StudySoup is a digital learning marketplace that provides the purchase and sale of academic content, such as course notes, study guides, and tutoring services.1234
Background
Sieva Kozinsky, an environmental studies graduate from UC Santa Barbara, got the idea for the company while he was a student, after finding it difficult to take notes fast enough to keep up with lectures.1 Kozinsky, along with Jeff Silverman, started StudySoup in 2014 to source academic support through peer-to-peer learning and provide a means for students to earn money while in school.56
History
Within one year of its release, StudySoup had 1.5 million users across the United States.7 The platform expanded internationally in 2016 to countries such as Singapore and Canada. Several concerns about the legitimacy of StudySoup arose due to its changing business model.8
Controversy
StudySoup has a history of using the imagery and logos of universities without permission.9 Florida State University has issued warnings to its students about StudySoup using FSU’s logo without the school‘s permission.
References
References
- "StudySoup raises $1.7M to help students buy and sell class notes". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2018-07-05.
- "Business ideas for 2017: Edtech 2.0 - Startups.co.uk: Starting a business advice and business ideas". Startups.co.uk: Starting a business advice and business ideas. 2017-01-17. Retrieved 2018-07-05.
- Rashid, Brian. "How This Entrepreneur Is Changing The Way College Leaders Are Learning". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-07-05.
- Goldin, Kara. "Is Collaborative Thinking Essential for Success? 2 CEOs Hash It Out". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-07-05.
- photo, Bailey Schulz | Courtesy. "Online service StudySoup pays students to take notes". The Daily Nebraskan. Retrieved 2018-07-05.
- Knecht, Taylor. "StudySoup makes passing notes classy". The Daily Aztec. Retrieved 2018-07-05.
- Ifie, John (2017-04-28). "3 Edtech Startups to Watch in 2017". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
- "How to Make Money in College: Is StudySoup Legit?". The Work at Home Wife. 2017-02-19. Retrieved 2018-08-15.
- "StudySoup and FSU: FSU does not condone buying or selling notes on any platform - FSU Canvas Support Center". support.canvas.fsu.edu. Retrieved 2023-11-19.