Ceres

Basic Information

Stock Code
3696
Industry
Information and Communications
Category Detail
Advertising
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
January 2005
Listing Year
October 2014
Official Website
https://ceres-inc.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Green Monster, Interspace, Fan Communications, Adways, ValueCommerce, gumi, Migalo HD, GMO TECH, Rentrax, GMO Media

Overview

Ceres is a leading company in the information and communications industry founded in 2005, operating diverse internet services and cryptocurrency businesses centered on Japan's largest points site "Moppy."

Current Situation

Ceres achieved consolidated sales of 27.7 billion yen and operating profit of 2.2 billion yen for the fiscal year ending December 2024, growing on two pillars: mobile services and financial services. It has strengths in operating Japan's largest points site "Moppy," affiliate services, and cryptocurrency exchanges. Since 2016, it has focused on DX services through its subsidiary Yumemi, realizing multifaceted platform expansion. In the cryptocurrency sector, it has secured market share with bitbank and CoinTrade, and is promoting new lending and staking services. It is also proactive in CSR activities, such as introducing an SDGs donation platform, aiming to expand its customer base. Moving forward, it plans to expand new services like points payments and online factoring, pursuing sustainable growth through the fusion of internet advertising and financial technology.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Points site "Moppy" has maintained top scale in Japan since founding in 2005
  • Subsidiary Mercury is a pioneer in cryptocurrency-related services
  • Strength in video marketing as TikTok official MCN
  • Invests in and supports growth of many startups
  • Early establishment of crypto sales desk "CoinTrade"
  • Pioneered online factoring in the industry
  • Broad points exchange options from cash to e-money and crypto
  • Moppy Points usable across many partner companies
  • Grown mainly on internet advertising-related business since founding
  • Also offers services specialized in freelancer funding support
  • Integrated multiple online service businesses for efficiency
  • "Moppy Bite" business transferred in 2021 for business restructuring
  • Known as IT venture with HQ in Shibuya
  • Proactive in regulatory compliance in crypto sector
  • Also promoting fund operations for new business creation

Hidden Connections

  • Leverages points site member data for marketing by other subsidiaries
  • Unique ecosystem linking crypto services and points payments
  • TikTok video production division key base for youth ad strategy
  • Strong industry influence through diverse startup investments
  • Subsidiary Yumemi's DX contract development supports overall group services
  • Efforts to enhance customer lifetime value from points sites to crypto trading
  • Integrates SDGs donation platform into points site as part of CSR
  • Rapid new service development via tech sharing among subsidiaries

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Customer revenue growth from points service member base expansion
  • New financial service rollout in crypto-related areas
  • O2O business expansion fusing online and offline
  • Growth in contract development business amid rising DX demand
  • Ad revenue increase from strengthened SNS marketing
  • Industry competitive edge via regulatory compliance strength
  • Convenience improvement through diverse payment method support
  • New business creation via investment nurturing model
  • Brand strengthening leveraging sustainability activities
  • Profit margin improvement through high-value-added services
  • Operational efficiency via AI and automation tech introduction
  • Global market expansion and partnerships

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve 20 million points service members
  • Enter top 3 in crypto trading volume industry ranking
  • 50% increase in DX-related sales
  • Acquire social recognition through matured sustainable management
  • Maximize customer convenience via diverse payment services
  • Revenue diversification via IPOs and M&As of key investments
  • Strengthen regional collaborations and expand CSR activities
  • Promote overseas expansion through global partnerships
  • Achieve highest-level information security
  • Establish leadership in digital marketing field

Business Segments

Affiliate Advertising Services

Overview
Provides performance-based advertising services connecting advertisers and site operators.
Competitiveness
One of Japan's largest ad networks
Customers
  • Website Operators
  • Advertiser Companies
  • Marketing Agencies
Products
  • AD.TRACK Platform
  • Ad Program Provision

Points Platform Operation

Overview
Operates points acquisition for consumers and customer acquisition platforms for companies.
Competitiveness
12 million member base
Customers
  • Consumers
  • Merchant Partners
  • Affiliated Companies
Products
  • Points Site "Moppy"
  • Points Exchange Service

Cryptocurrency-Related Services

Overview
Provides comprehensive cryptocurrency trading and related financial services.
Competitiveness
Rich lineup of crypto services and integrations
Customers
  • Individual Investors
  • Financial Institutions
  • Crypto Exchanges
Products
  • CoinTrade Crypto Sales Desk
  • bitbank Crypto Exchange
  • Lending and Staking Services

Online Factoring

Overview
Offers web-based receivable factoring and payment services.
Competitiveness
Rapid funding procurement and payment support
Customers
  • Freelancers
  • Sole Proprietors
  • Small and Medium Enterprises
Products
  • Labor Invoice Buyout
  • labol Card Payment Service

DX and O2O Service Development

Overview
Smartphone and web app development, plus online-to-offline linkage services.
Competitiveness
Development capabilities across multiple industries
Customers
  • Corporate Clients
  • Local Governments
  • Retailers
Products
  • Yumemi Contract Development
  • O2O Promotion Planning

Content Production

Overview
Provides one-stop SNS advertising, video production, and distribution.
Competitiveness
Expertise as TikTok official MCN
Customers
  • Advertisers
  • Video Distributors
  • Marketing Companies
Products
  • studio15 Short Video Production
  • TikTok Promotion

Cosmetics and Health Food Manufacturing and Sales

Overview
Plans, manufactures, and sells in-house brand products.
Competitiveness
One-stop product development system
Customers
  • General Consumers
  • Online Shop Operators
Products
  • Etoile Beaute Cosmetics
  • Bacchus Health Foods

Recruitment and Talent Services

Overview
Operated pay-per-hire part-time job recruitment media business, transferred in 2021.
Competitiveness
Track record of past service operations
Customers
  • Job Seekers
  • Recruiting Companies
Products
  • Moppy Job (Transferred)

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • One of Japan's largest points member bases
  • Diversified internet business operations
  • Rich lineup of cryptocurrency-related services
  • TikTok official MCN operation track record
  • Capital base with numerous subsidiaries and investments
  • Extensive network with advertisers
  • Broad service expansion in DX domain
  • Rapid new service development capabilities
  • High brand recognition
  • Online-offline fusion business
  • Strong customer loyalty
  • Convenience of diverse payment and points exchange options
  • Solid investment nurturing activities
  • Established compliance framework
  • Strategy based on long-term market outlook

Competitive Advantages

  • Operating one of Japan's largest points sites with over 12 million members
  • Successfully diversified into finance by operating crypto sales desk and exchange via subsidiaries
  • TikTok official MCN provides strength in SNS marketing
  • Ecosystem building capabilities leveraging abundant investment nurturing targets
  • Service portfolio covering diverse fields enables risk diversification
  • Advanced business model expanding from online to offline
  • Convenience of using points for payments and customer retention
  • SDGs integration and social contributions focused on sustainable management
  • Flexible response to market changes through rapid new service provision and operations
  • Strong credibility and brand power within the industry
  • Abundant human resources supported by recruitment and development strengths
  • Broad customer acquisition via diverse sales channels
  • Highly scalable platform technology
  • Collaborative strategies with government and industry groups
  • Cutting-edge technology deployment in finance including factoring

Threats

  • Intensifying competition in internet advertising market
  • Impact from strengthened crypto regulations
  • Risk of declining points site users
  • Potential market share loss to new entrants
  • Increasing cyber security risks
  • Compliance burdens from regulatory changes
  • Service obsolescence due to technology shifts
  • Decline in ad demand from poor economic conditions
  • Risk of major clients cutting ad budgets
  • Risk of loss of social trust
  • Intensified competition from payment method diversification
  • Challenges in employee recruitment and development

Innovations

2024: CoinTrade Lending Service Launch

Overview
Launched gold-linked cryptocurrency lending service at Mercury Co., Ltd.
Impact
Secures new revenue sources and expands user base

2023: Moppy Pay Service Introduction

Overview
Launched points payment service using Aplus BANKIT, improving convenience.
Impact
Increases consumption opportunities for points users and enhances customer satisfaction

2021: Crypto Exchange Provider Registration Completed

Overview
Subsidiary Mercury officially registered as crypto exchange provider, establishing expansion foundation.
Impact
Contributes to improved trust and financial service diversification

2020: nugget Factoring Service Launch

Overview
Developed and launched web-based funding service for freelancers.
Impact
Achieved new market development and customer segment expansion

2021: TikTok Official MCN Subsidiary Acquisition

Overview
Acquired studio15 as subsidiary to strengthen short video and SNS promotion business.
Impact
Contributes to increased influence in youth market

2022: labol Card Payment Service Launch

Overview
Launched online payment service for freelancers, expanding financial services.
Impact
Enhanced convenience through integration with factoring business

2023: Online Pill Consultation Service Expansion

Overview
Launched medical online service "Enipill" as corporate welfare benefit.
Impact
Contributes to new service domain development and revenue diversification

2024: Points Activity Service Enhancement

Overview
Introduced member rank system to promote ongoing customer usage.
Impact
Improves customer loyalty and stabilizes sales

Sustainability

  • SDGs donation platform "Moppy x SDGs" provision
  • Promotion of reduced environmental impact through online services
  • Initiatives toward introducing renewable energy
  • Active participation in community contribution activities
  • Thorough compliance and ethical management
  • Promotion of diverse work styles and talent development
  • Customer protection through advanced cyber security
  • Promotion of women's empowerment and diversity respect
  • Contribution to forming sustainable digital economy
  • Environmental measures implemented in collaboration with partner companies
  • Strengthened customer information protection framework
  • Employee health management and workplace environment improvement