Verified Nov 2026
Electronics & Software
·
Toronto, Ontario
·
Since 2009
Rakuten Kobo Inc., known as Kobo, is a digital bookseller headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, founded in 2009. It employs an estimated 500 to 1,000 people, with estimated revenue of $100 to $250 million, and is a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc. Kobo sells eBooks and audiobooks and makes eReaders and reading apps. In May 2026, it announced an integration with StoryGraph to provide deeper reading insights.
Rakuten Kobo Inc. at a glance
Revenue
$100-250M
Est. band
Employees
500-1,000
Founded
2009
Headquarters
Toronto, Ontario
Import activity
634
Industries
Automotive
Electric Vehicles
Electronics
Plumbing & Hardware
Industrial Equipment
Consumer Goods
Sourcing and import activity
From US customs bill-of-lading records
US sea imports
634
Named foreign suppliers
50
Top origins
China · Hong Kong S.A.R. · United Kingdom · Taiwan
Shared foreign counterparties do not establish that these companies buy from Rakuten Kobo Inc..
What this tells a buyer
Kobo announced in late October 2026 a partnership with MEB Corp to launch its e-readers in Thailand, and in August 2026 it expanded its U.S. presence with in-store availability at Best Buy stores nationwide.
Kobo offers eReaders, the Kobo Books app, and the Kobo Plus subscription service, which the company states provides access to a large catalog of eBooks and audiobooks for a monthly fee.
Kobo is a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc. and is privately held, and its record reports operations in more than 30 countries.
Source: US customs bill-of-lading records and public filings · Last verified Nov 05, 2026
Overview
Rakuten Kobo Inc., known as Kobo, is a digital bookseller headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, founded in 2009. It employs an estimated 500 to 1,000 people, with estimated revenue of $100 to $250 million, and is a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc. Kobo sells eBooks and audiobooks and makes eReaders and reading apps. In May 2026, it announced an integration with StoryGraph to provide deeper reading insights.
At a glance
Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
Founded | 2009 |
Headquarters | Toronto, Ontario |
Employees | 500-1,000 |
Revenue | $100-250M (estimated) |
Primary capability | Electronics & Software |
What Rakuten Kobo Inc. makes
Kobo offers eReaders, the Kobo Books app, and the Kobo Plus subscription service, which the company states provides access to a large catalog of eBooks and audiobooks for a monthly fee.
Trade and customs footprint
Kobo announced in late October 2026 a partnership with MEB Corp to launch its e-readers in Thailand, and in August 2026 it expanded its U.S. presence with in-store availability at Best Buy stores nationwide. US customs bill-of-lading records list 634 inbound shipments across 50 foreign suppliers, with top origins including China · Hong Kong S.A.R. · United Kingdom · Taiwan.
Latest developments
2026-10-30 — Rakuten Kobo Partners MEB Corp to Launch E-Readers in Thailand · Lanta News (lanta.news)
2026-10-28 — Kobo Books Blog (kobo.com)
2026-10-15 — Media Alert: Rakuten Kobo expands Kobo Plus subscription to include audiobooks in France | Kobo Books Blog (kobo.com)
2026-08-27 — Media Alert: Rakuten Kobo expands U.S. presence with in-store availability at Best Buy stores nationwide | Kobo Books Blog (kobo.com)
2026-05-19 — Deeper reading insights unlocked: Rakuten Kobo and StoryGraph announce integration | Kobo Books Blog (kobo.com)
2026-03-30 — Booming 140-Million-Baht E-Reader Market: Global Giant Rakuten Kobo Partners with Meb Corporation to Enter Thai Market, Launching 3 Flagship Products with Major Promotions at the Thailand National Book Fair | ThaiPR.NET (thaipr.net)
Company details
Kobo is a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc. and is privately held, and its record reports operations in more than 30 countries. Rakuten Kobo Inc. was founded in 2009, has an estimated 500-1,000 employees, and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario.
Frequently asked questions
What does Rakuten Kobo Inc. make?
Rakuten Kobo Inc., known as Kobo, is a digital bookseller headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, founded in 2009. It employs an estimated 500 to 1,000 people, with estimated revenue of $100 to $250 million, and is a subsidiary of Rakuten Group, Inc. Kobo sells eBooks and audiobooks and makes eReaders and reading apps. In May 2026, it announced an integration with StoryGraph to provide deeper reading insights.
Where is Rakuten Kobo Inc. headquartered?
Rakuten Kobo Inc. is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario (150 John St, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3E3).
When was Rakuten Kobo Inc. founded?
Rakuten Kobo Inc. was founded in 2009.
How big is Rakuten Kobo Inc.?
Rakuten Kobo Inc. has an estimated 500-1,000 employees, with revenue in the $100-250M range (estimated).
Does Rakuten Kobo Inc. import from overseas suppliers?
US customs bill-of-lading records show 634 inbound shipments for Rakuten Kobo Inc., with top origins including China · Hong Kong S.A.R. · United Kingdom · Taiwan.
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Last verified Nov 2026. Is this your company? Request a correction.
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