Press

What is NativShark?

In Short

NativShark is a language education platform that takes students from zero to highly proficient in a language.

NativShark makes learning a language as simple as logging in, clicking a single button, and interacting with whatever it puts in front of you. As a live, continually updated service, it is always evolving to better address students' needs.

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"I would start learning a new language, study anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of years, feel like I was getting nowhere, then quit. And then I'd feel guilty about quitting.

But why weren't things working for me? I couldn't get the problem out of my head. Eventually, I found something that worked for me with Japanese. I shared it, and it worked for thousands of other people. It seemed I was on to something.

With the help of my cofounder's, NativShark began to take shape — an education platform that flipped the idea of a language being difficult on its head."
Profile picture of Nicholas Walker, president & co-founder of NativShark
Nicholas "Niko" Walker
Co-founder & President
The facts
What languages can you learn on NativShark?
At the moment, only Japanese. But we have big plans.
Who are the founders?
Caleb Andersen: CEO
Nicholas "Niko" Walker: President
Rei Walker: Content Architect
Chie Andersen: Chief Creative Officer
Wait, the founders are two couples?
Yep! Niko & Rei met in Tokyo in 2013 and started teaching Japanese together online shortly after. Caleb & Chie met in North Dakota in 2015, right around when Caleb began studying Japanese. He and Niko met online, and the rest is history.
What is the company's vision statement?
A more understanding, connected and multilingual future.
Who has invested in the company?
In 2021 NativShark raised a seed fund of $325,000 with the Calm Fund + private investors from within our community.
Can I talk to some students?
Of course. In our Discord community, you can talk to any member of our company, in addition to our students.
What makes NativShark different?
We do not make promises to students that we cannot keep. It is not a "get fluent quick" scheme. Working your way through our system will take time and dedication. With that said, we do make what some would describe to be audacious promises: Everything required to learn a language all within a single platform. Students do not need to plan or organize their path to proficient ability. They just need to show up and click "Study Now." See our process page for more info.
Where is the company located?
NativShark is a fully remote company. Our team members live all over the globe. Though we do have one physical office location in Bellevue, Washington.
“If I had not run into NativShark the day I started studying Japanese, I'm not sure where I would be right now.

Thanks to them, I passed the N1 in just under 4 years of study, and even got to a level where they ended up hiring me as a Writer.

I couldn't be more grateful to the core team for bringing me to where I am today.”
Ty, Co-host of Laid-back Japanese
Ty Kelly
Former Student & Writer

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Frequently asked questions

Does NativShark teach me everything I need to learn Japanese?

Will NativShark prepare me for the JLPT?

What makes NativShark different from any other resource?

What if I already know some Japanese?

Can I cancel or pause a subscription?

Is there an app?