Tokyo, November 14, 2023 - Rakuten Group, Inc. announced today they have selected OpenAI as a strategic partner in delivering state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) experiences to consumers and businesses in Japan and worldwide.
As a key part of this collaboration, Rakuten and OpenAI also today unveiled Rakuten AI for Business, a new artificial intelligence platform to be provided by Rakuten and powered by OpenAI. The two companies will work together to design and deliver services that empower business customers with cutting-edge AI solutions for improving operations, strengthening connections with customers and driving better results. Rakuten AI for Business is available now through invitation only, with plans to expand the offering in 2024 and beyond.
Rakuten AI for Business supports a diversity of essential business functions, including marketing, sales, customer support, operations, strategy planning and engineering. For example, the Rakuten AI Analyst answers complex business questions with organized data, compelling charts and actionable insights. The Rakuten AI Agent assists professionals in real time to help provide better, faster, smarter customer service. The Rakuten AI Librarian synthesizes and summarizes all of the client’s documentation to answer questions from customers in seconds.
Ting Cai, Rakuten Group Chief Data Officer, commented, “Our vision for Rakuten AI for Business centers on our commitment to making AI a force for good that augments humanity, drives productivity and fosters prosperity. OpenAI has pioneered Generative AI technology and I am extremely excited about this collaboration to bring cutting-edge innovation to businesses.”
Brad Lightcap, OpenAI Chief Operating Officer, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Rakuten to bring the power of AI to online experiences in Japan and beyond. We look forward to delivering meaningful solutions for business customers.”
Unique aspects of Rakuten AI for Business
Convenient: Provides a conversational interface on smartphones, tablets and other devices that are easily accessible anytime, anywhere.
Secure: Confidential data stays secure end-to-end on the edge, on the wire through Rakuten internet services, and in the data center with Rakuten’s cloud solutions.
Exclusive: Rakuten AI for Business leverages 25+ years of deep domain knowledge and unique data – combined with OpenAI's cutting-edge prowess – to provide unique insight to customers.
A global innovation company with a vibrant, unique ecosystem enjoyed by more than 40 million monthly active users in Japan alone, Rakuten operates the country’s largest online shopping mall and offers a diverse portfolio of over 70 services spanning e-commerce, fintech, digital content and telecommunications. OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company whose mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.
Rakuten's mission is to contribute to society by creating value through innovation and entrepreneurship. OpenAI shares that vision and has been instrumental in bringing AI to millions of consumers and businesses. Together, the two companies will continue aiming to revolutionize the way consumers shop and engage with businesses online.