Compass Japan

Compass Inc. is a startup focused on tackling labor market challenges in Japan, specifically aiming to eliminate the working poor. Founded in September 2017 by Ai Otsu, the company provides an online career support platform called "CHOICE!". Otsu's background in assisting individuals who are socially withdrawn or not in education, employment, or training fueled her mission to create a more accessible support system.

The core of Compass's service is its "CHOICE!" platform, which utilizes the popular messaging app LINE to offer free career counseling. Users can interact with chatbots for 24/7 assistance and engage in video calls with certified career counselors. The service provides career advice, job introductions, and AI-powered job matching. This model primarily serves individuals in lower-income brackets, job seekers from the 'employment ice age' generation, single parents, seniors, and foreign residents.

Compass operates on a business-to-government (B2G) model, partnering with municipal governments across Japan to provide employment support services tailored to local needs. These partnerships enable Compass to reach a wide audience and provide a one-stop support window for job seekers, a field often considered difficult for generating revenue. The platform has seen significant growth, with its user base surpassing 100,000 by July 2024 and achieving over 300 successful job matches annually. The company has successfully raised funds to expand its services and increase its partnerships with local governments.

Keywords: career counseling, job matching, employment support, online platform, labor market, working poor, LINE chatbot, Japanese municipalities, job seeker assistance, human resources technology, social startup, Ai Otsu, CHOICE!, career development, recruitment support, online consultation, regional employment, government partnership, social impact, workforce development