Ceres Secures Funding through Chiba Bank's 'Chibagin Leaders Loan NEXT'

Ceres Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Satoshi Takagi; Securities Code: 3696; hereinafter 'Ceres') announces that it has entered into a loan agreement with Chiba Bank, Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiba City, Chiba; President: Tsutomu Yonemoto; hereinafter 'Chiba Bank') through its 'Chibagin Leaders Loan NEXT (Target-linked Type),' a financing program for businesses aiming for sustainability management. Under its mission 'Bloom Value, Harvest the Future' and vision 'Realizing a wealthy world through internet marketing,' Ceres has been working on enhancing its business foundation and investing in growth areas to increase corporate value sustainably. Recognizing that building an organization where diverse talent can maximize their potential is essential for non-linear growth in a rapidly changing environment, Ceres has been promoting human capital management as part of its ESG strategy. In raising funds for business expansion, Ceres chose the 'Chibagin Leaders Loan NEXT (Target-linked Type).' This scheme involves setting meaningful business strategy goals within the SDGs/ESG framework alongside Chiba Bank, with borrowing conditions fluctuating based on the achievement of annual targets. For this initiative, Ceres has set the goal of obtaining two top-tier certifications by the end of fiscal 2027 (December 2027): 'Platinum Eruboshi' (for promoting women's advancement) and 'Platinum Kurumin' (for supporting the development of the next generation). This is Chiba Bank's first attempt to set the double acquisition of these two Platinum certifications as annual targets. As Ceres already obtained the 'Platinum Eruboshi' certification in February 2026, the company will now focus on maintaining those standards while working toward achieving 'Platinum Kurumin.' Ceres remains committed to balancing business growth with solving social issues and enhancing medium- to long-term corporate value. Reference 1: 'Platinum Eruboshi' is the highest level of certification under the Act on the Promotion of Women's Participation and Advancement in the Workplace, granted to companies that meet all criteria (recruitment, continuous employment, working style, female manager ratio, and diverse career paths) and demonstrate higher levels of achievement. As of late September 2025: 95 certified companies out of 51,742 reporting companies (top 0.18%). Reference 2: 'Platinum Kurumin' is the highest level of certification under the Act on Measures to Support the Development of the Next Generation, granted to 'Kurumin' certified companies that have implemented even higher standards of childcare support measures. As of late September 2025: 786 certified companies out of 108,890 reporting companies (top 0.72%).

Execution Date: March 2026 Loan Type: Leaders Loan NEXT (Target-linked Type) Lender: Chiba Bank, Ltd. Loan Amount: 300 million yen Annual Targets: Level A: Double acquisition of 'Platinum Eruboshi' and 'Platinum Kurumin' Level B: Acquisition of either 'Platinum Eruboshi' or 'Platinum Kurumin' Level C: Acquisition of either 'Eruboshi' or 'Kurumin' Level D: Neither acquired Interest rate incentives vary according to levels A through D, with Level A providing the maximum benefit. 1. Materiality Setting: Ceres has identified seven materiality themes to ensure long-term growth and strategic responses to social and environmental issues. 2. Human Capital Strategy: Ceres promotes human capital management where each employee is viewed as 'value to be bloomed.' The company aims to increase corporate value by fostering an organization that maximizes individual power through its five values: Essence, Challenge, Cycle, Immersion, and Emotion. 3. SDGs Initiatives: Ceres also operates a point donation site via its platform 'Moppy' to contribute to various social causes.