Support to asset management firm in conducting on-the-ground channel checks for Japanese internet companies

We provided accurate and actionable insights into the Japanese internet industry.
Our findings helped the client make informed investment decisions, improving its portfolio performance.
Our support enabled the client to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving Japanese internet industry landscape.

CLIENT CHALLENGES

The client, a US-based asset management firm with a global investment portfolio, faced challenges (such as limited market knowledge including emerging trends, key players and market dynamics; lack of on-the-ground presence and inability to make informed investment decisions) in understanding and navigating the complex landscape of the Japanese internet sector. This hindered its ability to gather accurate and up-to-date information and, hence, it requested for our assistance.

OUR APPROACH

To address these challenges, our research team developed a comprehensive approach to conduct on-the-ground channel checks on Japanese internet companies, with the key focus on:
- Market trends and developments
- User experience of mobile apps
- Monetisation potential
Our methodology included the following.
- Initial desk research:
  - Our team conducted comprehensive desk research to identify key players, market trends and relevant market industry reports in the Japanese internet sector. We also analysed other sources including financial statements of key companies and regulatory filings.
- Data collection methodology:
  - Industry conferences and conversations: Our researchers attended major industry conferences such as Japan IT Week and Interop Tokyo. The team gained insights into the pain points of the Japanese internet industry, latest trends and innovations through panel discussions, seminars and networking.
  - Interviews: We conducted in-depth interviews with key decision-makers and influencers in the Japanese internet industry, including co-founders, CEOs, CTOs and senior executives, to understand market dynamics, regulatory and operational headwinds, market competitiveness and opportunities.
  - Survey with end users: We conducted surveys with a diverse pool of internet users across different demographics to gain an understanding of user experience and identify the monetisation potential.
- Data analysis and reporting:
  - Our team performed rigorous analysis of the qualitative and quantitative findings, using advanced analytical tools and techniques.
  - We derived actionable insights from the identification of potential market opportunities, threats and key trends.

IMPACT DELIVERED

We delivered the following through our comprehensive on-the-ground channel checks:
- Actionable insights into Japanese internet industry
- Detailed information on potential monetising opportunities and risks facing Japanese internet sector
- Insights into market dynamics and trends, which our client used to make informed investment decisions

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