Study Plus

Study Plus Inc. is an EdTech company founded in 2010 by Takashi Hirose, who currently serves as the CEO. Hirose's journey began during his time at Keio University, where he recognized that the key challenge for successful learning was maintaining motivation. This insight, born from his own high school and preparatory school experiences, led to the creation of a business idea that would later become Studyplus. He won a student business contest in 2010 with a plan for a tutoring company supported by online study tracking, which was the precursor to the company's main application.

The company operates a learning management platform centered around its flagship mobile application, "Studyplus". Initially launched in March 2011 as "studylog," the service was redesigned and released as "Studyplus" in March 2012. The app allows users to record and visualize their study time and progress for various subjects and textbooks. A key feature is its social networking component, which enables users to connect with like-minded peers, share their progress, and encourage each other, thereby tackling the challenge of study-related isolation and fostering motivation. While the core app is free for individual learners, Study Plus generates revenue through a multifaceted business model. One stream is "Studyplus Ads," which serves as a targeted advertising platform for universities, cram schools, and preparatory schools to reach their desired student demographic. The user base primarily consists of junior high and high school students, particularly those preparing for university entrance exams, but also includes working adults studying for certifications like TOEIC or professional exams.

Expanding its services, Study Plus introduced "Studyplus for School," a B2B SaaS platform designed for educational institutions such as cram schools, preparatory schools, and high schools. This service allows educators to monitor their students' learning activities logged on the consumer "Studyplus" app. Teachers can view detailed analytics, track progress, and communicate with students through comments and messages, facilitating more personalized and efficient guidance. This platform helps educational institutions digitize student management, improve communication, and ultimately enhance student outcomes and retention. The B2B model operates on a subscription basis, providing a steady revenue stream and integrating the company's technology directly into the educational framework.

Keywords: EdTech, learning management platform, study tracker, social learning network, mobile learning, student motivation, university exam preparation, B2C app, B2B SaaS, educational advertising, student engagement, academic support, Studyplus for School, Takashi Hirose, Japan, online learning community, personalized education, cram schools, preparatory schools, high school students