Our Why
WAY builds businesses that seek to have a lasting impact on Japanese society.
We believe there is a unique opportunity to revitalise
the Japanese economy through a new wave of
SaaS and tech companies.
And that now is the
optimal time to act.
Building forward for Japan
Collectively, we have built, launched and scaled here for the last 15+ years. We are bullish on Japan and we are here to stay.
1. Japan is the 2nd largest economy in Asia and 4th biggest globally
2. The Japan SaaS market is projected to grow 10% annually to $12.7b by 2028
3. There is untapped opportunity, given limited B2B competition and tech spend 48% lower than US
4. The Japanese economy is underperforming, with both challenges and advantages
Our Values
A shared code of DNA that influences everything we do at a company, team and individual level.
1. Customers are our obsession
We enable our customers’ success by solving their toughest problems with breakthrough products.
We commit to delivering ↑10X ROI. That’s why we never stop listening and refining our offering: better is the only option.
2. Everything is possible
We set our sights high, knowing that with vision, drive and determination, we will, in time, achieve even our greatest imaginable goals.
If 100 doors close in our face, we go looking for the 101st: think big, work hard and never, never give up.
3. Strength in diversity
Building is a team sport.
We aim to develop legendary teams. To be the ‘95 Chicago Bulls. We choose our players carefully by leveraging the power of diversity.
We train and nurture them and respect each individual’s talent and potential. Individually, we take ownership for our mistakes, achievements and goals.
Together, in trust and integrity, we play for the team, and for the win.
4. Grit
Building best-in-class companies requires relentless effort. We look to partner with people who are excited by the challenge of building, and are in it for the long-term; who can embrace failure in the process, and keep moving forward towards further growth.
We reward grit at all levels to encourage careers and cultures that breed lasting success.
5. Energy and execution
We work hard, make outstanding products, and ship fast. No excuses.
After verifying product market fit and scalable value propositions, we build with singleminded focus.
Simple, lean, frugal and agile. We win by outworking and out delivering the competition.
6. Curiosity enables potential
We are insatiably curious about the world and the amazing people who live in it. Driven by growth mindset, we never stop asking questions or challenging our assumptions.
We start from first principles, and spend significant time identifying and understanding our customers’ biggest problems.
This leads us to uncover obvious truths that were hidden in plain view, and refine our processes to keep delivering ↑10X ROI.
7. Pragmatic about purpose
We care deeply about having a positive impact on the people around us and the world at large.
Every company we build contributes to a brighter future.
We firmly believe that we maximise our impact by building rapidly growing businesses with best-in-class economics. That’s why we don’t just think about purpose, but solve problems that will take us there.
Our Story
We started our careers in technology investments, then came to Japan as entrepreneurs. We built a leading restaurant group and product company from scratch, delivering happiness with hundreds of our team members to millions of customers.
Now, we aim to leverage our experience in entrepreneurship and increase our impact in Japan, with a proven model for building best-in-class software companies.
- Christopher Ax & Marc Lütten
