Global Brain has invested in DAIZ Inc. (DAIZ), a company that develops and produces "Miracle Meat," a plant based meat ingredient made from sprouted soybeans, through its KDDI Open Innovation Fund III (KOIF III). The global market for meat alternatives continues to grow against the backdrop of a shortage of protein supply due to global population growth and the environmental impact issues of livestock-derived products, and is expected to expand to 1,873.2 billion yen(1) by 2030. Conventional plant based meat has the following problems: 1) unpleasant taste and texture, 2) green and oily smell peculiar to soybeans, and 3) functionality (nutritional value) that is inferior to meat. DAIZ has solved these problems by using whole soybeans as ingredient, and by using its own germination technology and processing, and provides "delicious" plant based meat ingredient with a texture and flavor similar to meat. (1) Source: Yano Research Institute, "Survey on the Global Market for Alternative Meats (Plant-Based and Cultured Meats) Conducted (2020) Global Brain has decided to invest in DAIZ based on its patented germination technology, unique manufacturing process, in-depth knowledge of the food technology field, and advanced technological capabilities\*. Through this investment, Global Brain will support DAIZ in its business development both in Japan and overseas, and in the creation of new markets in the food technology field. \* In April 2021, we made another investment from GB-VII Growth Fund Investment Limited Partnership and KIRIN HEALTH INNOVATION FUND Investment Limited Partnership.
https://globalbrains.com/en/posts/invested-in-daiz ## About DAIZ

Location: 4F, 5-1-1 Minamikumamoto, Chuo-ku,Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan

Representative: Tsuyoshi Ide

Founded: December, 2015

URL: https://www.daiz.inc/

## About KOIF III

Name: KDDI Open Innovation Fund III

General Partner: Global Brain Corporation

Fund Size: 20 Billion JPY

## About Global Brain

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Representative: Yasuhiko Yurimoto

Founded: January, 1998

URL: https://globalbrains.com/

Global Brain has invested in DAIZ Inc., a food tech startup that develops and produces plant based meat ingredients