Sogo

From a young age, Kosuke Sogo dreamt of becoming an entrepreneur. Today, as the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of AnyMind Group, he leads a technology-driven company that provides an end-to-end platform for brands, supporting everything from production and e-commerce construction to marketing and logistics. AnyMind Group operates across 13 markets in Southeast Asia, East Asia, India, and the Middle East, with 17 offices worldwide, ensuring in-market support for its customers to maximize the value of their products.

Empowering Next-Generation Commerce‍

As an end-to-end commerce enablement company, AnyMind Group focuses on two core business segments: Brand Commerce and Partner Growth. The Brand Commerce segment encompasses manufacturing, e-commerce, logistics, marketing, and conversational commerce, while the Partner Growth segment offers platforms for publisher growth, monetization, and creator growth. Each of AnyMind’s platforms is feature-rich, allowing businesses to use them independently or integrate them as part of a next-generation commerce infrastructure. By combining data across platforms, businesses can achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness.‍

From Humble Beginnings to Global Expansion‍

Originally founded as AdAsia Holdings in 2016 by Sogo and co-founder Otohiko Kozutsumi, the company rebranded as AnyMind Group in 2018. It started in Singapore and rapidly expanded into Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia within its first year. Today, AnyMind Group powers some of the world’s most dynamic businesses, publishers, and influencers, including TikTok, Grab, Traveloka, Pantip, Rhian Ramos, and Nisamanee Nutt.

Born in Kagawa, Japan, Sogo has spent more than a decade living and working across Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore. Unlike many Japanese entrepreneurs who first expand locally, he strategically built the company outside of Japan, initially focusing on Southeast Asia before entering the Japanese market a year later. His deep understanding of business customs, consumer behavior, and market dynamics played a key role in AnyMind’s rapid expansion, reaching five markets in just eight months.‍

A Visionary with a Global Perspective‍

Holding a Bachelor of Commerce in Management from Nihon University, Sogo foresaw the rapid growth of internet technology and set his sights on the industry. After graduation, he joined CyberAgent’s MicroAd, recognizing the need for first-hand business experience before launching his own venture. At MicroAd, he played a crucial role in the company’s expansion across Southeast Asia, gaining invaluable insights into the digital landscape.

Although he values formal education, Sogo believes that experience is just as important. He often emphasizes that some things can only be learned by doing.‍

Inspired by Legacy and Innovation‍

Sogo credits his grandfathers, both entrepreneurs, as his earliest role models. Observing their passion, leadership, and people management skills, he learned the importance of treating employees with fairness and respect, a principle he upholds in his own leadership style today. He also draws inspiration from SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son, whom he admires for his vision, trend-spotting ability, and strategic investments in tech-driven businesses.‍

Leadership with Grit and Adaptability‍

Leading a team of over a thousand employees across 19 offices in 13 markets is no small feat. Sogo describes himself as open-minded and always willing to learn, believing that success requires more than just grit. He stresses the importance of resilience, foresight, and the ability to act at the right time.

His daily routine consists of numerous video calls across multiple time zones, meetings with department and country heads, and active involvement in various business areas, including product development, HR, and marketing. As a hands-on leader, he frequently travels to different markets, covering up to four countries in a single week to meet with partners, investors, and potential M&A targets.

In his free time, Sogo enjoys analyzing financial reports of listed companies, studying their business strategies, financial structures, and market impact. He also stays up to date with business and industry news, ensuring AnyMind remains ahead of trends. For relaxation, he finds solace in Japanese onsen baths, though business remains a constant presence in his thoughts.‍

Shaping the Future of Commerce‍

Sogo’s vision aligns perfectly with AnyMind’s mission to make it exciting for everyone to do business. By breaking down barriers and empowering businesses with seamless technology, he helps creators and enterprises across Asia and beyond bring their ideas to life with ease.

Shanggari Balakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer of MORS Group - Kosuke Sogo is that breed of young technopreneur that movies are made around. Dynamic, far-thinking, with a finger on the pulse of everything, he is the embodiment of the can-do-ness of the age of digital empowerment, fused with the innate ability to people-read and react in the wise and wonderful way of his beloved grandparents.

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