Press release

August 2, 2022
JAFCO Group Co., Ltd.

JAFCO Group Selected for the “Demonstration Project for the Use of
Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR)” by the Ministry of Economy, Tradeand Industry
Expanding the base of entrepreneurship by providing a place to prepare for business startup,and developing initiatives to create many new businesses

JAFCO Group Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Keisuke Miyoshi, herein
after “JAFCO”) is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a demonstrator for the"Demonstration Project for the Use of Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR)" by the Ministry ofEconomy, Trade and Industry. Leveraging our network, we will provide business star-up
opportunities for people preparing to start a business or involved in a new business.

About Demonstration Project for the Use of Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR)This project is based on a scheme whereby companies that are working to create innovations hireor provide outsourcing services for those preparing to start their own businesses or involved in new
business development as an entrepreneur in residence (EIR). The project is aimed at increasing
entrepreneurs and facilitating open innovation by utilizing the EIR program in Japan.
Reference：https://jissui.or.jp/project/project012/ (in Japanese only)

Reason for using the EIR program
Japan lags behind the world in both the number and size of unicorn companies, and few people feelthat Japan provides an easy environment to start a business.
In a research report on entrepreneurial trends in various countries released in 2022, Japan ranked
the lowest of 47 countries for “providing good opportunities to start a business.”
For more information, please contact
pr@jafco.co.jp, JAFCO Group Co., Ltd.

Press releaseAugust 2, 2022
JAFCO Group Co., Ltd.

(Source: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2021 / 2022 Global Report: https://www.hegfr.ch/media/i4mltu0v/gem-global-report-2021-2022.pdf）

To resolve this issue, JAFCO will use the EIR program to provide a safety net for aspiring
entrepreneurs during their startup preparation period and an environment where entrepreneurs feelsafe to take on new challenges.
Overview of JAFCO’s EIR Program■ Target applicantsThose with plans to start a business (specific business plans are not necessary)■ Type of agreement
Outsourcing■ PeriodApprox. 6 months■ No. of applicants to be accepted
A few■ Program ※Actual program is subject to change
・ Bounce ideas off with JAFCO’s venture capitalists who have made investments in areas close
to the applicant’s business plans.

・ Share knowledge based on past investment case studies
・ Mentoring by JAFCO’s portfolio startup CEOs

・ Opportunities to conduct interviews with prospective initial customers about their needs; sales
opportunities to such customers
・ Consultations with JAFCO’s administrative department (including staff with attorney license)
regarding the legality of the business■ For more information
eir@jafco.co.jp

For more information, please contact
pr@jafco.co.jp, JAFCO Group Co., Ltd.

Press release

August 2, 2022
JAFCO Group Co., Ltd.

Comment from Partner Yutaro Saka of JAFCO
We have decided to launch the EIR Program in order to encourage more entrepreneurs to take on
new challenges by providing our knowledge and network at the pre-startup stage.
Through this initiative, we hope to contribute to the creation of businesses and services that will
become commonplace in 10 years’ time by thinking and facing challenges together with daringentrepreneurs.
About JAFCO Group Co., Ltd.
Since its founding in 1973, JAFCO Group has always worked with leading-edge entrepreneurs.
The total commitments of its investment funds in Japan and overseas have exceeded ¥1 trillion andthe cumulative number of portfolio IPOs to date has reached over 1,000. In addition to venture
investment, JAFCO Group also carries out buyout investment and commit to the creations ofinnovative technologies and services worldwide. As entrepreneurs’ closest partner in bringing theirvisions to life, JAFCO provides support in areas of HR, marketing/ sales, and back-office
operations, in addition to providing financing.
Company name

JAFCO Group Co., Ltd.

President & CEO

Keisuke Miyoshi

Head Office

24F Toranomon Hills Mori Tower, 1-23-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Establishment

April 5, 1973

Paid-in Capital¥33,251 million

Stock Listing

Tokyo Stock Exchange, Prime Market

No. of Employees

135 (consolidated) (as of March 31, 2022)

For more information, please contact
pr@jafco.co.jp, JAFCO Group Co., Ltd.