PARONYM

About PARONYM

Based in Tokyo, Japan, PARONYM Inc. operates at the intersection of video technology and e-commerce. The company was established in November 2016 by Michio Kobayashi, who currently serves as CEO. Kobayashi's background includes a tenure at Softbank from 2003 to 2011 in the international video communication business, followed by the launch of an e-commerce and web advertising company in 2012, experiences that directly inform PARONYM's strategic direction. The firm's core offering is TIG, an interactive video technology that enables viewers to touch objects within a video to instantly access information.

The TIG platform is designed to transform passive video viewing into an active experience, directly addressing the challenge of converting viewer engagement into tangible action. As a business-to-business solution, PARONYM primarily targets companies in e-commerce, advertising, retail, and media. Its client roster includes notable names such as The North Face, mobile operator NTT Docomo, and broadcaster Chukyo TV. The business model is structured around a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, offering monthly subscriptions or license-based access for creating, editing, and managing interactive videos. An enterprise model is also available for companies wishing to integrate TIG technology directly into their own applications or websites.

The technology allows content creators to tag objects, people, or locations in a video, linking them to external sites, product pages, or additional information. Key features include a tracking and editing tool to map these interactive points and a heat map that provides analytics on which parts of the video viewers are engaging with the most. This functionality is particularly relevant for live commerce, online training, and digital marketing, allowing for a seamless transition from discovery to purchase or information gathering. In October 2020, PARONYM secured $6.5 million in a Series B funding round led by Japan Post Capital and NTT DOCOMO Ventures, with participation from InVent, the venture arm of Thai telecom giant Intouch Holdings. This investment was aimed at accelerating research and development, particularly in anticipation of the 5G era, and driving expansion into Southeast Asian markets, with a specific focus on Thailand.