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NEWS

2022.02.06

Announcement of Fundraising Implementation by ARK Inc.

ARK Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo;  Japan Representative: Koyo Takeshita) is pleased  to announce the completion of its seed financing  round. With the funds raised, we aim to strengthen  our research, development, and manufacturing  capabilities, as well as promote demonstration  experiments and social implementation towards  commercialising small-scale, decentralised land based aquaculture systems utilising our "ARK"  technology in collaboration with various partners.


◆ Comments from Investors


Yujiro Akatsu  President and Chief Executive Officer  

Aqua Clara Lemon Gas Holdings Co. Ltd.  

"In Shonan, where our company also operates, we  deeply empathise with ARK's commitment to  addressing significant societal challenges faced by  the oceans. Water, energy, and food are universal  issues for humanity, and we look forward to  tackling various challenges together in the future."  


Mr Yusuke Nakagawa 

President and Chief Executive Officer​ Asobi Systems Co. Ltd.  

"I am delighted to have encountered such an  exciting startup. I believe ARK's proposal for small scale, decentralised, land-based aquaculture  systems is crucial for the future of our planet. I  think ARK will become essential in the future  world, and I am excited about the synergies with  entertainment moving forward.”


VERBAL 

Representative DIrector of AMBUSH, Music  Producer 

“In today's fashion business, there is a growing  demand for materials and products that are made  with consideration for the natural environment and  workers, highlighting the importance of  

sustainability. I am truly impressed by ARK's  proposal of a "system that allows aquaculture  anywhere by anyone," which I see as a pioneering  effort in decentralised food technology.”


Yusuke Funada 

President and Chief Executive Officer, Yabu  Suisan Co., Ltd.  

Ebinoke Representative  

“When I discovered ARK's impressive small-scale,  decentralised land-based aquaculture system  through shrimp farming, I became convinced of its  potential to innovate the fisheries industry. I was  deeply moved by our shared aspirations and the  problems we aim to solve. By combining ARK's  land-based aquaculture system with Yabu  Suisan's two decades of expertise in the fisheries  sector, I look forward to jointly establishing a new  supply chain and contributing to the realisation of  a sustainable society.”


Shujiro Kusumoto 

President and Chief Executive Officer, Café  Company Co., Ltd.  

“I've been deeply moved by the unique qualities  and earnest commitment of ARK's three founding  members. Their proactive approach towards  shaping the future of food continually inspires me.  As we look towards a future where the world's  population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by  2050, let's collaborate to realise and promote a  sustainable and flavourful circular production  system together!”


Yutaka Shibata 

President and Chief Executive Officer, JR East  Japan Startup Co. Ltd.  

“When I saw lively shrimp swimming inside a small  container, about the size of a single parking spot,  placed on an empty lot in Shonan Hiratsuka, I  couldn't help but be more amused than impressed.  

There aren't many unique and valuable SDGS  challenges like this, are there? I deeply resonate  with ARK's vision for the future of aquatic  resources through their innovative small-scale  decentralised land-based aquaculture. Together  with ARK, we are embarking on Japan's first  aquaculture project at a train station, starting from  Namie Station on the Joban Line. We're fully  committed to supporting ARK every step of the  way!”


Fumiharu Muroga  

Growth Manager, Real Tech Holdings Co. Ltd.  

“ARK, despite being founded just over a year ago,  has already achieved a high level of product  completion and launched verification experiments  in collaboration with major domestic companies.  What attracts me most is the management team's  ability to combine a strong focus on manufacturing  with rapid business expansion. While the land based aquaculture industry is competitive, ARK  distinguishes itself as a startup dedicated to  innovating the aquaculture sector through small scale, closed-loop systems. I am confident in  supporting ARK and will continue to fully support  their endeavours moving forward.”


Masato Noike  

Unlimited Liability Partner, Ritsumeikan Social  Impact Fund Investment Limited Partnership  Representative Director, Plus Social Investment  Co. Ltd.  

“The Ritsumeikan Trust supports challengers who  aim to solve social issues through business under  the educational vision "Embracing Challenges  More Freely." Recognizing that ARK Inc., led by  Ritsumeikan alumni Takeshita, is challenging  conventional norms in the aquaculture industry, we  are convinced that ARK's practices represent an  initiative that will contribute to solving future food  crises in Japan and globally. We have decided to  support ARK in achieving its mission, and  together, we will strive to make it a reality.”


Yukihiro Maru 

Group CEO and Representative Director, Leave a  Nest Inc.  

“When I first met ARK, I was struck by the  engineers' ability to swiftly translate ideas into  prototype development. At Leave a Nest Group,  we back ventures that tackle global challenges,  operating across Japan, Southeast Asia, and the  UK. ARK, with its UK presence and dedication to  addressing global issues, exemplifies the kind of  venture we support. With this investment, let's  accelerate our research and development efforts  together to tackle global challenges head-on.”


Keita Iwasaki, Yamaguchi Capital Co. Ltd.  

“I'm thrilled to be working with ARK, whose  innovative approach to aquaculture is a complete  departure from traditional land-based farming. As  concerns about food security continue to mount,  decentralising aquaculture could lead us to a  future where delicious seafood is accessible  everywhere, for generations to come. Let's strive  together to make this vision a reality.”


ARK focuses on the mission of "decentralising  aquaculture" by offering a system where  aquaculture can be conducted anywhere by  anyone. We develop and sell small-scale,  decentralised Closed Recirculating Aquaculture  System (CRAS) known as "ARK," which is a land based, closed-loop aquaculture system. Unlike  existing large-scale aquaculture systems, this  system allows starting decentralised aquaculture  with minimum investment and operation costs  within the space of a single parking spot. “ARK” is  capable of operating off-grid by utilising renewable  energy, significantly reducing energy costs and  environmental impact. In addition to these  hardware solutions, ARK Inc. also plans to provide  the remote management application essential for  aquaculture operations, along with supplies, fry,  and aquaculture expertise.


Representative: CEO Koyo Takeshita  

Established: December 23, 2020  

Headquarters Location: 1-7-20, Hiroo, Shibuya-ku,  Tokyo  

Shonan Plant: 4-15-13-1, Higashiyawata,  Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa, Japan  

Overseas base (ARK WORLDWIDE LTD):  London, UK  

Company Website: https://ark.inc  

Contact: hello@ark.inc



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