Digital Plus

Basic Information

Stock Code
3691
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Internet Site Operations
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
July 2005
Listing Year
September 2014
Official Website
https://digital-plus.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
LIFULL, ITmedia, Cookpad, Kakaku.com, M3, Ateam Holdings, MarkLines, Eltes, Sharing Technology, Bengoshi.com, ZETA, Kamakura Shinsho, Area Quest

Overview

Digital Plus is an information and communications company established in 2005, deploying a variety of internet services centered on GAFA media business and fintech.

Current Situation

Digital Plus recorded consolidated sales of approximately 330 million yen and net assets of 840 million yen for the fiscal year ended September 2021, operating with a lean elite team based in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. In the GAFA media business, 'Manga Continent' and 'Su-chan Mobile Comparison' serve as flagship media, providing diverse digital content. The fintech business deploys point unification management service 'RealPay' and digital gifts, featuring strong uniqueness. Utilizing subsidiaries for diversified business development, it flexibly responds to market changes and actively pursues third-party allotment capital increases for funding. Aiming for sustainable growth, it focuses on enhancing services in digital transformation and payment domains. Moving forward, it aims to expand revenue by capitalizing on digitalization trends through new media and platform launches.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Since establishment in 2005, repeatedly absorbs and sells off multiple companies for agile business restructuring.
  • Manga Continent is a pioneer in e-book guidance linked to official apps.
  • RealPay pioneered the multi-point unified management market.
  • Digital Gift® is the only digital gift receivable at Seven Bank ATMs.
  • Initiated first overseas expansion in 2011 by establishing Asian subsidiary.
  • Track record of early cloud business deployment in Indonesian market.
  • Small capital base yet executes multifaceted business with lean elite team.
  • Previously developed proprietary Instagram marketing business.
  • Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market as a growth-expectation stock.
  • Original name Real World changed due to branding refresh.
  • Point program total circulation achieved with financial institution collaborations.
  • Industry pioneer in launching cloud media across multiple fields.
  • Manga Continent and Su-chan Mobile Comparison acquired in 2020.
  • Sold shares in subsidiary Northern Lights after holding to recover funds.
  • Achieved rapid growth in GAFA media business amid COVID-19.

Hidden Connections

  • Contributed to building new payment ecosystems through collaboration with Seven Bank on digital gifts.
  • Lifemile business transferred from CyberAgent influenced successor services.
  • Singapore base functions as strategic hub for Asia-Pacific service expansion.
  • Point integration management technology contributed to raising awareness in domestic fintech industry.
  • Manga Continent serves as a bridge linking multiple e-book services.
  • Deep ties with NPOs through online communities and crowdsourcing.
  • Efficiently executed fundraising via past sales transfers and business reorganizations.
  • Strengthening partnerships with industry leaders to expand fintech market share.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Rapid growth in electronic comics and digital media markets
  • Increasing demand for payment services amid cashless progression
  • Expansion of affordable SIM market with smartphone proliferation
  • Growing diversification and integration needs in point markets
  • Expansion of fintech services in Asia
  • Diversification and differentiation needs in digital content
  • Penetration of subscription models
  • Web service expansion due to rising at-home/remote demand
  • Marketing efficiency improvements via AI utilization
  • Cross-selling promotion through platform integrations
  • Strengthened service deployment focused on sustainability
  • New business opportunities from regulatory easing and new laws

Strategic Goals

  • Establish Digital Plus brand as top domestic media
  • Achieve approx. 5 billion yen annual sales in fintech
  • Expand service provision in Asia-Pacific region
  • Realize sustainable IT infrastructure and achieve CO2 reduction
  • Build industry-standard platform linking diverse points
  • Secure market leadership in innovative digital gift services
  • Maximize user experience via AI and big data utilization
  • Expand digital education support in collaboration with local communities
  • Thorough reinforcement of personal information protection and security
  • Promote open innovation for new business creation

Business Segments

Media Content Provision

Overview
Produces and provides specialized information media content suitable for advertising and marketing.
Competitiveness
Excels in proprietary content creation capabilities and multi-media operation expertise.
Customers
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Publishers
  • Web Media Operators
  • Marketing Companies
  • Content Providers
Products
  • Manga/E-book Introduction Site Content
  • Ranking Media
  • SIM Comparison Platform

Fintech Solutions

Overview
Provides fintech solutions centered on point integration and digital gift services.
Competitiveness
Strengths in advanced point management technology and multi-channel payment compatibility.
Customers
  • Point Service Providers
  • Retailers
  • Payment Processors
  • Financial Institutions
  • Subscription Service Operators
Products
  • Point Unification Management System
  • Digital Gift Platform
  • Payment Integration API

Crowdsourcing Services

Overview
Operates online job intermediation services covering diverse occupations.
Competitiveness
High case matching accuracy and cultivated user community.
Customers
  • Individual Workers
  • SMEs
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Web Production Companies
  • IT Ventures
Products
  • Cloud Work Platform
  • Business Outsourcing Intermediation Service

Marketing Support

Overview
Plans and supports SNS-based marketing initiatives.
Competitiveness
Effective promotional deployments responsive to the latest SNS trends.
Customers
  • SNS Companies
  • Advertisers
  • Influencers
  • EC Companies
  • Product Planning Companies
Products
  • Instagram Marketing Service
  • Digital Ad Operations Support

Video Business Operations

Overview
Provides comprehensive support from video content production to distribution.
Competitiveness
Multi-channel distribution compatibility and effective viewership promotion know-how.
Customers
  • Video Content Creators
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Entertainment Companies
  • Distribution Platforms
  • IT Companies
Products
  • Video Distribution Platform
  • Video Marketing Support

Cloud Media Development Support

Overview
Media development support services leveraging cutting-edge cloud technology.
Competitiveness
Rapid development and operational efficiency technologies.
Customers
  • New Business Development Companies
  • IT Startups
  • Online Ad Agencies
  • Digital Content Companies
  • UX Design Companies
Products
  • Cloud Service Development
  • Ad Tech Platform

Payment Integration Services

Overview
Highly realizes compatibility with diverse payment methods and point exchanges.
Competitiveness
Integration across multiple channels combined with security technology.
Customers
  • Financial Institutions
  • Payment Proxy Companies
  • Point Businesses
  • Subscription Businesses
Products
  • API-Integrated Payment System
  • Point Exchange Platform

Customer Support Outsourcing

Overview
Provides outsourcing services for ad-related and user support.
Competitiveness
Highly specialized staff and flexible response capabilities.
Customers
  • IT Companies
  • Internet Media
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Mail Order Retailers
Products
  • Call Center Operations
  • Ad Response Support

Marketing Research

Overview
Specialized and rapid marketing research services leveraging the internet.
Competitiveness
Accurate information gathering and analytical capabilities.
Customers
  • Advertising Agencies
  • Product Planning Companies
  • Market Research Firms
  • Web Media
Products
  • Specialized Information Collection
  • Online Survey Research

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Diversified digital media operations capability
  • Proprietary fintech service development strength
  • Rapid decision-making through lean elite structure
  • Abundant point circulation track record
  • Flexible funding structure
  • Broad internet service deployment
  • High customer retention rate
  • Diversified management utilizing subsidiaries

Competitive Advantages

  • Differentiation via proprietary manga and SIM comparison media
  • High compatibility of point management platform
  • Convenience of digital gifts receivable at Seven Bank ATMs
  • Customer base expansion through multifaceted services
  • Enhanced market responsiveness via focused management resources
  • Continuous enhancement of specialized content
  • Revenue stabilization through flexible business pivots
  • Asia expansion including Singapore and Indonesia in view

Threats

  • Intense competition in the information and communications industry
  • Market erosion risk from new entrants
  • Potential delays in responding to rapid technological changes
  • Business impacts from financial regulatory changes
  • Legal constraints on point operation services
  • Revenue fluctuations from customer diversification
  • Increased compliance costs from strengthened personal information protection laws

Innovations

2022: Company Name Change and Brand Refresh

Overview
Changed company name from Real World Co., Ltd. to Digital Plus Co., Ltd., renewing the brand image.
Impact
Improved market recognition and accelerated new business development.

2021: Point Circulation Total Exceeds 20 Billion Yen

Overview
RealPay platform's total circulated points surpassed 20 billion yen.
Impact
Demonstrated platform reliability and expanded usage.

2020: Launch of Digital Gift® Service

Overview
Released a subscription service digitizing paper gift certificates.
Impact
Provided new value to the gift market and contributed to sales growth.

2020: Launch of GAFA Media Business

Overview
Acquired Manga Continent and Su-chan Mobile Comparison, initiating diverse media deployment.
Impact
Strengthened customer acquisition using new media assets.

2020: Absorption and Merger of AI Marketing and Kachiko

Overview
Integrated related companies to strengthen marketing and video businesses.
Impact
Business efficiency improvement and synergy creation.

Sustainability

  • Promotion of paper resource reduction through digital services
  • CO2 reduction via remote work implementation
  • Social contribution through local job creation
  • Thorough information protection via security enhancements
  • Compliance-focused management stance
  • Implementation of disabled employment promotion programs
  • Promotion of transition to energy-saving equipment
  • Advanced cyber attack countermeasures
  • Promotion of diversity and inclusion
  • Building sustainable partnerships