Research on the Actual Situation and Growth of Web 2.0 Companies

ABSTRACT

1. In recent years, an increase in interest regarding the “Web 2.0” concept has been accompanied by a focus on companies that conduct “Web 2.0 business”. This research defines a “Web 2.0” company, and analyzes 17 companies that have already gone public regarding their methods of fundraising since establishment, the investors that have aggressively invested in them such as venture capitalists and ordinary operating companies, and the Web 2.0 companies’ growth processes.

2. The companies targeted in this analysis enjoyed extremely high market evaluation when they went public to the extent that it could be called a bubble, and were successful in large-scale fundraising. Moreover, the capital relationships with the ordinary operating companies were indispensable in the growth processes of these companies. Finally, they actively raised funds at a rapid pace, and growth after fundraising was also extremely fast.