RootSpring

What RootSpring does

RootSpring is a 501(c)(3) non-profit education-focused social enterprise headquartered in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2008 as iLEAP and rebranded in 2023. The organization designs and delivers leadership development programs for teens and young adults, with a stated participant base from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Its core curriculum is built on a proprietary 6 Leadership Tools framework (Self-Awareness, Listening, Agility, Global Mindset, Empathy, Discernment) and an Experiential, Group, and Reflective learning methodology, iterated across four organizational phases (iLEAP 1.0 through RootSpring). Programs are delivered via a learning management system that combines virtual modules, weekly live Zoom sessions, and in-person intensives, and include individual online courses (Global Leadership 101 at $495, Social Leadership and the SDGs at $695, English for Transformational Leadership at $299), three-month hybrid programs (ASAP, CCFS), and an 8-month hybrid program (TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative).

The business model blends three revenue streams: direct-to-consumer individual course fees (one-time, self-paced), customized institutional programs for schools, nonprofits, and businesses (consultative sales), and grant-funded sponsored programs from partners such as the US Embassy Tokyo, Japan Foundation, and the TOMODACHI Initiative. A RootSpring Scholarship Fund accepts charitable donations, with named scholarships available for donors giving $5,000+ annually. Customer segments are diverse — high school and university students, recent graduates, working professionals, school teachers, and Japanese young adults — and acquisition is community-led, supported by alumni networks, partner referrals, and Western Washington University academic credentialing. The organization is led by founder Dr. Britt Yamamoto and CEO Priti Bhattarai, operates with a headcount of 24, and legally sits under Hyakusho Enterprises. No external funding rounds or acquisitions have been disclosed.

Name

RootSpring

Legal name

Hyakusho Enterprises

Website

https://rootspring.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

RootSpring is a 501(c)(3) non-profit education social enterprise founded in 2008 that delivers leadership development programs for teens and young adults globally through a blended online and in-person platform, funded by individual course fees, grants, and customized institutional contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Leadership Development Training

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Succession Planning & High-Potential (HiPo) Leadership Programs (EDABAAAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online/Hybrid Lifelong Learning Platforms & Open Enrollment Programs (EDAAAEAL), Innovation & Design Thinking Programs (EDAMAHAD)

Keywords

• Leadership development programs
• Youth education training
• Global leadership courses
• Social entrepreneurship education
• Cross-cultural learning programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Course Fees: Direct-to-consumer course enrollment fees for online programs including Global Leadership 101 ($495), Social Leadership and the SDGs ($695), and English for Transformational Leadership ($299). One-time fee per course with approximately 12-30 hours of instruction over 3-6 weeks.
2. Customized Corporate and Institutional Programs: Bespoke leadership development programs designed and delivered for institutions, organizations, and businesses worldwide. Programs range from 1-day workshops to 12-week comprehensive courses, customized to client needs.
3. Scholarship and Funded Programs: Programs funded by external sponsors including US Embassy Tokyo (ASAP program), Japan Foundation (CCFS program), TOMODACHI Initiative and Tanaka Industry Co. Ltd. (TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange). RootSpring serves as implementing organization receiving program funding.
4. Donations and Scholarship Fund: The RootSpring Scholarship Fund accepts charitable donations to support more young people accessing programs. 100% of donations go toward program costs. Named scholarships available for donors giving $5,000+ annually.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

RootSpring designs and delivers leadership development and educational programming for teens and young adults. Its offerings include online self-paced courses (Global Leadership 101, Social Leadership and the SDGs, English for Transformational Leadership) and hybrid cohort programs (TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative, ASAP, CCFS), all built around a proprietary 6 Leadership Tools framework. The organization also creates customized leadership programs for institutions, schools, nonprofits, and businesses worldwide.

Product overview

RootSpring is an education-focused social enterprise offering a platform of leadership development programs for teens and young adults. The core offerings include online courses (Global Leadership 101, Social Leadership and the SDGs, English for Transformational Leadership) and hybrid programs (TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative, Activating Social Activism Program, Climate Change and Food Systems). The platform operates alongside customized learning programs for institutions and an academic certificate pathway through Western Washington University. The company was originally founded as iLEAP in 2008 and rebranded to RootSpring in 2023.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Global Leadership 101 Online leadership development course designed for global-minded young adults to build transformational leadership skills, uncover core values, and discover true purpose. Approximately 12 program hours delivered over 3 weeks with virtual modules, weekly live sessions, and community access.
• Social Leadership and the SDGs Online course for young adults to explore the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), discover social issues most meaningful to them through creating a personal Social Ecosystem, and learn how social leadership is key to solving global challenges. Approximately 30 hours delivered over 6 weeks with multi-lingual content available.
• English for Transformational Leadership (ETL) English communication skills course designed for future leaders, focusing on writing, comprehension, and speaking skills along with leadership-specific vocabulary. Approximately 12 program hours delivered over 3 weekends with small group sessions of 2.5 hours or less and a maximum of 16 people per cohort. Offered in collaboration with Western Washington University.
• TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative Immersive 8-month hybrid leadership development program bringing together 20 undergraduate students from Niigata, Japan and Texas, USA to explore agriculture, sustainability, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration while fostering leadership skills. Combines online sessions with in-person programs in Niigata and Texas.
• Activating Social Activism Program (ASAP) Three-month hybrid program engaging Japanese young adults (ages 18-25) focused on global and local issues including women's economic inclusion, climate change, minority rights, diversity and equity, and US-Japan bilateral partnership. Funded by US Embassy Tokyo.
• Climate Change and Food Systems: Youth Leading the Way (CCFS) Three-month program engaging Japanese and American young adults (ages 18-30) focused on leadership, sustainable agriculture, climate change, English language development, and US-Japan partnership for social and environmental solutions. Funded by the Japan Foundation.
• Customized Learning Programs Tailored leadership programs designed for institutions, organizations, and businesses worldwide, ranging from 1-day workshops to 12-week programs. Delivered online or in-person with custom curriculum design, facilitation, and an optional academic certificate from Western Washington University.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of participants would recommend RootSpring programs to others
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• TOMODACHI InitiativeflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan. RootSpring serves as implementing organization for TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative, an 8-month leadership program for 20 students from Japan and Texas. Also previously implemented TOMODACHI-Microsoft Social Innovation and Leadership (SIL) program (2014-2018).
• Western Washington UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Academic partnership through which participants completing RootSpring online programs are eligible to receive an academic certificate from Western Washington University. RootSpring courses are recognized for college admissions and career advancement. The partnership also includes English language support through WWU's Intensive English Program (IEP).
• US-Japan CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit organization co-hosting TOMODACHI Initiative and supporting programs like Social Innovation Forum Japan (SIFJ). Long-standing partner since iLEAP 2.0 period (2018-2020).
• Entrepreneurial Training for Innovative Communities (ETIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJapanese nonprofit partnering for reImagine MyPro program (2015) to train young Japanese professionals in provincial areas to initiate and grow projects or businesses. Also partnered during iLEAP 2.0.
• Asian Rural Institute (ARI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational training institute for grassroots rural leaders in Nasushiobara-City, Tochigi-Prefecture, Japan. Host site for in-person Phase 2 training of CCFS program, providing hands-on experience in sustainable farming and leadership.
• QS World MeritminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation organization partnering for QS World Merit Social Leadership program (January 2020), a 3-week online program supporting young entrepreneurs to explore SDGs.
• Niigata Prefecture, Joetsu City, and Niigata CityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal government entities in Japan providing support for TOMODACHI Tanaka Sangyo Agricultural Exchange Initiative. Host region for in-person program component.
• PerennialcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRelated social enterprise founded in 2018 to serve experienced social leaders in Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America. Both founded by Dr. Britt Yamamoto. Complementary organizations serving different leadership development stages.
• Bocconi UniversityminorOthersRussell Watts serves as adjunct professor of Social Entrepreneurship at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.
• Georgetown UniversityminorOthersRussell Watts serves as adjunct professor in the Health and Wellness Certificate Program at Georgetown University.
• Asian Venture Philanthropy NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSingapore-based nonprofit where Kei Kasukawa Eriksen serves as Senior Manager. Network organization focused on venture philanthropy across Asia.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rootspring-global

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about RootSpring