Manifesto
Some of us want to change the world.
If this is you, you already know it. Restless ambition in your heart, racing thoughts in your mind, endless curiosity.
Where others see frustrations and challenges, you see opportunities for innovation. You know that, ultimately, everything is possible.
This fuels your insatiable curiosity for the world and enables you to create breakthrough products that solve hard problems.
Your ambition is about controlling your destiny and contributing to something bigger than yourself.
And, you understand that realising your ambition means a commitment to doing the work, with grit and relentless effort.
You understand it means developing a legendary team, rooted in integrity and ambition, to play at peak performance that is better and faster than the competition.
You understand it is not just about quick wins and shortcuts, but a journey for the long haul.
There are many paths to change the world. All require one thing: taking the first step.
If you’re ready, take your first step today.
We’re a company builder
WAY maintains a steadfast commitment to build companies that go the distance, with an unwavering focus on value creation, not short term IPOs. Our model empowers and supports teams as an owner, player, and coach.
How WAY builds:
1. A Winning Business Model
WAY eliminates the guesswork of crafting a high potential business model and reduces the risk of staking it all on a single bet. We validate the business models with you so you make an informed decision on which one you want to build with us.
2. Day 0 Capital
WAY provides significant starting capital for every company it builds, eliminating the need to skew focus and outcomes to cater to funding opportunities. Your business will have the runway it needs for you to centre your focus on growing the business.
3. An Exceptional Team
WAY’s team is side by side with you from the very beginning. At WAY, you don’t have to build alone. You have the hands on support, informed advice, and collective motivation of a seasoned team of builders, investors, and creatives who are committed to helping you win.
“Building at WAY feels like a team sport where the goal is to get off the ground, while also learning enough to steer the ship yourself once it’s off the ground.”
Ayan Ray | CTO & Founding Partner | DynaMeet
We’re data-driven
WAY uses a bespoke process for evaluating and investing in scalable business models, thereby designing for probabilities of success.
How WAY evaluates:
1. Ideation
Business models are generated and filtered through core criteria examining potential success factors and Founder-Model-Fit from a macro, micro, and personal lens.
2. Research & Validation
Promising models are rigorously assessed through a combination of market analysis and expert interviews.
3. Customer Voice
At every stage of a business model’s lifecycle from ideation, to initial investment, through to building and scaling, real conversations with real customers form the foundation of our decision-making. No business model graduates to investment without securing a significant vote of confidence from the customer’s voice.
“WAY prioritises founders' NPS - they truly care about us, not just as an organisation, but as individuals.”
Daisuke Namba | Founding Partner
We’re team-centric
WAY is relentlessly focused on creating a team-centric culture where ambitious founders are able to thrive.
How WAY works with you:
1. Japan & Global Network Access
From speaking to some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs in your industry to growth investors behind some of the world’s fastest growing tech companies - WAY’s network provides you unprecedented access to drive your business forward faster.
2. Co-founder Matching
We believe the journey of entrepreneurship is made richer, and the outputs made stronger, when there is a sparring partner in the trenches with you. WAY actively supports in sourcing, qualifying, and matching exceptional co-Founding Partners for you. Ultimately, your co-Founding Partner is your choice, but WAY is committed to providing you the best suited options for you.
3. Operational Capacity
From Day 0, you’re equipped with a lean operating team. We don’t do it for you - but we do it with you. Working side by side, the WAY team accelerates your business’ growth by complementing your strengths and bolstering areas outside your focus, with a gradual evolution of support as you build your own team.
4. Talent Sourcing
As your business grows, you’ll need to hire top talent to take your business to the next level. WAY helps you establish a sleek recruiting operation, access top tier talent through its network, and unlock strategic partnerships with some of Japan’s best recruiting agencies.
5. Best-in-Class Playbooks & Practices
Leveraging WAY’s access to expert advisors across industry, entrepreneurship, and investment, we’ve built playbooks to help you execute to the highest degree, while leaving ample room for you to exercise your expertise and creativity to direct the business.
6. Infrastructure Support
WAY provides key infrastructure such as HR, accounting, and legal, so you’re able to focus on developing the core of the business.
