Startup Class Inc. (URL: https://startupclass.co.jp/, Headquarters: Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Kiyotaka Fujioka, hereinafter "Stacla"), which supports startup companies, is pleased to announce that Eiichi Iwakuma has been appointed as the new Public Relations Department Manager, effective July 1st. With the appointment of a Public Relations Department Manager, Stacla will strengthen its internal and external information dissemination and further enhance and promote the corporate value of startup companies. Startup Class, Public Relations Department Manager: Eiichi Iwakuma [New Public Relations Officer Profile] Name: Eiichi Iwakuma Appointment Date: July 1, 2026 Biography: Born in July 1961. After working at an advertising agency, he was responsible for public relations and IR at Duskin Co., Ltd., Ootoya HD Co., Ltd., Seibii, and others. He has extensive experience in corporate public relations, IR (investor relations), brand communication, and crisis management. He has been appointed as the public relations officer for Startup Class since July 2026. [Comment from Eiichi Iwakuma] I am honored to be appointed as the public relations officer for Startup Class Inc. Mr. Fujioka, the Representative Director and President of Stacla, has been a close acquaintance of mine for 10 years and is a business leader who knows my work and capabilities well. He invited me with extremely strong enthusiasm. I feel a sense of responsibility. Furthermore, the growth of startup companies is related to Japan's economy, education, regional revitalization, measures against declining birthrate, and working styles. Together with Stacla, we will face social challenges with all entrepreneurs. [Background to Strengthening Public Relations System: Comment from Kiyotaka Fujioka, Representative Director and President of Startup Class Inc.] Startup Class Inc., Representative Director and President: Kiyotaka Fujioka Since its founding in 2011, Stacla has guided over 170 companies to IP