About Kobo
Kobo is a company based in Toronto (Canada) founded in 2009 was acquired by Rakuten in November 2011.. Kobo has raised $116 million across 3 funding rounds from investors including Rakuten, CKH LIMITED and Indigo. Kobo has completed 2 acquisitions, including Escapes and tolino.
- Headquarter Toronto, Canada
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Sectors
Media & Entertainment
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Email
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Phone
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Website
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Social
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Funding Insights of Kobo
Kobo has successfully raised a total of $116M across 3 strategic funding rounds. The most recent funding activity was a Series C round of $53 million completed in April 2011. This substantial capital infusion reflects strong investor confidence in the company's business model, growth potential, and market opportunities. The funding enables strategic expansion, product development, market penetration, and operational scaling to drive long-term value creation and competitive advantage.
- Total Funding Total Funding
- Total Rounds 3
- Last Round Series C — $53.0M
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First Round
First Round
(06 Jul 2010)
- Investors Count 2
| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
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| Apr, 2011 | Amount | Series C - Kobo | Valuation |
investors |
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| Mar, 2011 | Amount | Series C - Kobo | Valuation |
investors |
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| Jul, 2010 | Amount | Series B - Kobo | Valuation |
investors |
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| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Jan, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
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Investors in Kobo
Kobo has secured backing from 3 investors, including institutional investors. Prominent investors backing the company include Rakuten, CKH LIMITED and Indigo. This diverse investor base provides strategic capital, industry expertise, and valuable network connections that support the company's growth initiatives, market expansion, and long-term value creation.
| Investor | Description | Founded Year | Domain | Location |
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Stationery products are retailed by Indigo in Canada.
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Ports, retail, infrastructure, energy, and telecommunications are operated worldwide.
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Internet services in e-commerce, finance, and digital content are operated.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location |
| Investor | Description | Founded Year | Domain | Location |
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Single family office of Amitabh Bachchan, founder of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation or AB CORP
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Startup ecosystems are ignited through strategic investments by Signite Partners.
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Venture capital is directed toward companies in multiple sectors.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Venture capital is invested in cybersecurity, fintech, and AI startups.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location |
Investments & Acquisitions by Kobo
Kobo has strategically engaged in corporate development activities, having acquired 2 companies. Notable acquisitions include Escapes and tolino. These strategic investments and acquisitions demonstrate the company's commitment to growth through portfolio expansion, market consolidation, technology integration, and strategic partnerships that enhance competitive positioning and drive long-term value creation.
| Company Name | Description | Domain | Location | Founded Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Bionic investment advisor platform
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2016 | ||||
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Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
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2016 | ||||
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Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
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2014 | ||||
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Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
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2016 |
| Company Name | Description | Domain | Location | Founded Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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A travel blog is operated to inspire adventure seekers.
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2006 | ||||
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Ebooks and audiobooks are retailed via a mobile application.
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| Company Name | Description | Domain | Location | Founded Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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OVO is recognized as a smart digital payment application.
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2017 | ||||
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Bionic investment advisor platform
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2016 | ||||
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Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
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2014 | ||||
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Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
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2014 |
Financial Statements - Kobo
| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
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| Jul, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Jan, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
Kobo Comparisons
Competitors of Kobo
| Company Name | Domain | Founded year | HQ Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Multiple services are booked via an app-based platform.
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
On-demand services are booked through an app-based platform.
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
App based platform offering on demand delivery and ride-hailing services
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Operates an on-demand hyperlocal delivery app for food and groceries.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kobo
When was Kobo founded?
Kobo was founded in 2009 and raised its 1st funding round 1 year after it was founded.
Where is Kobo located?
Kobo is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. It is registered at Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Who is the current CEO of Kobo?
Michael Tamblyn is the current CEO of Kobo.
Is Kobo a funded company?
Kobo is a funded company, having raised a total of $116M across 3 funding rounds to date. The company's 1st funding round was a Series B of $13M, raised on Jul 06, 2010.
What does Kobo do?
Kobo was founded in 2009 in Toronto, Canada, as a provider in the digital publishing sector. A self-publishing platform called Kobo Writing Life is offered to authors for digital distribution of their works. Content is made available via a companion app compatible with Android and iOS devices. Real-time sales tracking is enabled through an integrated analytics suite. Support is extended to multiple languages, such as German, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
Who are Kobo's investors?
Kobo has 3 investors. Key investors include Rakuten, CKH LIMITED, and Indigo.
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