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 it has appointed Atsuhiro Oikawa, founder of M&A Cloud Inc. and possessing extensive experience in supporting the growth of startups and SMEs, as its Management Advisor.

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

As an "OWNERSHIP COMPANY" within the Advancer Group,

under the VISION of

"Nurturing business professionals who continue to take on challenges and producing opportunities for life-changing experiences,"

we are promoting the establishment of group companies.

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

in 2025, we established Cogup Inc. (https://www.cogup.co.jp/) which operates an SNS marketing business,

and in 2026, we established Adlab Inc. (https://adlab.co.jp/) which operates a corporate solution business.

Our medium-term management plan aims to achieve a group company structure of 25 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, and many companies face challenges in recruitment, training, and organizational development.

On the other hand, the need for business succession and M&A is growing year by year, making "recruitment" as well as "business alliances," "M&A," and "securing management talent" 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 areas to provide broader support for corporate growth.

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

* Formulation of mid-to-long-term growth strategies * Promotion of M&A and alliance strategies * Support for new business development * Advisory for management teams * Planning of measures to improve corporate value

Atsuhiro Oikawa Profile

Born in Hokkaido in 1989.

Founded MacroPath Inc. while in university, developing an offshore development business. Through his experience in divesting 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.

He is currently active as a Founder of M&A Cloud while working on corporate growth support and new business creation.

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 mid-to-long-term M&A/alliance strategies and new business development will create a powerful synergy.

I will commit to maximizing corporate value through objective and practical advisory services, enabling Advancer to become a leading company in the era where "employees become managers."

Shuuhei Hosoda, Representative Director of Advancer Inc., Comment

I am deeply honored that Mr. 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, his constant challenging spirit, and his deep insight into management.

The Advancer Group is currently expanding its business and embarking on new challenges. Having Mr. Oikawa's extensive knowledge and experience available to us during this growth phase is extremely reassuring.

Together with Mr. Oikawa, we will strive for further corporate growth and value creation 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/)