Japan - Zephyr enters into advisory service agreement with the Quantum Leaps Corporation

Transitioning from a small wind turbine venture firm to a global entity that can make true international contributions for global warming

Zephyr Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward and dedicated manufacturer of small wind turbines, has entered into an advisory services agreement with Quantum Leaps Corporation, a venture capital firm with an international outlook, headquartered in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward and led by Nobuyuki Idei, the former chair and Group CEO at Sony, Inc. As a result, Zephyr can accelerate the expansion of its business with new strategies for the small wind turbine market based on the global knowledge and experience available from Quantum Leaps.

President Ito notes that the Airdolphin, a one-kilowatt compact mill that was launched for sales last year for the global market was particularly well-received in Europe. Of late, sales have also been expanding in the US, the Middle East, East Asia and Oceania which has led to a need for a faster development of a forward-looking sales network as well as a global capitalization strategy that takes overseas financial markets into consideration. To this end, he continues, this agreement represents a great step forward for our company.

As western and East Asian markets are focusing more intently on wind turbine purchases, the use of small windmills is an effective part of anti-global warming strategies, and demand is expected to grow, from household use to collective use of multiple mills. Given the high cost of power in Europe in particular, there are already government-based incentive and assistance plans in place for individuals to make purchases to offset power costs. Projections indicate that the world market demand for small wind power will grow rapidly.

This agreement allows Zephyr to advance its mid-term strategies strengthening its sales and after-sales service networks, including establishment of its regional sales sites and capitalization strategies needed. Initial capitalization goal is set for 1 billion Yen.