News

JIC Venture Growth Investments, through its JIC Venture Growth Fund 2, has invested in Magic Shields, Inc. (Magic Shields)

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It is said that Japan’s elderly population has exceeded 36 million with the percentage of the population it represents continues to rise steadily. Many older adults suffer from reduced physical ability due to "frailty," characterized by fragile bones from conditions like osteoporosis and decreased muscle mass. As a result, falls frequently lead to hip fractures, and the five-year survival rate among older adults who have experienced a hip fracture is said to be 49%. Furthermore, the medical expenses associated with hip fractures are said to be 2 trillion yen annually, with 380,000 nurses and caregivers involved in fracture prevention.

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To address this social issue, Magic Shields develops and provides "Coroyawa®," mats and flooring materials that become soft only upon impact to absorb shocks and reduce fracture rates. This product was developed by combining the expertise of CEO Shimomura, a crash engineering specialist who previously developed racing motorcycles, and Director Sugiura, a physical therapist. It is currently implemented in over 1,600 medical and nursing care facilities in Japan. We have decided to invest in the company to support the further improvement and market penetration of their products, as well as their overseas expansion, with a focus on the United States.

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It is not uncommon for elderly individuals who have experienced a fall and fracture to not only become bedridden and require nursing care, but also to develop dementia due to becoming homebound, and eventually pass away without recognizing their own family members. Therefore, the purpose of this investment lies in extending healthy life expectancy by preventing falls and fractures. Furthermore, we believe this investment to the company contributes to supporting the efficient utilization of nursing and caregiving personnel in a society with a shrinking labor force, fostering entrepreneurship by former large enterprise professionals, and building a regional startup ecosystem through support for regionally originated startups.

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^{The information contained in this notice is current at the time of publication and subject to change without notice.}