Hakuhodo DY Holdings Launches Ventures of Creativity to Boost Internal Startup Innovation

Hakuhodo DY Holdings, a Japanese advertising conglomerate, has introduced a new entity named Ventures of Creativity (VoC Inc.) to advance its internal startup innovation program. The initiative will enhance the in-house venture program by managing investment functions for selected teams. Hiroo Takeda will lead VoC, which is designed to support and fund employee-driven business ideas to create new social values.

VoC will handle investment and business incubation for startups developed by employees across Hakuhodo DY Group’s network in Japan and globally. The program invites employees to submit business proposals that could lead to novel marketing solutions, with VoC providing the necessary funding and acceleration resources for successful proposals. 

This approach continues from the Ventures of Creativity program, launched in 2023, and focuses on empowering employees to leverage their creativity for business ventures.

Hiroo Takeda, currently serving as group manager in Hakuhodo DY Holdings’ strategic investment and global business strategy divisions, has been appointed as the representative director of Ventures of Creativity (VoC Inc.). VoC will act as a specialized entity dedicated to managing investments within Hakuhodo DY Holdings’ internal venture program. 

The agency emphasized that VoC’s role is crucial in transforming employee ideas into concrete business ventures to promote the company’s dedication to nurturing entrepreneurial talent within its organization. 

In addition to VoC, Hakuhodo DY Holdings has strengthened its digital marketing capabilities by merging DAC and Irep to form Hakuhodo DY ONE. This new entity integrates the digital expertise of various group companies to enhance competitiveness and productivity.

Hakuhodo DY Holdings’ commitment to innovation goes beyond the Ventures of Creativity (VoC) initiative.

In August 2024, the company established Hakuhodo Data Labs India, a subsidiary headed by CEO Shweta Sharma. This new division focuses on creating advanced marketing technology solutions. Its first product, e-Genie, is an AI-powered platform designed to optimize media performance, and it has already delivered an 18% improvement in return on ad spend for global clients.

Additionally, Hakuhodo’s joint venture, H+, made significant progress by securing Netflix’s media account for Southeast Asia and Taiwan earlier this year. This achievement followed a competitive pitch against major industry players such as GroupM’s Wavemaker and Omnicom Media Group, which are growing H+’s influence in the region.

By consolidating resources and expertise from DAC and Irep, Hakuhodo DY ONE aims to enhance its digital capabilities and lead in the industry. 

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