Toho Acetylene Co., Ltd. Invests in 3DC Inc., Accelerating Mass Production of Next-Generation Carbon Material "Graphene MesoSponge®" and Business Collaboration in the Battery Sector

March 30, 2026 | 3DC Inc. (hereinafter "3DC" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has raised a total of 370 million JPY in its Series A Round 2nd Close, receiving an investment through a third-party allotment from Toho Acetylene Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Hidetoshi Horiuchi; hereinafter "Toho Acetylene"). ■ Background of the Investment Acceptance This investment was realized with the aim of accelerating initiatives for the social implementation of new materials in the next-generation battery sector, against the backdrop of regional ties between companies headquartered in Miyagi Prefecture. 3DC is a startup originating from Tohoku University, headquartered in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, aiming for the mass production of "Graphene MesoSponge® (GMS)," a next-generation carbon material invented at Tohoku University. The company is committed to creating new industries based on material technology. Meanwhile, Toho Acetylene Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture, has supported the development of regional industries through its industrial gas business for many years. As companies based in the same Miyagi Prefecture, both companies share the philosophy of creating new industrial value from the region to the world. With this investment as an opportunity, they will further promote initiatives for the social implementation of next-generation battery materials, while exploring possibilities for collaboration on material development and advanced manufacturing processes. The use of these raised funds, similar to the Series A 1st Close and 2nd Close, is planned for: ① construction of a mass production plant and capital investment through the expansion of the pilot plant in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture; ② research and development of battery materials and data-driven applications; and ③ strengthening human resources and product supply systems, as well as deepening international partnerships. Following Series A, 3DC's cumulative equity funding has reached 2.84 billion JPY, and cumulative grant acquisition has reached 2.81 billion JPY, totaling 5.65 billion JPY. Use of Funds Raised ● Capital investment related to mass production plant construction ● Various research and development for establishing GMS mass production processes (ton-scale) ● Strengthening global supply systems for customer evaluation and commercial GMS ● Expansion of R&D personnel and deepening international partnerships, etc. ■ Comment from the Investor Hidetoshi Horiuchi, Representative Director and President, Toho Acetylene Co., Ltd. We have high expectations for the future potential of 3DC's GMS, which is a groundbreaking material capable of realizing higher efficiency, longer lifespan, and improved safety in batteries. Our company has contributed to the local community through industrial gases. Gases are indispensable in material manufacturing and battery manufacturing processes, playing a significant role in advancing manufacturing processes and improving quality. With this investment as an opportunity, we will further strengthen our collaboration with 3DC Inc., promote research and development, and actively expand our business into existing and growth sectors. ■ Toho Acetylene Company Profile Company Name: Toho Acetylene Co., Ltd. Representative: Hidetoshi Horiuchi Established: March 1955 Headquarters: 2-3-32 Sakae, Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture Business Activities: [High-pressure gas related]... Dissolved acetylene, oxygen, nitrogen, argon, other gases [Petroleum gas related]... Liquefied petroleum gas, living-related equipment [Industrial equipment related]... Welding materials, welding and cutting tools, containers [Medical related]... Medical gases, medical equipment, medical gas piping work [Ice machine related]... Ice machines, various ice storage and transport devices