Money Forward Venture Partners Co., Ltd., a group company of Money Forward, Inc., has established its third fund and completed its first close with approximately 4.7 billion yen. The investors participating in the first close include Aichi Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Kii, Ltd., Kyoshin Social Capital Co., Ltd., Keiyo Bank, Ltd., The Bank of San-in, Ltd., The Tokushima-daisho Bank, Ltd., The Chugoku Bank, Ltd., The Yamanashi Chuo Bank, Ltd., Money Forward, Inc., and others (in Japanese syllabary order / some company names not disclosed). Recruitment activities will continue, aiming for a fund size exceeding 10 billion yen. ■ Background of the Establishment of Fund No. 3 Our company launched Fund No. 1 in 2020, followed by the establishment of Fund No. 2 in 2022 and Fund No. 1 Extension in 2025, managing a total fund of 13.4 billion yen. To date, we have invested in over 50 startups and supported their growth. Amidst significant changes in the fundraising environment surrounding startups, our company has gone beyond mere financial provision to act as a bridge connecting stakeholders, including LP investors, and has provided multifaceted support by leveraging the following strengths: 1. Accompanied Support Tailored to the Needs of Invested Entrepreneurs We have accompanied entrepreneurs in their business growth. In Fund No. 1 (25 invested companies), we have achieved 3 IPOs and 2 M&As. Most recently, Salowin Co., Ltd., an investment from the seed round, joined the Hulic Group through an M&A. Upon completion of the planned distributions to limited partners, DPI is expected to be approximately 126% as of the end of June 2026. We provide flexible hands-on support tailored to each company's phase and challenges, including venture debt support, CXO-level recruitment, and advice on public relations and back-office construction, by leveraging the network of HIRAC FUND. "Salowin Co., Ltd. Joins Hulic Group as a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Hulic Co., Ltd." (Published June 23, 2026)