Rakuten acquires global video streaming platform Viki
Rakuten, owner of Play.com, has today announced that it will acquire global video streaming platform Viki, as the company looks to launch its internet services ecosystem into new markets.
Viki is a global TV and video site that brings primetime TV shows, movies, music videos and other premium video content to new audiences.
Rakuten chairman and CEO, Hiroshi Mikitani, said: “Viki is a one-of-a-kind company with an entirely unique approach to video streaming that is truly global and truly engaging. They are fast, agile, and highly mobile. Their smart and creative approach to bringing popular content to global audiences will enable Rakuten to move quickly into new markets around the world.
"There are a striking number of synergies and shared philosophies between our two businesses; the Viki model is built on a powerful community, focused on removing the language barriers that have traditionally trapped great content inside geographical borders. Since our foundation, Rakuten’s focus too has been to open up great services, content and goods to a global community. Viki is a perfect complement to Rakuten’s joint philosophies of empowerment and shopping is entertainment.”
This furthers the growth of Rakuten, which owns digital e-reader Kobo, Spanish VOD service Wuaki and led an investment in Pinterest last year.
Razmig Hovaghimian, Viki CEO and co-founder, added: “Our vision is very well aligned with Rakuten’s focus on building a borderless digital ecosystem. We’ve built a truly global TV platform, with and for the fans, allowing content owners to reach the world in any language.”
The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.