Tag: Expansion

Indonesia – Indonesia-based coffee chain Flash Coffee has raised an additional $3 million in fresh funding to accelerate its nationwide expansion and roll out a bold new store concept across key cities.

The new funding round was led by TA Ventures, with continued backing from long-time investor White Star Capital. The investment follows a strong year for Flash Coffee, marked by solid unit economics and an average store-level EBITDA of 22%.

The capital will be used to support Flash Coffee’s expansion strategy, which includes surpassing 70 stores across Indonesia in 2025 and entering two additional cities. With revenue per store having doubled over the past year and all outlets now operating profitably, the company is positioning itself for sustained national growth.

Richard Armstrong, venture partner & SEA lead at TA Ventures, said, “We spent significant time analysing the opportunities of this category in Southeast Asia; as a result, we’re excited to join Flash Coffee’s journey. Today’s Indonesian consumer is cross-generational, seeking experiences that are meaningful and personal. Flash Coffee has perfectly adapted, responding to this shifting consumer behaviour.”

Part of the funding will also go toward enhancing Flash Coffee’s store design. The new concept integrates natural textures, regional materials, and greenery to create spaces that encourage longer visits and deeper brand engagement.

Flash Coffee is also introducing a refreshed brand identity, which includes a redesigned logo and the ‘Kebanggaan Indonesia’ (‘Proudly Indonesian’) watermark. The rebranding effort draws from local craftsmanship and culture, aligning the company more closely with its Indonesian roots.

Developed entirely in-house, the visual overhaul is intended not just as a stylistic update but as a strategic tool to strengthen customer loyalty and support profitability as the company scales across both existing and new markets.

“The past year has been about discipline. We’ve focused on getting the fundamentals right: profitable stores, stronger teams, better menus, and spaces that reflect modern Indonesia. We didn’t chase growth; we earned it,” said Jakob Angele, executive chairman of Flash Coffee. 

“This latest investment will help us scale what works: beautifully designed stores, high-performing teams, and a product that speaks to today’s Indonesian consumer,” he added.

Philippines – Pop culture lifestyle brand Funko is set to open its first licensed store in Southeast Asia in June 2025. The store, to be established in the Philippines, is under the local retailer Funtastik Enterprises Corp.

The expansion in the region is part of Funko’s growth strategy, bringing the brand closer to fans internationally. With Filipinos ranking among the top most engaged Funko fans, the strategic move is expected to boost local engagement while attracting new fans.

Funtastik’s partnership with Funko reflects its expertise in the market, including its focus on customer service.

The Funko store will be located in SM Mall of Asia. The shop will be offering exclusive product launches and interactive areas. Various collectibles, including the Funko Pop, Bitty Pop, and Loungefly lines will be available in the store.

“As a global brand, Funko is committed to expanding our presence in the most engaged and fastest-growing fan communities. The Philippines is one of our strongest-performing markets in Asia, and this licensed store represents our investment in its passionate fanbase. We’ve seen remarkable success with similar stores in the Middle East, and we’re excited to bring that momentum here,” Cynthia Williams, CEO of Funko, Inc., said.

“By deepening our retail footprint and enhancing direct-to-consumer experiences, we hope to inspire connection, self-expression, and fun for our fans—wherever they are in the world,” Williams added.

Funko, based in America, manufactures various figures, plush, and apparel among others. It has one of the largest selection of pop culture licenses worldwide.

Philippines – Ellerton & Co. Public Relations agency has opened its regional office in the Philippines. The move aims to advance the agency’s aim to deliver impactful communication strategies in a fast-growing market.

As part of the expansion, the agency has also announced key senior hires in the country. Ellerton & Co. has appointed Gab Abeleda as regional director and Ariana Ubina as regional senior account manager.

Abeleda and Ubina are set to support the agency’s global clients with their efforts to expand in the Philippines. Ellerton & Co. assists its clients grow their presence not only in Metro Manila but in Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

Abeleda has over ten years of experience in strategic communications. Before the appointment, he served as vice president at FleishmanHillard Philippines. During his stint, he worked with brands such as Canva, Abbott, Unilever, and Lazada.

Meanwhile, Ubina brings eight years of experience in public relations within the industries of banking, insurance, and cybersecurity. She has worked with tech companies like LinkedIn, SES, Palo Alto Networks, BPI, and Unilever. 

Besides helping global companies expand in the Philippines, it also positions itself as a partner for Filipino companies seeking to expand in other Southeast Asian markets.

Ellerton & Co. operates in the greater Southeast Asia market. Headquartered in Singapore, it also holds offices in Vietnam and Indonesia. The agency also has consultants in Thailand, India, and Hong Kong while collaborating with partners in China, the U.S., ANZ, and Europe.

Abeleda commented, “It’s an exciting time to join Ellerton & Co., and I’m thrilled to work alongside such a diverse and talented regional team. I look forward to leveraging our deep market insights to help brands in the Philippines and across Greater Southeast Asia achieve their business objectives through impactful communication strategies and build lasting connections with their audiences.”

“We are glad to welcome Gab and Ariana as we expand our presence in the Philippines, a dynamic market that is central to Southeast Asia’s economic growth. With their leadership, we are well-positioned to deliver impactful storytelling and strategic counsel not only in Metro Manila but also in emerging innovation hubs such as Cebu, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro,” Oliver Ellerton, director at Ellerton & Co., said.

“Their deep expertise in strategic communications and track record of success in multi-channel engagement make them invaluable assets to our growing regional team,” Ellerton added.

Prayaank Gupta, executive director at Ellerton & Co., said, “Despite the challenges faced by the PR industry the past year, we’ve achieved a number of client wins and expanded our partnerships with existing clients, who continue to trust us with larger remits in terms of markets and services. By attracting top talent, we are well-positioned to deliver even more impactful results for our client partners.”

She added, “The Philippines presents an exciting market with tremendous potential, and we are delighted to attract and bring in some of the best local talent. Our goal is to double our local revenue and grow our regional team to 10 consultants by 2026.”

Japan – Global media intelligence and consulting firm CARMA has expanded into Japan with the launch of its Tokyo office, marking its 23rd global location and reinforcing its commitment to delivering advanced media insights to Japanese organisations.

CARMA currently works with several Fortune 500 Japanese clients across banking, automotive, FMCG, and technology sectors, providing media intelligence and research solutions. The company helps organisations translate media data into actionable business insights.

With the opening of its Tokyo office, CARMA aims to strengthen its support for Japanese businesses and government agencies by offering AI-driven analytics and consulting services.

CARMA’s expertise spans key areas such as brand reputation, crisis measurement, competitor analysis, and market landscape evaluation. The firm’s move into Japan reflects its commitment to providing tailored support for multinational corporations, government departments, and international organisations operating in the country.

Leading the development of the new Tokyo office is Kenichiro Watai, a media professional with over 30 years of experience. Watai most recently served as group account director at BBDO Worldwide and previously held the role of deputy general manager at Hakuhodo.

Commenting on his appointment, Watai said, “I am truly honoured to be joining CARMA at such an exciting time. It is deeply meaningful to be able to introduce the world’s most advanced PR measurement methodologies to clients in Japan.”

“In today’s rapidly evolving media and social landscape, CARMA’s insights and data hold unlimited potential for organisations that must respond to complex challenges and make swift, informed decisions. Moving forward, I am committed to helping organisations in Japan achieve greater growth and strengthen their competitiveness through CARMA’s solutions,” he added.

CARMA’s technology processes social, digital, print, and broadcast data in over 100 languages, providing media analysis across various platforms. With a presence in 23 offices across five continents, the company applies global methodologies in PR measurement and evaluation while adapting to local market needs.

Andrew Nicholls, managing director of CARMA, shared, “Japanese clients prioritise quality and find CARMA’s unique combination of technology, global reach and experts on the ground in key territories appealing.”

He continued, “This expansion comes at a time of great disruption for many Japanese organisations who increasingly demand insights to navigate the complex global marketplace and defend their position against increased competition from markets like China and Korea. I look forward to working with Watai-san to fulfil our brand promise of delivering what matters to clients in Japan.”

Singapore – ING, a strategic communications consultancy specialising in the built environment, has announced its global expansion with the launch of its first international office in Singapore, reinforcing its commitment to supporting clients in key global markets.

ING offers a range of services, including corporate communications, strategic consultancy, research and policy development, marketing and brand consultancy, media training, and digital and social media strategy.

With its new office in Singapore, ING establishes a presence in a key global hub for business, finance, architecture, and design. The firm will provide communications support to clients in Singapore and across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as assist UK and other international businesses looking to expand their reach in the region.

The Singapore office will be led by Haziq Ariffin, recently promoted to senior strategist for APAC. With over seven years of experience in the built environment across Asia and the UK, he has managed strategic communications campaigns for clients in architecture, placemaking, real estate, and property investment.

In addition to its Singapore expansion, ING has grown its Manchester presence, adding two new clients: Civic, a consultancy focused on systems thinking for the built environment, and Habiko, a joint venture dedicated to affordable, sustainable housing.

Led by account director Lauren Teague, ING will develop communications programs to support client growth and brand visibility. The firm is also working with Regeneration Brainery to advance its mission of encouraging young people from under-represented backgrounds to pursue careers in property and regeneration.

Damian Wild, managing director of ING, said, “Manchester and Singapore are both key markets with immense potential. While Singapore strengthens our global presence, our Manchester office continues to lead regional efforts in driving growth across the North of England.” 

“Our expansion into these regions reflects our commitment to being where our clients need us most. We look forward to building strong relationships and delivering impactful communications strategies that drive success for our clients,” he added. 

Founded in London, ING marks 25 years in 2025 and became fully employee-owned in 2021. With 50 staff across three offices, the consultancy has worked with developers, investors, and industry events like MIPIM, representing delegations from Oman and Egypt. Its architecture and design clients include Büro Ole Scheeren, White Arkitekter, and Flokk.

Indonesia – AnyMind Group has announced an exclusive distribution partnership with ACRO Inc. to expand the reach of its Japanese lifestyle cosmetics brand, THREE, in Indonesia.

Previously available in Indonesia through department stores, THREE faced challenges with stringent import regulations, regulatory approvals, and local distribution networks. The brand now aims to strengthen its presence and tap into the country’s growing beauty market.

Through this partnership, THREE will harness AnyMind Group’s BPaaS solutions to drive data-driven cross-border e-commerce expansion, encompassing technology and operations for import handling, e-commerce management, marketing, and logistics.

AnyMind Group will support THREE’s expansion in Indonesia by providing e-commerce, logistics, and marketing solutions tailored to the local market. The company will manage sales and operations through platforms like Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Tokopedia, using its e-commerce management system, AnyX, for data-driven insights.

For logistics and distribution, AnyMind will handle importation and product fulfilment through its global logistics platform, AnyLogi, and local warehouse network. It will also support customer engagement through its conversational commerce tool, AnyChat, and influencer marketing via AnyTag, with AI-powered live commerce initiatives enabled by AnyLive.

Toshiaki Miyazaki, president of ACRO Inc., said, “We are excited to reintroduce THREE to Indonesian consumers with the support of AnyMind Group. We hope that THREE’s signature fragrances and colours will contribute to enhancing the well-being of many customers.”

Akinori Kubo, managing director of global e-commerce at AnyMind Group, added, “We are thrilled to support THREE’s Indonesian market expansion. By leveraging our technology and local presence, we aim to drive e-commerce success through a data-driven approach and innovative marketing strategies tailored to the region.”

India – Global tech and marketing company DEPT is strengthening its presence in India with a new Bengaluru hub, aiming to meet the rising demand for innovative solutions across South India’s industries.

Renowned for its technology and innovation ecosystem, Bengaluru serves as an ideal base for DEPT to collaborate with local organisations, harnessing its marketing and technology expertise to drive client growth and transformation.

Rishi Bhargava, head of solution consulting at DEPT India, will lead the Bengaluru hub, collaborating with his team and partner Adobe to develop digital solutions for businesses in the region.

“We are thrilled to expand our operations into Bengaluru, a city synonymous with tech and innovation. Our goal is to collaborate with new clients and partners in the region, contributing to the thriving ecosystem here and helping businesses achieve their digital transformation goals,” Bhargava said. 

Recognised as Adobe’s Digital Partner of the Year in India, DEPT brings nearly two decades of expertise in Adobe technologies, offering tailored solutions to support businesses. The team aims to foster collaboration and address the evolving needs of the region’s dynamic market.

Talking about the expansion, Himanshu Mody, head of India at DEPT, said, “The Indian market has enormous potential, from both a talent and client perspective. This expansion to Bengaluru comes as a response to needs we’ve identified in the market from ambitious, pioneering brands that want to disrupt and innovate in their industries. Our expertise in marketing, AI, and emerging technologies enables us to create products and services that not only deliver immediate value but also adapt, learn, and scale for future demands.”

DEPT entered the Indian market in 2023 with the acquisition of Tekno Point, establishing its first office in Mumbai. Today, its team of over 700 professionals provides tech and marketing services to clients like HSBC, Tata Capital, and Bajaj Allianz. 

Over the past year, the company has expanded its local offerings with an international digital and design hub, along with enhanced SEO capabilities, further strengthening its presence in the region.

India – Media and entertainment company Connekkt Media has acquired Mob Scene, a Hollywood marketing agency known for its work on major blockbuster campaigns, as part of its international expansion.

With this acquisition, Connekkt Media expands its presence in the global media and entertainment industry, adding to its existing operations in Los Angeles, Mumbai, Dubai, and Delhi NCR. It also marks the company’s entry into the U.S. and North American markets. 

Greg Bedrosian and Mohit Pareek of global tech investment bank Drake Star managed the deal on behalf of Mob Scene.

Tom Grane, co-founder & CEO of Mob Scene, shared, “Joining forces with Connekkt Media marks an exciting new chapter for Mob Scene. Their cutting-edge media technology and deep understanding of global entertainment align perfectly with our creative vision. This partnership will allow us to push the boundaries of storytelling, expand our reach into dynamic new markets, and continue delivering innovative, emotionally compelling campaigns that resonate with audiences worldwide.”

A known creative force for nearly two decades, Mob Scene has worked on the marketing campaigns for major Hollywood films and series, including Avatar, Dune, Barbie, Jurassic World, The Last of Us, Puss in Boots, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and A Complete Unknown. The agency has also contributed to campaigns for franchises such as Fast & Furious, Stranger Things, Kung Fu Panda, and Minions.

Highlighting the importance of the acquisition, Varun Mathur, co-founder of Connekkt Media, said, “Mob Scene is the gold standard in Hollywood film marketing, and we are beyond thrilled to join forces with them to bring their creative marketing capability to partners across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, India, and the rest of Asia.” 

Mathur continued, “As a global media company with its origin in India, this acquisition marks a strategic expansion for us into the US and the rest of North America. With the unique combination of Mob Scene’s industry-leading creative marketing capability and our class-leading technology, we will be able to deliver outstanding value to our clients and consumers by driving targeted and measurable marketing impact across mediums, geographies, and formats.”

Indonesia – Kao Corporation, a Japan-based manufacturer of personal care, household products, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals, is expanding its footprint in Asia with the launch of its luxury skincare brand, SENSAI, in Indonesia, marking its latest move in the region’s growing beauty market.

Kao’s expansion into Indonesia marks the next step in its broader growth strategy for the region. The introduction of SENSAI aligns with Indonesia’s strong affinity for established skincare routines.

SENSAI’s first counter in Indonesia will be at SOGO Plaza Senayan in Jakarta, a department store located in the Senayan district, an area known for its upscale shopping and luxury hotels.

Yoshiko Sakurai, SENSAI brand manager, shared, “Indonesia has a strong affinity for Japanese skincare culture, which includes a well-known practice of double cleansing, double moisturising, and UV protection. This aligns perfectly with SENSAI’s skincare ritual, Saho. We believe that introducing SENSAI in Indonesia will help to expand our fan base among affluent consumers across Asia.”

As part of its mid-term strategy, Kao has identified SENSAI as one of its key brands for global growth within its cosmetics division, alongside Molton Brown and Curél. The brand, which initially built a strong presence in Europe, has since expanded to over 40 countries. Its entry into Asia began in 2019 with a launch in Japan, followed by the opening of a flagship store in Shanghai in 2023.

India – Kimberly-Clark is set to strengthen its presence in India by scaling up operations and boosting investment at its Bengaluru-based Global Digital Technology Center (GDTC), with a strategic focus on advanced innovations and digital transformation.

Kimberly-Clark revealed that over the next three years, its GDTC will expand its AI/ML capabilities and digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement, further supporting its global ‘Powering Care’ strategy and commitment to consumer-centricity.

The Bengaluru GDTC is driving Kimberly-Clark’s tech advancements while contributing to India’s innovation ecosystem by partnering with startups, universities, and industry leaders to develop cutting-edge solutions.

“Our Bengaluru GDTC is a testament to Kimberly-Clark’s deep-rooted commitment to innovation and the immense breadth of Indian talent,” said Zack Hicks, chief digital and technology officer at Kimberly-Clark. 

“In just five years, the centre has evolved into a key growth engine for our digital strategies, delivering AI-powered commercial and supply chain solutions and pioneering advancements in modern manufacturing. Looking ahead, we remain focused on further investing in India, leveraging the country’s outstanding talent and technological expertise to shape the future of Kimberly-Clark and pioneer industry-leading innovation in our core categories,” Hicks explained. 

Founded in 2018 with a $2.5 million investment, the Bengaluru GDTC has grown eightfold in five years, focusing on digital capabilities like AI, ML, data analytics, and cloud transformation. The center leverages AI/ML to optimise sales predictions, refine e-commerce pricing, and automate processes like order entry. In 2024, Gen AI platforms boosted employee productivity by 25%, while AI-driven sales analytics improved execution by 10% in regions including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. These innovations enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve accuracy.

The GDTC recently hosted its third Digital Hackathon, ‘UNLOKC 2024,’ bringing together Kimberly-Clark employees and tech partners to create digital solutions for business opportunities in supply chain, marketing, and finance.

As Kimberly-Clark’s largest tech hub, the Bengaluru GDTC will remain a key driver of global growth and innovation, attracting top talent and expanding its capabilities to shape the company’s future and its tech ecosystem.