Tokyo, October 23, 2019 --- D.A.Consortium Inc. (DAC) is pleased to announce its decision to invest in epiST Ventures No.1 Investment Limited Partnership (epiST Ventures No.1 Fund), a fund created by the independent venture capital firm epiST Ventures Inc. (epiST Ventures).

DAC has long undertaken open innovation initiatives, such as working with universities and companies on joint research and new business development, in order to better understand the behavior and interests of sei-katsu-sha (our term for consumers that encompasses all aspects of their lives). We do this in an effort to provide services that respond to and are a step ahead of the rapidly changing ad market and sei-katsu-sha needs.

The mission of epiST Inc., the parent company of epiST Ventures, is “to enhance industry-academia collaboration and open innovation for the revitalization of Japan’s science and technology.” The investment policy of epiST Ventures No. 1 Fund is to target university-led and engineer-led ventures that are focused on artificial intelligence (AI), IoT, robotics and other themes. In support of these, DAC has decided to invest in the fund.

　＜epiST Ventures No.1 Fund＞　
　　Fund name：　　　　 epiST Ventures No.1 Investment Limited Partnership
　　Date created： 　　　 October 2019
　　Total target fund size：Over 1 billion yen
　　Operation period：　 10 years (with the possibility of a 2-year extension)

Through epiST Ventures No. 1 Fund’s investment activities, DAC hopes to further contribute to the ecosystem behind Japan’s science and technology revitalization. In addition, through this alliance, we hope to reinforce our own open innovation efforts and develop businesses in line with our brand slogan, “Empowering the Digital Future.”

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＜About epiST Ventures Inc.＞　

Representative	：Takashi Uemura, Representative Director
Head Office	：FORECAST Shinjuku SOUTH, 4-3-17, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Established	：April 2019
Business	：Investing in and supporting the development of technology-related ventures

＜Corporate Information＞　
■ D.A.Consortium Inc.　https://www.dac.co.jp/english/
D.A.Consortium Inc. (DAC) is a leader in the online advertising industry. Established in 1996 during the early days of online advertising, DAC has played a key role in the market’s formation and development. As a media representative, DAC provides comprehensive support to publishers, ad agencies and other partner companies by purchasing and selling ad space, planning and reporting. It also manages ads through one of Japan’s largest trading desks, develops high-tech solutions and offers a wide range of advertising-related digital marketing services. Under the brand slogan, “Empowering the digital future,” DAC strives to enliven the digital future of the world we live in, making it more dynamic while expanding its potential.

Representative	：Masaya Shimada,President & CEO
Head Office	：Yebisu Garden Place Tower, 4-20-3, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Established	：December 1996
Business	：Online media transaction related business, Solution business, Ad Operations Business

For inquiries regarding this News Release
D.A.Consortium Inc.
Corporate Strategy Group Public Relations / E-mail：ir_inf@dac.co.jp