The Journey from ¥50,000 Capital to ¥2.7 Billion in Annual Revenue
Setolabo LLC began in 2019 with a mere ¥50,000 in capital, and by 2022 it has grown into a company generating ¥2.7 billion in annual sales. Many factors contributed to this success, but as our employees unanimously agree, the key was that our corporate mission isn’t just lip service or decoration. Rather than chasing revenue as the ultimate goal, we’ve embedded our genuine desire to solve social problems into our pricing, our PR TIMES articles, and even the way we communicate during sales—proof that living our mission has driven our growth. In short, by relentlessly pursuing the core purpose of solving societal challenges, we achieved this level of success.
Above all, it is essential that a company’s values—and its founder’s convictions—be communicated directly. Even if two companies offer identical services, the one whose “why” and long-term vision are conveyed most clearly and concretely will stand apart. At Setolabo, we rigorously vet every project and operation to ensure it aligns with our corporate mission.
Looking at our COVID-19 PCR testing network, you’ll notice branch laboratories in regions with relatively low apparent demand. This reflects our commitment to serve underserved communities, not just chase high-traffic urban areas.
Consulting for Medical Institutions
Drawing on our own experience, we provide consulting services tailored to healthcare providers. We often hear concerns—“Will this really make a difference?” or “It sounds too expensive to even try.” At Setolabo, we first review your current income and expenses to pinpoint wasteful spending. By eliminating those unnecessary costs, we can propose consulting that effectively costs you nothing extra—no new fees, yet real improvements.
With Setolabo’s consulting, you retain more profit, achieve greater operational stability, and can reinvest in your medical staff.
Don’t Be Swayed by Overhyped “X-Fold Sales Growth!” Claims
One of Setolabo’s missions is “providing accurate medical information in an age of information overload”—and the same principle applies to our own marketing. In the consulting industry, you’ll see pitches like:
- “Performance-based fees! Completely free consulting that can never fail!”
- “Triple your sales! ¥1 billion-a-year consulting!”
- “Let’s hit ¥100 million in monthly revenue!”
- “Over 500 hospitals served! Proven trust and results!”
While many consultants do work earnestly and diligently, the pressure to stand out in a competitive market can lead to sensational claims. At Setolabo, our role is simply to share what we’ve learned firsthand—nothing more, nothing less.
The Ultimate Responsibility Lies with the Leadership
Consultants serve as advisors, not decision-makers. It is never a consultant’s place to say, “You must do X” or “You’ll make a fortune if you do Y.” Anyone can make pronouncements; if things go wrong, a consultant bears no ultimate accountability. True responsibility always rests with the organization’s leadership.
We believe our primary duty as consultants is to translate our know-how into clear, practical guidance tailored to each leader’s character and situation—presenting both tough truths and uplifting possibilities, offering multiple options, and collaborating to identify the optimal path. This shared decision-making fosters buy-in and confidence in moving forward.
Mission Over Metrics
Running an organization can be a solitary, demanding endeavor. Through both hard times and triumphs, what matters most is that someone stands beside the leader, first seeking to understand their motivation—why they started this business, what they hope to achieve. Success looks different for everyone: some may prioritize revenue growth, while others find fulfillment in serving more patients and strengthening the community. Never losing sight of one’s core mission is the surest route to success—because in retrospect, living your values consistently is what drives the most meaningful results.