October 28, 2022
Cool Japan Fund
(Cool Japan Fund Inc.)

Cool Japan Fund invests in DAIZ Inc., a Food-Tech Startup Company,
globally supplying chip for Plant-Based Meat derived fromGerminated Soybeans
Cool Japan Fund (CJF) has decided to invest 2 billion yen (approx. 14.8 million USD | 1 USD =135 JPY) into DAIZ Inc. (DAIZ), which develops and produces MIRACLE MEAT, a plant-based
meat chip derived from germinated soybeans.
Background of this investment
The global population is estimated to surge to 8.5 billion by 2030 with major increases primarilyin Africa and Asia, subsequently causing a protein crisis due to meat shortages. It is also said that
14.5% of greenhouse gases stem from the livestock industry. Thus, to facilitate sustainable dietary
lifestyles, it is essential to achieve widespread adoption of alternative protein sources as a substitutefor meat.
Purpose of this investment
Through this investment and DAIZ's MIRACLE MEAT, CJF will support the creation andexpansion of Japan's food-tech solutions to such a protein crisis and hopes that DAIZ will expand
its overseas businesses with leading Japanese food manufacturers who also take into
consideration the global environment’s preservation from the perspective of the SDGs.
As a Japanese governmental fund specialized in globally promoting excellence of Japanese
products and services, CJF will comprehensively assist DAIZ’s overseas business by exploiting its
worldwide network, human resources, and past 8 years’ value-up support experience to its portfolio
companies.
Overview of DAIZ and its business
DAIZ was founded in 2015 by a serial entrepreneur Mr. Ide. DAIZ has developed MIRACLE
MEAT, a soybean-derived plant meat chip, by utilizing the Ochiai Germination Method invented byMr. Ochiai, Chief Technology Officer of DAIZ, as its core proprietary technique to reproduce theflavor and texture of meat from germinated soybeans. The unique method stimulates themetabolism of soybeans by applying various stress factors, causing the soybeans to germinate ina state that is more suitable for use in plant-derived meat than general soybeans. MIRACLE MEAT
produced by the method excels other protein-based meat’s ingredients in terms of taste, aroma andflavor, and has already boasted a track record of its adoption by more than 50 companies including
major hamburger chains, supermarkets, and restaurants.
Regarding overseas business of DAIZ, the Kumamoto-based company established its subsidiaryin Boston, USA in May 2021, and has already embarked on breaking into overseas markets inpartnership with Japanese food manufacturers.
About DAIZ Inc.
Founded: December 2015

Head office: Kumamoto, Japan

Representative: Tsuyoshi Ide (Founder), President and Representative Director

Details of business: Development, manufacturing, and sales of plant-based meatWebsite: https://www.daiz.inc/en/Inquiries about this document:
Cool Japan Fund (PR Representatives: Hashimoto/Tachibana)Tel: +81(0)3-6406-7500

Cool Japan Fund invests in DAIZ inc. a Food-Tech Startup (Reference)
Company, globally supplying chip for Plant-Based Meatderived from Germinated Soybeans
Project Scheme

FounderEnterprises

FinancialInstitutionsand VC

2 billion JPY
DAIZ Inc.
Purpose of CJF’s investment− Creation and expansion of Japan's food-tech solutions to the protein
crisis, expected to occur from the global population increase− Comprehensive support to expanding DAIZ’s global businessCharacteristics MIRACLE MEAT of DAIZMIRACLE MEAT is produced by a unique germination technology, “Ochiai GerminationMethod”, which enables DAIZ to not only replicate meat-like taste but also create
excellent health characteristics such as low fat and calorie, and high protein content

Unprocessed Soybeans

Ochiai Germination Method

MIRACLE MEATExtruder

Germinated Soybeans