Skolkovo Ventures announces the launch of a new company called “Station”. The new holding will invest in technological solutions that help businesses effectively communicate and interact with end consumers. At the invitation of Skolkovo Ventures, Dentsu Group Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Toshihiro Yamamoto; Capital 74,609.81 million Yen), became the project partner represented by its newly created Russian subsidiary DEEP. Partners will invest 1.5 billion rubles in this project – these would be the combination of external investment partners’ funds, who will join the holding, and both Skolkovo Ventures and DEEP’s own funds.

Station’s goal is to become a one-stop-shop provider for end-user businesses that addresses a wide range of digital needs, from initial consumer preference management to final product sales and subsequent loyalty programs.

The holding’s investment strategy focuses on technologies that are built around smart use of partners’ consumer data in analyzing interactions in the retail and FMCG sector. Station will build its product line by acquiring key technological solutions, gradually completing the ecosystem with related services and business verticals. A significant part of Station’s activities will be realized through investments in companies from the Skolkovo Foundation as well as through M&A. At the moment, Station is interested in cooperation with more than 30 Skolkovo residents.

In addition to direct investments, Station plans to cooperate with technological leaders in the industry and providing strategic assistance to companies in the creation and development of new products. Station intends to create an ecosystem that will unite niche developers of technological products and allow customers to gain comprehensive access to the entire expertise of sales-tech and retail-tech.