Schoo

About Schoo

Schoo, Inc. provides a community-based online learning platform with a mission to "eliminate graduation from the world," fostering a society where everyone can continue learning. The company was founded in Tokyo, Japan, on October 3, 2011, by Kenshiro Mori. Mori, a graduate of Kindai University's Faculty of Business Administration, previously worked in advertising planning at Recruit Media Communications. His experience with uninspiring corporate e-learning modules sparked the idea to create a more engaging and effective online learning experience.

The company's business model is centered on subscription-based revenue from both individual and corporate clients. For individuals, Schoo offers a freemium model; users can watch live-streamed classes for free, while a premium subscription provides on-demand access to a library of over 9,000 recorded lessons. The core of its B2B offering is "Schoo for Business," a comprehensive SaaS platform for corporate training and employee development that combines a vast content library with learning management tools. This corporate service constitutes the majority of the company's revenue. Schoo also generates revenue through its "Schoo Swing" platform, a learning management system designed to support the digital transformation of higher education institutions and other adult education providers.

Schoo's platform is designed to be interactive and engaging, differentiating it from traditional one-way e-learning. Live classes feature real-time chat and comments, allowing for a two-way dialogue between instructors and learners. The content library is extensive, covering practical business skills, digital literacy, design, technology, and liberal arts. Key milestones include the launch of the beta service "schoo WEB-campus" in December 2011, the introduction of the corporate plan in March 2015, and reaching over 1 million registered individual members by December 2023. The "Schoo for Business" service had been adopted by over 4,000 companies as of June 2024. The company was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market in October 2024.