LinQ Inc. Raises 1.1 Billion Yen in Series A Round, Appoints New Directors and Auditor

LinQ Inc. (CEO: Gosuke Harada), the developer and operator of the location-sharing app 'whoo', announced that it has raised a total of 1.1 billion yen in Series A equity and debt financing, with Docomo Innovation Fund 4 Investment Limited Partnership as the lead investor.

Additionally, effective June 1, 2026, the company announced that Kazuma Takeda (CTO) and Motoki Nakai (CFO) have been appointed as directors, and Hiroshi Maeda has been appointed as auditor.

Background and Purpose of the Fundraising

Since its founding in August 2019, LinQ has developed and operated multiple communication apps, including the location-sharing app 'whoo'.

'whoo' launched in December 2022 and has now surpassed 35 million cumulative downloads. Used in over 170 countries, it has steadily expanded its user base both in Japan and globally as a Japanese-born communication app.

However, to further enhance its competitive advantage in the global market, the company faces an urgent need for product feature enhancements, UX improvements, and expanded marketing measures. This fundraising represents a critical step to ensure growth to the next stage at this strategic turning point.

Investor Comments (in no particular order)

### Daisuke Miyoshi, Docomo Innovation Fund 4 Investment Limited Partnership

'LinQ's vision of creating a communication app used worldwide aligns strongly with the NTT Docomo Group's worldview, and we deeply resonate with it. The products, including the location-based communication app 'whoo', have gained high support from users, especially Gen Z. We highly value its growth potential and future global expansion prospects, leading to our investment decision. We look forward to creating new communication experiences and further business growth through co-creation between NTT Docomo Group and LinQ.'

### Taishi Matsuyama, Apollo Capital 2 Investment Limited Partnership

'We are very pleased to participate in LinQ's Series A round. 'whoo' has built a solid user base domestically as a daily-life communication app for meeting up and connecting with family and friends. We look forward to the product evolving further and growing into a Japanese-born SNS loved worldwide, and we will support LinQ while leveraging the Celes Group's knowledge and assets.'

### Junpei Oyamada, FFG Strategy 2 Investment Limited Partnership

'We see great potential in 'whoo' for building customer touchpoints based on location information and real behavioral context, naturally integrating into the daily lives of younger generations. Such touchpoints are difficult for existing businesses like financial institutions to build on their own and could become an important infrastructure in society. We look forward to contributing to LinQ's growth through this partnership. We expect 'whoo' to evolve into a globally used social network from Japan and become new social infrastructure.'

### Mami Ohara, Partner, Funds Venture Debt Fund 1 Investment Limited Partnership

'We are delighted to support LinQ's fundraising with venture debt. LinQ has demonstrated overwhelming product development capabilities and high agility in capturing market opportunities with its location-sharing SNS 'whoo'. It has been rapidly growing, with cumulative downloads exceeding 35 million as of April 2026. Beyond existing SNS frameworks, we believe 'whoo' redefines offline communication value and promotes local economic revitalization and behavioral change. We fully support LinQ as it leaps from Japan to Southeast Asia and global markets with the mission of creating a communication app used worldwide.'

### Naoki Ishigami, President, UPSIDER Capital Inc.

''whoo' has delivered experiences that make real connections with loved ones more accessible. It is not easy to create a service that becomes part of daily life and is loved for a long time. We see great potential in LinQ's challenge and are honored to be part of its support. As a partner providing financial support for growth, UPSIDER Group will fully assist 'whoo' in becoming a globally loved future.'

CEO Comment

Gosuke Harada, CEO

'We sincerely thank all investors, including Docomo Innovation Fund 4 Investment Limited Partnership, for their support in this fundraising. Based on our mission to create a communication app used worldwide, we aim to put an end to media-driven SNS and restore authentic social media that values real connections.

'whoo' is not just a location-sharing app; it is a new communication app to connect with loved ones in the moment. With this fundraising, we will accelerate product evolution and global expansion, carving out a future where a Japanese-born SNS becomes a global standard.

We are also very encouraged to have Takeda and Nakai as directors and Maeda as auditor. Their expertise and experience will greatly strengthen both our business and governance. As a united team, we will continue to deliver 'whoo' to more people and meet everyone's expectations.'

Appointment of Directors and Auditor

To accelerate business growth and strengthen corporate governance, the company has appointed two new directors and one external auditor. By incorporating each person's expertise and experience into management, we will strengthen our management structure and improve services for users.

CEO Gosuke Harada will continue in his current position.

| Name | New Position | Previous Position | |------|--------------|-------------------| | Kazuma Takeda | Director, Executive Officer CTO | CTO | | Motoki Nakai | Director, Executive Officer CFO | Executive Officer CFO | | Hiroshi Maeda | External Auditor | - |

About 'whoo'

'whoo' is a communication app that allows users to share their location with trusted people such as family and close friends.