Kosuke Sogo is the co-founder and CEO of AnyMind Group. They're an end-to-end e-commerce enabler that recently raised a $29.4M Series D.

👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I started a business that provides technology and solutions that look to form the backbone of every business in the future - this spans manufacturing, e-commerce, marketing, logistics, publishing and creator growth.

As CEO, I set the overall direction of the company and am involved in various areas of the business, from products, human resources and marketing to developing new businesses and creating a strong team.

🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I still like to be involved in execution work. For example, when we look to acquire a company, I would create a shortlist (sometimes 80-100 companies), review each company individually, narrow the shortlist down to around ten companies and discuss with each company.

🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

It's definitely starting AnyMind Group back in April 2016. It's what I've been working on 24/7 for the past six years. We've achieved various milestones as a company so far, but I believe that we're only just getting started.

🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

Definitely the retail tech and e-commerce tech space in 2022. What the pandemic did was accelerate the need for businesses to go online based on yesteryear's technology, and this space will definitely see more innovation in the coming months and years.

In addition, as a company, we're also heavily focused on this space as we look to advance this next generation of commerce, and keeping a close eye on developments in the space means that I know what we need to do to be successful as a business.

💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

If you're thinking about going into entrepreneurship, immerse yourself in the industry.

It can be joining a company in a similar space, subscribing to news and content about the industry, and doing deep research into the industry — all of these will help in your decision-making when you start your own business, from product/company direction and operations to hiring and marketing.

Also, be confident and start your own entrepreneurial journey. Southeast Asia is growing really fast now, and if you hesitate, you will miss out on a great opportunity.

🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

The startup and entrepreneurial landscape. I'd always wanted to be an entrepreneur since I was young, and over the years, I've gathered vast knowledge and hands-on experience, and there's no doubt that this is my passion!

🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

It definitely is Suits!

🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Lemon sorbet.