DMM.com

In 1999, Keishi Kameyama, a former video rental store operator, founded DMM.com in Japan. The company began its journey in the adult entertainment industry, a move that would define its early trajectory. Recognizing the shift from physical to digital media, Kameyama established an online video and e-commerce platform. This initial, and controversial, business provided the financial foundation for what would become a highly diversified conglomerate. The company’s story is one of relentless expansion. Seeing the limits of its initial market, DMM began an aggressive diversification strategy. Over the years, it has launched or acquired over 60 different businesses. This portfolio includes a wide array of ventures such as online games, a foreign exchange platform, an English language school, 3D printing services, and even solar energy. This approach of entering any sector that shows potential profitability reflects the founder's core business philosophy. Key to DMM's growth has been its willingness to invest in and acquire new ventures. A notable acquisition was the online marketplace CASH in 2017. The company also expanded its global footprint by acquiring a Belgian soccer team and launching DMM.Africa to explore business opportunities on the continent. While DMM remains a private company and has not had a public IPO, its aggressive growth and diversification strategy have established it as a major, if unconventional, player in Japan's internet economy.