Alumnote: Redefining Alumni Giving for Japan’s Universities
In Japan’s academic landscape, where tradition and innovation often coexist uneasily, one young entrepreneur has found a way to connect the two. Toga Nakazawa, founder of Alumnote, is transforming how universities engage with their alumni and raise funds for research and development. What began as a small project while he was still a law student at Tokyo University has evolved into a national platform bridging institutions, graduates, and corporate donors.
From Student Idea to National Platform
Nakazawa founded Alumnote in 2020 after observing a recurring problem in Japan’s higher education system. Many universities struggled to maintain lasting relationships with their alumni, especially in the digital age. While institutions in the West had long relied on structured donation programs, Japanese universities often lacked the tools and infrastructure to manage large-scale fundraising campaigns.
Seeing an opportunity to modernize this process, Nakazawa built a digital platform where universities could communicate directly with graduates, track engagement, and solicit donations transparently. His idea was simple yet transformative: make giving back as seamless as social networking.
By combining communication tools, data analytics, and payment integration, Alumnote enables universities to manage their donor communities efficiently. It connects alumni who want to contribute to their alma mater with departments and projects in need of funding. The platform also helps universities engage companies interested in supporting education through partnerships or scholarships.
Scaling Success Across Japan
In just a few years, Alumnote has grown into one of Japan’s most successful edtech ventures. To date, the company has helped raise 430 million yen, or about 2.9 million US dollars, for roughly one hundred colleges, including prestigious names such as Kyoto University and Meiji University.
This rapid adoption reflects the changing mindset among Japan’s academic institutions. Universities that once relied heavily on government funding are now turning to alumni and corporate networks to sustain research and innovation. Alumnote provides the infrastructure to make that shift possible.
The company’s platform is designed for flexibility. Each university can customize its campaigns, publish project updates, and track donations in real time. Alumni can choose specific causes to support, from new laboratories and scholarships to cultural initiatives. The result is a fundraising system that feels personal and transparent, encouraging deeper, long-term participation.
Recognition and Investment
Alumnote’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In January 2024, the company was named a finalist at the Global EdTech Startup Awards in London, earning recognition for its role in reshaping how educational institutions engage donors. The nomination placed Alumnote alongside some of the most promising education technology startups in the world.
The firm’s investor base also underscores its growing credibility. Backed by Itochu Technology Ventures and University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners, Alumnote has attracted support from both corporate and academic investors. Their involvement reflects confidence in Nakazawa’s ability to navigate two complex ecosystems — technology and education — and unite them under a shared mission.
Driving a Cultural Shift
For Nakazawa, Alumnote is more than a business. It is part of a broader effort to modernize Japan’s approach to philanthropy and institutional funding. Historically, Japanese universities have struggled to cultivate consistent alumni engagement. Donations were often limited to one-time campaigns or ceremonial events.
Alumnote is helping change that culture by turning giving into an ongoing relationship. By providing regular updates on how funds are used, it reinforces trust and transparency. Alumni see tangible outcomes from their contributions, motivating them to stay connected. The platform also encourages younger graduates to view donations not as obligations, but as meaningful investments in future generations.
The Future of Educational Fundraising
Looking ahead, Nakazawa aims to expand Alumnote’s services beyond Japan, targeting universities across Asia that face similar challenges. He envisions the company as a regional hub for education philanthropy, connecting institutions, graduates, and donors across borders.
As higher education becomes more globalized, the ability to maintain strong alumni networks will be essential for universities competing for talent and research funding. Alumnote’s success shows that technology can humanize this process, making giving more accessible and impactful.
Toga Nakazawa’s story captures the power of student-led innovation. What began as a small experiment at Tokyo University has become a platform reshaping how education is funded and supported. Through Alumnote, he has given Japan’s universities something they have long needed a modern way to sustain their legacy through connection, trust, and shared purpose.
