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

2026-03-30 l 3DC Inc. (hereinafter "3DC" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has raised a total of 370 million yen in its Series A Round 2nd Close, including an investment from Toho Acetylene Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture, President: Hidetoshi Horiuchi, hereinafter "Toho Acetylene") through a third-party allotment of new shares.

Background of Investment Acceptance This investment was realized with the aim of accelerating the social implementation of new materials in the next-generation battery field, driven by the regional connection between companies headquartered in Miyagi Prefecture. 3DC is a Tohoku University-originated startup headquartered in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, aiming for the mass production of "Graphene MesoSponge® (GMS)," a next-generation carbon material invented at Tohoku University, and is working to create new industries starting from material technology. On the other hand, Toho Acetylene Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture, and 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. Triggered by this investment, they will further promote initiatives for the social implementation of next-generation battery materials while exploring the possibility of collaboration in advancing material development and manufacturing processes. The funds raised will be used for the expansion of the pilot plant in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, for the construction of a mass production plant and capital investment, as well as for research and development of battery materials and data-driven applications, strengthening human resources and product supply systems, and deepening overseas partnerships, similar to the Series A 1st and 2nd closes. Following the Series A, 3DC's cumulative equity financing to date has reached 2.84 billion yen, and cumulative grant acquisition has reached 2.81 billion yen, totaling 5.65 billion yen.

Use of Funds Raised ● Capital investment for mass production plant construction ● Various research and development for the establishment of GMS mass production processes (ton scale) ● Strengthening the global supply system for customer evaluation and commercial GMS ● Expansion of R&D personnel and deepening of overseas partnerships, etc.

Comments from Investor Hidetoshi Horiuchi, President, Toho Acetylene Co., Ltd. 3DC's GMS is a groundbreaking material that can realize improved efficiency, longer lifespan, and enhanced safety for batteries, and we have high expectations for its future potential. 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. Through this investment and further strengthening our collaboration with 3DC, we aim to promote research and development and actively expand our business into existing and growth areas.

Company Profile of Toho Acetylene 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, lifestyle-related equipment [Industrial Equipment Related] ... Welding materials, welding and cutting equipment, containers [Medical Related] ... Medical gases, medical equipment, medical gas piping construction [Ice Machine Related] ... Ice machines, various ice storage and conveying equipment