— Strengthening Efforts to Promote Impact Investments Focused on Healthcare-related Ventures —

Bio Engineering Capital Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yuki Shimahara, hereafter referred to as “BEC”), a company that supports entrepreneurs in life sciences fields such as medical AI/DX and regenerative medicine, has entered into a strategic and capital partnership with SDG Impact Japan Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Directors: Mari KoOgiso and Shohei Maekawa, hereafter referred to as “SIJ”), which promotes business incubation and sustainable investments towards realizing a sustainable society for future generations. As part of this partnership, Mamoru Taniya, Chairpersonman of SIJ, has been appointed as Chairman of BEC, and Shohei Maekawa, Co-CEO of SIJ, has joined BEC as a director. Leveraging SIJ’s expertise and global network, both companies aim to advance the healthcare industry and create a significant impact on society.

Background and Purpose of the Capital Partnership

In recent years, environmental and social challenges such as climate change and an aging population have become increasingly important. To address these issues, it is essential for industry, academia, and government to collaborate more actively than ever. Particularly, businesses and investors are expected to pursue management approaches that deliver positive “impact” on the environment and society, rather than merely focusing on profit. By linking such impacts to economic and social growth and a sustainable future, synergies can be generated. The medical field, which is also BEC’s area of investment, is a significant focus for impact investments, as investing in medical and life sciences technologies can lead to the development of innovative treatments and improvements in medical services, thereby creating a substantial impact on society.

Through this capital and business partnership, BEC and SIJ will comprehensively promote business support and investment in the healthcare sector. BEC aims to invest in entrepreneurs and startups in the medical and life sciences fields, adhering to its mission, “Sailing with Bioengineers.” Together with innovators, BEC is committed to pioneering this domain and making a substantial impact on society. On the other hand, SIJ, with its mission to promote innovation and create new capital flows towards a sustainable society of the future, engages in business incubation and sustainable investments that pursue both sustainability impact and economic growth. With this partnership, both companies will leverage their respective strengths to support entrepreneurs and startups in the healthcare and life sciences sectors and globally promote impact-driven management.

Comment from Mamoru Taniya, Chairman of Bio Engineering Capital

“SDG Impact Japan focuses on creating new capital flows that accelerate the construction of a sustainable society and supports entrepreneurs with technologies and businesses contributing to sustainability in collaboration with domestic and international partner companies. Together with BEC, which has profound knowledge in high-interest fields such as medical AI, DX, and regenerative medicine, we will strive to contribute to promoting a sustainable society.”

Biography: Chairperson of SDG Impact Japan. With approximately 35 years of experience in finance and over 20 years as an angel investor, Taniya has supported numerous startup foundations and NGO/NPO initiatives. He was Asia’s youngest Managing Director at Salomon Brothers, overseeing investment divisions in Japan and across Asia. He established Asuka Asset Management, an independent alternative investment firm, co-founded private equity investment firm Mercuria with the Development Bank of Japan, and founded venture capital firm D4V with IDEO. Taniya has also launched companies such as Lifenet Insurance, Money Design, and blockchain business Recika, and serves as chairman of MNES, a medical imaging cloud service, R Project for regional revitalization, and Discover Japan magazine. He conceived and initiated UWC ISAK, Japan’s first international boarding school, as the leading representative. He is Vice Chair of the Human Rights Watch Tokyo Committee and a trustee at the International House of Japan. Taniya graduated from the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Law.

Comment from Shohei Maekawa, Director of Bio Engineering Capital

“I am delighted to announce this capital and business partnership with BEC. While business and investments in the healthcare field can create significant social impact, truly meaningful efforts in this area require a deep understanding of social issues and various systems, as well as a high level of expertise to implement new technologies in society. BEC has extensive knowledge and a rich network of experts in this field. Through collaboration with BEC, we aim to support many healthcare entrepreneurs and startups and work towards solving social issues.”

Biography: Co-CEO of SDG Impact Japan. Previously with Boston Consulting Group, specializing in management and strategy consulting in the industrial goods and energy sectors, focusing on medium-term management strategies, corporate restructuring, post-merger integration, new business strategy, and digital strategies. Before that, he was involved in overseas business investments, such as M&A, joint ventures, and portfolio restructuring, as well as global trading in the food and chemical sectors at Mitsui & Co., Ltd. He also worked at EIRIS (now Moody’s ESG Solutions), a UK-based ESG investment assessment and research institution, where he focused on strategy development and client acquisition. Maekawa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Keio University and an MBA from HEC Paris.

Comment from Yuki Shimahara, CEO of Bio Engineering Capital

“I am honored to welcome Mr. Taniya, who has a remarkable track record in venture investment both domestically and internationally, as the Chairman of the Board, allowing us to pursue our mission and vision at an even higher level. Additionally, I am excited to have Mr. Maekawa, a Co-CEO of SIJ, a company actively promoting impact investments as a global agenda, join our board, enabling us to engage in comprehensive activities globally. We will collaborate with various medical professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and financial experts to address all healthcare challenges and strive to create a world where everyone can live safely and happily.”