Advancer Inc. Appoints Atsuhiro Oikawa, Founder of M&A Cloud, as Management Advisor

Advancer Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya Hikarie 32F, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shuuhei Hosoda) is pleased to announce that Atsuhiro Oikawa, founder of M&A Cloud Inc. and possessing extensive experience in supporting the growth of startups and SMEs, has been appointed as a Management Advisor.

Our company operates human resource dispatch/outsourcing, consulting, and corporate solutions businesses with 12 bases nationwide, primarily in the telecommunications industry.

As an "OWNERSHIP COMPANY" within the Advancer Group, we are promoting the establishment of group companies under the VISION of "nurturing business professionals who continue to take on challenges and producing opportunities for life changes."

In 2024, we established HITOAI Inc. (https://www.hitoai.co.jp/) to operate an outsourcing business.

In 2025, we established Cogup Inc. (https://www.cogup.co.jp/) to operate an SNS marketing business.

In 2026, we established Adlab Inc. (https://adlab.co.jp/) to operate a corporate solutions business.

Our medium-term management plan aims to achieve a structure of 25 group companies by 2030 and to produce 100 business professionals with "ownership," centered around presidents and management executives.

Background of Appointment

In Japan, labor shortages due to the declining birthrate and aging population are becoming increasingly severe, posing challenges for many companies in recruitment, training, and organizational development.

Meanwhile, the need for business succession and M&A is growing year by year, making "business alliances," "M&A," and "securing management talent," in addition to "recruitment," important themes for corporate growth.

Based on the recruitment and human resource development know-how cultivated to date, the Advancer Group is strengthening its management strategy and business development domains to provide broader support for corporate growth.

With Mr. Oikawa's participation, we will receive support primarily in the following areas:

- Formulation of medium- to long-term growth strategies - Promotion of M&A and alliance strategies - Support for new business development - Advisory services for management - Planning of measures to enhance corporate value

Atsuhiro Oikawa Profile

Born in Hokkaido in 1989.

While in university, he founded MacroPath Inc. and developed an offshore development business. Through his experience in transferring the business, he realized the challenges in the M&A market and co-founded M&A Cloud Inc. in 2015.

As a pioneer of M&A platforms, he pioneered the market and contributed to the formation of a new market called "startup M&A." He has numerous achievements, including being selected for Forbes NEXT UNDER 30.

Currently, while active as Founder of M&A Cloud, he is engaged in supporting corporate growth and creating new businesses.

Atsuhiro Oikawa's Comment

The challenges faced by modern Japanese companies, such as labor shortages due to the declining birthrate and aging population and business succession issues, are becoming increasingly complex.

Within this context, I am confident that combining Advancer Group's strengths in human resource development know-how with my expertise in medium- to long-term M&A/alliance strategies and new business development will create powerful synergy.

I am committed to maximizing corporate value through objective and practical advisory services, so that Advancer can become a leading company in the era where "employees become managers."

Shuuhei Hosoda, Representative Director of Advancer Inc., Comment

I am deeply honored that Atsuhiro Oikawa will be joining us as a Management Advisor.

Mr. Oikawa has not only pioneered a new market through the founding of M&A Cloud but has also supported the growth of many managers and companies. I have great respect for his achievements, as well as his constant pursuit of challenges and his deep insight into management.

The Advancer Group is currently expanding its business and embarking on new challenges. In this growth phase, having Mr. Oikawa's extensive knowledge and experience is extremely reassuring for us.

Together with Mr. Oikawa, we will strive for further corporate growth and the creation of value for society.

▣ Advancer Inc. Overview

Company Name: Advancer Inc. (URL: https://advancer.co.jp/)

Representative: Shuuhei Hosoda, Representative Director

Capital: 55 million yen (Group total: 76 million yen)

Location: Shibuya Hikarie 32F, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Group Companies: HITOAI Inc., Cogup Inc., Adlab Inc.

Shareholder Composition: D. POPS GROUP Inc. (URL: https://d-pops-group.co.jp/)