Investment in U.S. Startup Blank Beauty to Create New Customer Experiences Utilizing Robotics in the Retail and Service Industries

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Seiko Epson Corporation (TSE: 6724, “Epson”) and Epson X Investment Corporation (President: Yasunori Yoshino, Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) are pleased to announce that they have recently invested in Tennessee-based startup Blank Beauty, Inc. (CEO: Charles Brandon, headquarters: Tennessee, U.S.A., “Blank Beauty”) through a joint fund, the EP-GB L.P.

Epson's robots excel in terms of compactness, precision, and productivity. Blank Beauty has a platform that enables customers to create custom-color nail polishes. By integrating its robotics technology with Blank Beauty’s platform, Epson will explore the potential of robotics in various retail and service scenarios, including their potential to streamline operations and offer personalized customer experiences that go beyond traditional products and services. This investment was made to accelerate this effort.

■Overview of the tie-up

Epson and Blank Beauty will form a strategic partnership and collaborate primarily in the following areas:

1. Joint development of kiosk terminal for retail
   • Develop and deploy in-store kiosk terminal that manufacture and sell custom-color nail polishes.
   • Employ Epson’s robotic technology to visualize the color-mixing process while reliably manufacturing products in limited space.
2. Joint development of solutions for e-commerce
   • Develop and install equipment to produce custom-color nail polishes for e-commerce orders.
   • Integrate equipment with web applications to automate processes such as color mixing and packaging for shipment.
3. Joint development of compact manufacturing machines for the service industry
   • Develop and offer a countertop custom-color nail polish machine for nail salons.
   • Mix colors on the spot, helping to reduce the burden of maintaining product inventory.

■Future Outlook

• Expansion of the product lineup

  Expand into other customizable cosmetics, including gel nail products, liquid foundations, and lip glosses.

• Leveraging Epson’s Color Control Technology

  Achieve accurate color mixing for cosmetic products and offer higher value-added products.

• Deployment to other retail and service installations

  Potentially expand into paints, aromatherapy/fragrance products, and skincare items.

Going forward, Epson will continue to harness its unique technologies, products, and services to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society through co-creation with various partners.

■About Epson X Investment

Epson X Investment Corporation is a Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) firm. It is wholly owned by Seiko Epson Corporation, an information equipment and precision products manufacturer. Epson joined forces with general partner Global Brain Corporation, an independent venture capital company with expertise in managing venture investment funds, to form a fund (the EP-GB L.P.) and invests in startup companies that are expected to generate synergies with the Seiko Epson Group.

URL: https://www.epson-exi.com/

■About Blank Beauty

■About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson's goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion.
URL: corporate.epson/en/