Tokyo, Japan – April 24, 2026 – Craif Inc., a bio-AI startup dedicated to early cancer detection, announced the appointment of Takeo Mukai as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A Japanese-American born in New York, Takeo Mukai brings extensive experience across finance, management, and the medical device industry, having served as CEO, COO, and CFO at multiple U.S. healthcare companies and led several successful exits. Through this appointment—an uncommon approach for a Japanese startup—Craif accelerates its non-linear growth on a global scale.

Craif is committed to solving the global challenge of making early cancer detection accessible to everyone. The company has been steadily building its presence in the United States—the world's largest market and the global standard-setter in life sciences. In Japan, Craif's business continues to grow, with its test now available at over 2,400 medical institutions and 5,000 drugstores, with publicly funded programs adopted by local governments. Against this backdrop, Craif has appointed Takeo Mukai to accelerate its expansion into the U.S. market as the next stage of growth.

In the U.S., Craif is collaborating with 30 medical institutions across 15 states, laying the groundwork for insurance reimbursement in early pancreatic cancer detection. Going forward, conducting large-scale clinical trials, executing major fundraising, advancing financial strategy, and building a strong corporate governance framework are all essential. These priorities demanded a leader with deep management experience in the U.S. healthcare market.

Takeo Mukai spent approximately 14 years at Medtronic, one of the world's largest medical device companies, serving as Finance Director across multiple strategic business units—overseeing $1.2 billion in annual business financials and leading M&A due diligence. He subsequently took on executive roles at multiple U.S. healthcare companies, leading organizational transformation as CFO/CEO at Acutus Medical and guiding IRRAS as CFO/COO through its strategic acquisition by ClearPoint Neuro. His domain expertise spanning product development, fundraising, and M&A across the medical device industry further strengthens Craif's leadership team. Going forward, he will lead financial strategy, fundraising, corporate governance, and the advancement of Craif's U.S. business operations.

Craif is a company with a clear mission, exceptional science, and a highly capable team. I was particularly drawn to the strong business foundation already in place and the quality of the people here. It is deeply meaningful to me personally to take on the U.S. market with technology born in Japan. As CFO, I am committed to building the financial foundation that supports our growth and driving Craif's U.S. business forward.

A team's strength is often judged by impressive credentials, but I believe the strongest and most successful teams are those where people of high ability and strong conviction come together—regardless of their background—and work with deep trust in one another.

Takeo has an impressive track record, but that is secondary. The reason I wanted him on the team is that I could feel his genuine belief in Craif's potential, his respect for our team and culture, and his commitment to realizing our vision. There are many highly credentialed people in the U.S., but finding someone like Takeo—who shares the same conviction—makes me feel that our U.S. challenge has truly begun.

Craif has built a truly unique culture since its founding in Japan. I am confident that culture will translate across borders. Takeo will lead the U.S. team as a core member of that culture, evolving Craif into a global organization—driving both R&D and business development to launch products that solve real social challenges in the United States.

Craif is a Bio-AI startup founded in 2018, focused on advancing the early detection of disease and the realization of personalized treatment. By integrating advanced AI algorithms with our proprietary biomarker analysis platform—NANO IP® (NANO Intelligence Platform)—we decode a wide range of biological signals such as DNA and microRNAs from body fluids including urine.This technology powers the development of groundbreaking diagnostic tests that make ultra-early cancer detection, early treatment, and faster recovery possible.Through the widespread social implementation of biotechnology and AI, Craif is committed to helping people live out their natural lifespan.