UPSIDER Capital Launches Online Lending Service "UPSIDER Cash Boost" Offering Instant Loanable Amounts with Proprietary AI Credit Model

UPSIDER Capital Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Naoki Ishigami; hereinafter "UPSIDER Capital") is pleased to announce the launch of its online lending service, "UPSIDER Cash Boost." This new service offers instant loanable amounts based on UPSIDER Capital's proprietary AI credit model, targeting companies that use the corporate card "UPSIDER."*1

"UPSIDER Cash Boost" allows users to check their loanable amount immediately after logging in, and the entire process from application to contract can be completed online.*2 By focusing on a company's future growth potential rather than relying on collateral or guarantees, the service provides an environment where growing companies can swiftly access funds for expansion.

Background of the Launch of "UPSIDER Cash Boost"

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for 99.7% of Japanese companies, support 70% of employment and form the backbone of regional economies.*3 Amidst growing momentum for wage increases and capital investment, the ability for growth-oriented companies to flexibly procure funds is a critical management challenge.

However, even as the lending environment changes, the traditional credit assessment framework, based on past financial performance and collateral, has remained largely unchanged. Mechanisms to appropriately evaluate the future business value of rapidly growing companies and deliver funds at the necessary timing are still insufficient.

Through its growth-stage debt fund "UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Fund," UPSIDER Capital has provided large-scale and rapid financial support to startups using its proprietary AI cash flow forecasting model. "UPSIDER Cash Boost" is a new financial service that follows this initiative, leveraging transaction data from the corporate card "UPSIDER" and its proprietary AI credit model to offer highly immediate online lending to growing companies.

Features of "UPSIDER Cash Boost"

Instant Display of Loanable Amount

Check your loanable amount immediately after logging in. This allows for speedy consideration of financial plans.

Loans Up to 150 Million Yen

Evaluates a company's future growth potential with its proprietary AI credit model, offering loans of up to 150 million yen.*4

Online Completion

Everything from inputting loan conditions, identity verification, selecting a transfer account, to signing the contract is completed online. No in-person visits are required from application to contract.*2

Unsecured and Unguaranteed

No personal guarantee or collateral from the company representative is required.

*1 This service is available to customers using the corporate card "UPSIDER" who meet specified conditions. *2 Depending on the application details, mailing of documents may be required. *3 Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, "2026 White Paper on Small and Medium Enterprises" (April 24, 2026) https://www.chusho.meti.go.jp/pamflet/hakusyo/2026/PDF/chusho.html *4 Loanable amounts, interest rates, and other conditions may vary depending on the credit situation.

About UPSIDER Capital

UPSIDER Capital, jointly established by UPSIDER Inc. and Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., operates Japan's first growth-stage debt fund, "UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Fund."

Following the first fund established in December 2023, the second fund, "UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Growth Fund 2," completed its final close in May 2025. In addition to Mizuho Bank, various financial institutions such as Kyoto Capital Partners, San-in Godo Bank, Nagoya Bank, Hiroshima Bank, Fukuoka Bank, Fukoku Mutual Life Insurance, and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank have newly participated as LPs, commencing operations with a total of 14.3 billion yen. This brings the cumulative total assets under management with the first fund to 24.3 billion yen, achieving the largest scale in Japan for an independent venture debt fund.*5

With its proprietary AI cash flow forecasting and real-time monitoring system, UPSIDER Capital provides large loans of up to 1 billion yen while maintaining rapid screening, typically within an average of 10 business days.*6 As of the end of February 2026, cumulative lending by both the first and second funds exceeded 15 billion yen.

Furthermore, to promote the development of the industry as a whole, UPSIDER Capital is also undertaking the following initiatives:

Publication of a white paper on the venture debt market and hosting study sessions for the media.

Co-hosting "Venture Debt Summit," one of the largest industry conferences.

Going forward, UPSIDER Capital will continue to provide new options for startup financing with fast and substantial loans, aiming to build an open lending platform and establish the next generation of financial standards.

*5 As of April-June 2025, for independent venture debt funds with multiple LP investors (self-researched). *6 The period from the date of storage of screening documents to the date of quotation, excluding periods of Q&A or other interactions requiring response from our fund.

UPSIDER Capital Company Overview

・Location: 7-15-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo ・Business Activities: Operation of UPSIDER BLUE DREAM Fund, and development/provision of new financial services contributing to the sustainable growth of companies. ・Representative: Naoki Ishigami, Representative Director ・URL: https://upsidercap.com/ ・Shareholder: UPSIDER Holdings Inc.

Inquiries regarding this matter and UPSIDER Capital

For media inquiries, please contact contact@upsidercap.com.

* The information contained in this press release is current as of the date of announcement.