Sanako

What Sanako does

Sanako Oy is a Finnish education technology company founded in 1961 in Turku (originally as Tandberg Educational) that builds purpose-built software and hardware for language teaching. The company serves educational institutions globally, primarily universities and K-12 schools, addressing the problem that in traditional language classrooms most students have limited opportunity to actively speak and receive feedback. Its core products are Sanako Connect, a web-based, browser-accessible cloud platform combining video conferencing with language-teaching features (two-track recording, voice insert, automated pronunciation grading across 14+ languages, live group discussions, flashcards, and AP exam practice workflows); Sanako Study, LAN-based classroom management software considered the worldwide standard for language lab software; and Lab 100, a hardware-based digital language laboratory available in wall-mounted, desk-mounted, or mobile configurations. The company also sells headsets and an add-on Simultaneous Interpretation Training System (STS) module for professional interpreter training.

Sanako makes money primarily through software licensing and subscriptions sold via a global network of over 100 resellers in 114 countries, supplemented by hardware revenue from Lab 100 systems and accessories. Pricing is quote-based (not publicly disclosed) and follows an annual billing cadence, with a free remote demo as the primary demand-generation tool. The company does not sell direct-to-consumer online; all transactions route through local channel partners who provide sales, implementation, and support. As of June 2025, Sanako is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shape Robotics A/S following a share-swap acquisition valued at EUR 8,632,574, while maintaining its brand identity and Turku-based operations.

Name

Sanako

Legal name

Sanako Oy

Website

https://sanako.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Sanako Oy is a Finnish EdTech company, founded in 1961 and now a subsidiary of Shape Robotics A/S, that provides purpose-built language teaching software and hardware to universities and K-12 schools across 114 countries via a 100+ reseller network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Language Teaching Software

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Classroom & Institutional Language Learning Platforms (Schools/Universities) (EDAFAOAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Curriculum, Lesson Planning & Instructional Content Platforms (EDAJAMAD), World Languages Instruction (School-Delivered) (EDAJAFAJ), Virtual Test Prep & Online Supplemental Instruction (K–12) (EDAJADAI), K-12 & School-Based Language Exam Prep (AP, IB, IGCSE/A-Levels) (EDANACAE)

Keywords

• Language teaching software
• Digital language lab
• Classroom management software
• Pronunciation grading system
• Interpreter training software

Headquarters

HQ city

Turku

HQ country

Finland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses and Subscriptions (Sanako Connect): Sanako sells software licenses for Sanako Connect (web-based platform), Sanako Study (classroom software), and Lab 100 (hardware-based language lab). The primary commercial model is software licensing to educational institutions (schools and universities). Pricing is likely per seat, per institution, or tiered by feature set, though specific pricing tiers are not publicly disclosed on the website.
2. Hardware Sales (Lab 100 and Headsets): Sanako sells physical products including the Lab 100 digital language laboratory hardware (available as wall-mounted, desk-mounted, or mobile units) and headsets/accessories for schools. Lab 100 is described as a traditional robust digital language laboratory used for drill-based language teaching.
3. Acquisition Transaction: Sanako was acquired by Shape Robotics A/S through a share swap agreement valued at EUR 8,632,574, involving the issuance of 3,500,000 new shares. This reflects the corporate acquisition structure, not an active revenue stream.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Sanako develops and sells language teaching technology to educational institutions worldwide. Its core offerings are Sanako Connect (a web-based SaaS platform combining video conferencing with language-lab features such as pronunciation grading and two-track recording), Sanako Study (classroom management software for live language sessions), and Lab 100 (a hardware-based digital language laboratory). These products help schools, universities, and interpreter-training programs maximize student speaking time, monitor learners in real time, and deliver live, asynchronous, and hybrid language instruction.

Product overview

Sanako offers a comprehensive suite of language teaching solutions consisting of three core products: Sanako Connect (a cloud-based web platform for language teaching), Sanako Study (classroom software for language lab management), and Lab 100 (hardware-based digital language laboratory). Sanako Connect serves as the primary web-based hub combining virtual classroom, language lab, and language teaching app features. Sanako Study provides classroom-based software with management features. Lab 100 offers traditional hardware-based language lab capabilities. An add-on module called Simultaneous Interpretation Training System (STS) extends Lab 100 for professional interpreter training. The company also offers headsets as accessories. The products work together to help language teachers develop students' speaking, pronunciation, and listening skills, supporting live, asynchronous, and hybrid teaching modes across 114 countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sanako Connect: Web-based language teaching platform that transforms passive language classes into active speaking-based environments. Best suited for high schools and universities.
• Sanako Study
• Sanako Lab 100

Products and services

• Sanako Connect A web-based language teaching platform that transforms passive language classes into an active speaking-based environment. Teachers use it in the classroom, remotely, and in hybrid teaching. Best suited for high schools and universities. Combines video conferencing, two-track recording, automated pronunciation grading, live group discussions, flashcards, AP exam practice workflows, and teacher monitoring tools.
• Sanako Study Classroom software for efficient language teaching that allows teachers to manage students' computers during a live language class or speaking exam. Increases the time each student spends speaking and actively using their target language, and is positioned as the worldwide standard for classroom-based language lab software with classroom-management features including program control, internet access restriction, screen monitoring, and individual student listening.
• Lab 100 A traditional robust digital language laboratory that can be wall-mounted, desk-mounted, or mobile. Ideal for drill techniques and audio-based teaching, featuring capabilities for listening comprehension, model student, reading practice, telephone conversation, group discussion, simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, and podcasting.
• Headsets for Schools Language learning headsets designed for school use, blocking outside sounds and disturbances to enable focused individual and paired language practice in classroom and lab settings.

Quantifiable outcome

• In a 45-minute traditional class of 30 students, each student gets only ~21 seconds of speaking practice. With a language lab, all students can speak simultaneously for ~11 minutes per class — a 31x increase in speaking time per student.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• Shape Robotics A/ScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2025Shape Robotics A/S, a Danish EdTech company, acquired Sanako Oy through a share swap agreement valued at EUR 8,632,574. The acquisition involved issuing 3,500,000 new shares to Sanako sellers. The transaction aimed to expand Shape Robotics' product portfolio and international market presence by integrating Sanako's language teaching solutions. Sanako now operates as a subsidiary of Shape Robotics, with its brand and products continuing under the Sanako name.
• Eupheus LearningmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 April 2020Sanako partnered with Eupheus Learning, an Indian EdTech company, to distribute Sanako's Language Lab Software in India. The partnership aimed to reach over 1 million Indian children to help them learn English more effectively. Eupheus Learning distributes Sanako software alongside its own pedagogically differentiated, technology-driven K-12 solutions. Sanako CEO Juho Isola manages partner relationships for this and similar partnerships.
• International Reseller and Partner NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSanako works with an international network of over 100 dedicated partners and resellers across 114 countries to distribute its language teaching solutions. The company has a 'Become a Partner' programme actively recruiting resellers, publishers, EdTech startups, and software providers serving the language teaching and learning segment.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Rosetta Stone: Long-standing language-learning software provider with institutional/education licensing; competes head-on with Sanako Connect in K-12 and university language programs.
• VoiceThread: Asynchronous audio/video discussion platform widely used in language and humanities courses; overlaps Sanako Connect's recording, peer-discussion, and feedback features.
• Nearpod: Interactive lesson and classroom-engagement platform with multimedia activities and live participation — directly comparable to Sanako's live, multimedia-driven language lessons.
• LanSchool: Classroom management and student-monitoring software for K-12 — directly comparable to the screen-monitoring and computer-management features of Sanako Study.
• Netop Vision Pro: Classroom management and student-monitoring software with screen control and observation features; competes with Sanako Study for the same IT-administered classroom workflows.

Broad incumbents

• Promethean: Established classroom-technology vendor (interactive displays, ActivInspire software) selling into the same K-12 institutional procurement channels as Sanako.
• SMART Technologies: Provider of interactive displays and classroom collaboration software; broad incumbent in the K-12 classroom-tech category where Sanako also competes for budget.
• Duolingo: Mass-market language-learning platform with a Duolingo for Schools product; competes indirectly with Sanako for student speaking practice time and language-learning budget.
• Babbel: Consumer-and-business language-learning subscription service with growing institutional presence; competes with Sanako for adult and corporate language training wallets.

Emerging players

• Busuu: AI-driven consumer language-learning platform expanding into education partnerships; represents the emerging AI-tutoring threat to Sanako's speaking-practice workflows.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/SanakoTips/videos
• Xx.com/sanakoUK
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sanako-corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors5 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sanako