WPP’s history until 2013.
・Founded Bridestory in 2013, which grew into
Indonesia’s largest wedding
marketplace
and was acquired by Tokopedia in 2019.
・Served as CMO of Tokopedia (now part of the GoTo
Group) from 2019.
・Featured on Campaign Asia’s Power List for four consecutive
years.
Comment from Kevin Mintaraga
“Japan is
a global leader in the virtual influencer industry and a powerhouse of IP
content. Receiving investment from Vector, Asia’s largest PR company with a vast
domestic and international network, is a great honor.
Vector’s
strong reputation and customer network in Japan and the broader Asian region
will play a pivotale role in helping bythen promote its avatar collections and
solutions. Furthermore, this partnership opens the possibility for
collaborations between bythen and Japan’s iconic IPs.
Until now, the
rights to virtual influencer IPs were typically owned by companies, limiting
individuals’ freedom to customize and adapt them. bythen aims to democratize
virtual influencer IPs globally by providing users with tools and solutions to
build and grow their digital presence.”
Profile of Ryo Umezawa, Vice President of New
Business Development and Global M&A, Vector Inc.
・Spent ten years
in the Philippines before graduating from Sophia
University
with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Business and Economics, in
2007.
・Interned at J-Seed during university, contributing to
business launches
and marketing activities
from 2005.
・Worked at Traffic Gate (now LinkShare Japan) from
2008, building smartphone ad network businesses and developing voice
recognition search app
・Co-founded two startups, a mobile marketing company
and a coupon aggregation business
・Served as the CEO of HAILO Japan, a taxi-hailing app,
and held executive roles
at HomeAway
Japan, Tinder Japan, and investment funds East Ventures and Antler.
・Appointed as Vice President of New Business
Development and Global M&A at Vector Inc. in 2024.
Comment from Ryo Umezawa
“It is a
great honor to support an entrepreneur embarking on his third venture with a
vision of democratizing AI virtual characters and pursuing global expansion.
This initiative will showcase Japan’s content and culture globally, unlock
creators’ full potential, and contribute to the growth of the sharing
economy.”
by | Feb 18, 2025 | Business
Tokyo – Japan, January 20, 2025 – Vector Inc.
(Headquarters: Tokyo; Chairman and CEO: Keiji Nishie; TYO: 6058) has been actively supporting startup growth through
investments and PR/IR assistance. To date, Vector Inc. has invested in
approximately 250 domestic companies and has backed 32 companies achieve IPOs
and sustatin post-listing growth.
As part of it’s pioneering expansion into
overseas investments, Vector Inc. has decided to invest in bythen, an Indonesian-based AI startup, and
enter into a capital and business alliance.
The Global IP market has been experiencing
rapid growth, reaching approximately USD 315.5 billion in 2021-threee times its
size a decade ago. Additionally, the rise of social media has fuled the
expansion of the “creator economy,” where individuals can develop and
montize their own original IP.
bythen empowers users to creative AI-powered
digital twins, produce engaging content, and live stream, unlocking new
opportunites to elevate their online presence and monetize influence. The
platform democratizes access to virtual influencers, leveraging AI-driven content
generation to enbale 24/7 automated engagement across social media platforms. bythen
is poised to disrupt the $325 billion creator economy and empower over 200
million global content creators.
Kevin Mintaraga, the founder of bythen, is a
globally recognized serial entrepreneur. He previously built Magnivate, which
was acquired by WPP in 2012, and Bridestory, which was acquired by Tokopedia in
2019.
Looking ahead, the Vector Inc. will continue
to expand its focus beyond domestic companies to include overseas companies, driving
business and economic growth by investing in companies with cutting-edge
technologies and world-leading services.
Profile of Kevin Mintaraga, CEO of bythen
・Co-founded Magnivate, a digital agency
(now Mirum Agency), in 2008.
・Sold Magnivate to WPP, the world’s
largest advertising and marketing company, in
2012 and served as the youngest subsidiary CEO in WPP’s history until
2013.
・Founded Bridestory in 2013, which grew
into Indonesia’s largest wedding
marketplace and was acquired by Tokopedia in 2019.
・Served as CMO of Tokopedia (now part of
the GoTo Group) from 2019.
・Featured on Campaign Asia’s Power List
for four consecutive years.
Comment from Kevin Mintaraga
“Japan is a global leader in the virtual influencer industry and a
powerhouse of IP content. Receiving investment from Vector, Asia’s largest PR
company with a vast domestic and international network, is a great honor.
Vector’s strong reputation and customer network in Japan and the broader
Asian region will play a pivotale role in helping bythen promote its avatar
collections and solutions. Furthermore, this partnership opens the possibility
for collaborations between bythen and Japan’s iconic IPs.
Until now, the rights to virtual influencer IPs were typically owned by
companies, limiting individuals’ freedom to customize and adapt them. bythen aims
to democratize virtual influencer IPs globally by providing users with tools and
solutions to build and grow their digital presence.”
Profile of Ryo Umezawa, Vice President of New
Business Development and Global M&A, Vector Inc.
・Spent ten years in the Philippines before graduating from Sophia
University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in International Business
and Economics, in 2007.
・Interned at J-Seed during university, contributing
to business launches
and marketing activities from 2005.
・Worked at Traffic Gate (now LinkShare
Japan) from 2008, building smartphone ad network businesses and developing voice
recognition search app
・Co-founded two startups, a mobile
marketing company and a coupon aggregation business
・Served as the CEO of HAILO Japan, a
taxi-hailing app, and held executive roles
at HomeAway Japan, Tinder Japan, and investment funds East Ventures and
Antler.
・Appointed as Vice President of New
Business Development and Global M&A at Vector Inc. in 2024.
Comment from Ryo Umezawa
“It is a great honor to support an entrepreneur embarking on his
third venture with a vision of democratizing AI virtual characters and pursuing
global expansion. This initiative will showcase Japan’s content and culture
globally, unlock creators’ full potential, and contribute to the growth of the
sharing economy.”
by | Feb 18, 2025 | Business
Caravel is the ultimate destination for discerning travelers, blending function, style, and innovation in every journey. Conceptualized in 2023 with La Meute, a French design company, Caravel offers a global, modern aesthetic. Its flagship store opened in SM Podium in October 2024, followed by Greenhills GH Mall.
Designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and visionaries, Caravel curates world-renowned brands like Bric’s, Porsche Design, Thule, Travelpro, and Echolac. Whether for business, leisure, or everyday adventures, Caravel ensures your travelware meets every need—durable, secure, and stylish.
Discover a new way to travel. Make it your own. Make it Caravel.
Caravel, home of elevated global travelware, is designed with purpose, functionality and style. Conceptualized in 2023 with the guidance of La Meute, a French design company, the brand has a global look that is both contemporary yet modern. The first and flagship store opened in October 2024 at the 4th Floor of SM Podium followed by a second store at the 2nd Floor of GH Mall in Greenhills.
Caravel caters to professionals, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who value both style and function. Blending practicality with elegance, Caravel offers travel essentials that align with the ambitions of its discerning clientele. Caravel embodies a voyage into new frontiers of innovation, fashion, and style.
Designed for Every Journey
Caravel has something for every scenario—whether navigating airports, heading to meetings, or embarking on spontaneous road trips. Whether for business, leisure, or outdoor exploration, Caravel ensures that your travelware fits the purpose of the travel.
Functionality that Enhances Travel
A great travel companion adapts to your needs. Caravel’s products cater to real-life travel demands—lightweight yet durable, expandable yet compact, stylish yet secure. Features like water-resistant materials, anti-theft compartments, and ergonomic designs that provide peace of mind on the go.
Express Yourself Through Travel
The way you travel reflects your personality. The right bag is more than just an accessory—it isan extension of your lifestyle. Do you prefer effortless organization, bold adventure, or polished sophistication? Caravel’s brands and products complement diverse personalities, so you can stay true to your style.
Post-Travel Care
Caravel ensures your journey continues even after your return, with post-travel care and maintenance services, your travel gear remains in top condition for your next adventure.
Caravel guides you as you navigate on your journey, providing brands, products and services that resonates to you, after all you are the expert of your own travels. It’s your travel, it’s your expertise. Make it the way you want it.
• Make It Business with laptop briefcases for protection and organization.
• Make It a Weekend Getaway with versatile duffels for short trips.
• Make It Everyday with slings and totes for urban outings.
• Make It Family with luggage sets for seamless travel planning.
• Make It Convenient with front-access luggage for quick retrieval.
• Make It Secure with TSA locks for added protection.
• Make It Fit with expandable designs for extra space.
• Make It Personal with customization options.
• Make It Fashionably Classic with Bric’s timeless elegance.
• Make It Luxurious with Porsche Design’s refined aesthetic.
• Make It Travel More Miles with TravelPro’s durability.
• Make It Versatile with Thule’s adaptable business-to-casual bags.
• Make It Modern Contemporary with Echolac’s sleek, minimalist designs.
There are so many ways to Make it Your Own, Make it Caravel.
About Caravel
Caravel is a multibrand global travelware store born from the vision of providing an exceptional experience for the discerning modern travelers. A curation of world-class brands, craftsmanship-blended with functional design and elegant style. Rooted in delivering the best customer experiences, Caravel is the ultimate destination for brands and products that serves its purpose of function and style.
by | Feb 18, 2025 | Business
Making history as the first Mrs Petite Global Singapore 2025 in more ways than one
Madeleine Poh, a 28-year-old family lawyer, has made history as the first Singaporean representative to be crowned Mrs Petite Global. Madeleine won the prestigious international title at the Mrs Petite Global 2025 pageant held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on January 9, 2025.
On the way to the crown, Madeleine, a newly-wed standing tall at 1.6m, also snagged eight subsidiary awards:
1. Best in Sashing Ceremony Outfit
2. Social Media Popular Award
3. Social Media Influencer Award
4. Best in Sport Wear
5. Best in Evening Gown
6. Best in Interview
7. Best Catwalk Award
8. Popular Award
Madeleine, who was also a Top 6 finalist in both Miss Singapore International 2023 and Miss Grand Singapore 2023, impressed the judges with her eloquence, poise, and dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be crowned Mrs Petite Global 2025 and bring home this title for Singapore,” said Madeleine. “This is a dream come true, and I am excited to use this platform to advocate for increased access to legal justice and inspire other petite married women to create our own paths in making a change in the world.”
As a volunteer lawyer for legal clinics and pro bono cases, Madeleine strongly believes that equal access to justice is the cornerstone of social justice. She finds deep fulfilment in making a real difference in people’s lives and empowering individuals and families to navigate life’s most challenging times with strength and resilience.
Mrs Petite Global is a prestigious international competition celebrating married women, divorcees, widowed and single mothers under 168 cm in height from all over the world. Mrs Petite Global aims to promote women empowerment through different social causes and redefine the concept of beauty by opening its door for petite married women, demonstrating that they are also capable, intelligent and empowered.
This victory also marks a significant milestone for AO Ventures Pte Ltd., the organization that managed Madeleine’s participation. The Mrs Petite Global 2025 competition is the first-ever Mrs category pageant that AO Ventures has franchised.
As Mrs Petite Global 2025, Madeleine will actively promote self-confidence and inner beauty, and strive to be an instrument of change.
Website: madeleinepoh.com
Instagram : @maddicornpoh @mrspetiteglobal @mrspetiteglobalsg @aoventuresasia
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