June 30, 2025 – TOKYO – Preferred Networks, Inc. (PFN) has raised an undisclosed amount in equity financing through third-party allocation of shares from two investors in the latest extension of the funding round that started in December 2024.

PFN intends to invest the amount raised in development and provision of competitive AI technologies while leveraging its strength in the vertical integration of AI semiconductors, computing infrastructure, generative AI foundation models and AI solutions. For details about the intended use of the capital raised, please see the press releases dated December 23, 2024 (PFN Raises Total of 19 Billion Yen in Latest Round) and April 30, 2025 (PFN Raises Additional 5 Billion Yen in Extension Round).

Investors in the extension round (in alphabetical order)

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
Sumisei Innovation Fund (Corporate venture capital arm of Sumitomo Life Insurance Company)

Shigeyoshi Netsu, Corporate Officer, General Manager, Research & Development Department, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., said:

“We are pleased to have strengthened our collaboration with Preferred Networks as the company boldly expands its business domains with cutting-edge AI technology at its core. We will create mechanisms that drive innovation by applying PFN’s deep learning and machine learning expertise to our business fields such as infrastructure materials, electronic materials and functional materials,. We intend to accelerate R&D efforts toward developing next-generation advanced materials that will lead the world.”

Yukinori Takada, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sumitomo Life Insurance Company, said:

“Sumitomo Life Insurance Company has decided to invest in Preferred Networks as it drives innovations in manufacturing, logistics and healthcare sectors as Japan’s leading AI technology company. Through this collaboration, we will accelerate our efforts to build a society of well-being, and develop services that assist many to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. We look forward to the synergistic effects that will emerge from Preferred Networks’ technology and Sumitomo Life’s efforts towards well-being, creating new value together.”