iYell Celebrates a Decade of Growth with AI-Driven Tool for Cultural Integration

iYell: A Decade of Growth and Innovation

In 2026, iYell Inc., based in Meguro, Tokyo, is celebrating a pivotal milestone—their 10th anniversary. Founded in 2016, iYell has seen a remarkable expansion from just three employees to a staff of approximately 300 by April 2026. Under the leadership of CEO Hiroyo Kubota, the company has been actively expanding its footprint beyond Japan, establishing bases in various regions such as Tochigi, Saitama, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Okinawa, and even reaching overseas into Vietnam.

However, as the organization expanded, the direct interactions between Kubota and his employees began to decrease, leading to concerns about maintaining the company's core values and philosophy. In light of this, iYell has taken a groundbreaking step by developing a generative AI tool known as "Founder’s AI", which embodies Kubota's management philosophy and thought process, thus enabling employees to connect with his insights regardless of their physical location.

The Need for Cultural Synchronization

The rapid growth of iYell has raised essential questions about maintaining its unique corporate culture. The company's culture has been well-articulated in a comprehensive 250,000-word document titled "Founder’s Legacy", which outlines Kubota’s philosophies and insights accumulated over the years. This document serves as a resource for employees to understand the company's values; however, the challenge lies in ensuring these values resonate throughout an increasingly larger team.

To tackle this, iYell has initiated a fresh initiative following the release of "Founder’s Legacy" to implement these timeless philosophies into daily communication practices through modern technology. The result is the innovative Founder's AI, which reflects iYell's value of "Asobigokoro" by providing employees with a conversational platform where they can engage with Kubota's philosophies as if he were physically present.

Features of Founder’s AI

Developed using Google™'s AI notebook, NotebookLM, Founder's AI is a cultural integration support tool that has the following standout features:

1. Complete Synchronization with Kubota’s Thoughts: Founder’s AI comprehensively learns from a variety of sources, including the extensive management philosophy guide, daily morning messages, internal newsletters, and training materials over the past decade, closely mirroring Kubota’s thought processes.

2. Versatile Inquiry Scope: Employees can engage with the AI not only for business-related inquiries but also for more personal matters, including mental health tips or leisure activities. This allows them to explore and understand Kubota's values in a casual manner at any time.

3. Engaging User Experience: The platform incorporates a futuristic, science fiction-themed icon resembling Kubota, enhancing the user experience and encouraging employees to engage with the tool frequently.

Note: All internal data is secured, ensuring no exposure during external AI learning processes.

Looking Ahead

As iYell moves forward, the company continues to foster a culture focused on uplifting every stakeholder. With the integration of Founder’s AI, iYell aims to perpetuate its supportive spirit irrespective of its size, ensuring an environment where each employee can thrive authentically. By combining cutting-edge technology with unique cultural practices, iYell is set on a path to contribute towards a society where happiness circulates globally.