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Amid fierce competition in the corporate AI (artificial intelligence) education market nearing saturation, a newly founded startup established just a few months ago is drawing attention for attracting major clients.
This is YouCanLabs , founded by Choi Ji-ung (CEO) last December. He previously served as the lead instructor for the Python track at Samsung Youth SW·AI Academy 'SSAFY' and later led the education content team at IT education company Team Spartan.
Choi Ji-ung (CEO) stated, "The essence of education begins with the premise that everyone has the potential to grow," adding, "YouCanLabs is a place where we research and cultivate the spirit of 'You Can Do It'."
He is an expert who has focused exclusively on the IT education field. In the past, he proactively learned Python—a programming language once considered unpopular—positioning himself ahead of the development trends now central to the AI era.
Choi (CEO) explained, "Java is a language where humans must adapt to computer rules, but Python was designed for human convenience." He continued, "With its simple syntax and concise code, Python enables rapid implementation of ideas, driving AI development and causing education demand to surge accordingly."
"Teaching Not Just How to Drive, But Also How to Repair"
While typical AI education companies merely teach how to use AI tools, YouCanLabs teaches "how to understand and manage internal structures." Choi (CEO) compared this difference to teaching someone both "how to drive a car" versus also teaching "how to repair it."
He noted, "After meticulously analyzing business processes for each role—sales, HR/finance, customer support, development, marketing—we design AI utilization training optimized for each role and create automation tasks that function in real-world work environments."
YouCanLabs' business model extends beyond simple lectures to encompass enterprise-wide AX (AI transformation) education, business process automation consulting, and outsourced development. The company differentiates itself by adopting an 'omakase' approach rather than a franchise-style model.
Choi (CEO) remarked, "It is like when a restaurant customer says they cannot eat certain ingredients; we remove those items and redesign the course accordingly." He added, "We provide highly personalized consulting and education tailored to each client's unique situations and requirements, with every process manually designed."
Collaboration with 'Jiranjikyo Group', a first-generation venture company with 30 years of history, exemplifies YouCanLabs' capabilities. Currently, the company is conducting AX consulting and role-specific AI training for five subsidiaries of Jiranjikyo Group, serving over 1,000 employees.
Specifically, they apply a four-stage AX performance roadmap: (1) Diagnosis (organizational maturity assessment), (2) Cultivation (role-based literacy education), (3) Validation (prototype development), and (4) Internalization (data integration and governance). The focus remains on resolving workflow bottlenecks to deliver tangible results.
"Erasing the Phrase 'I Can't' from Our Society"
Choi (CEO) expressed a critical view of the 'AI-native' concept recently promoted by many companies. He stated, "AI-native models where AI makes all decisions still contain significant flaws." He added, "AI can only provide average responses based on learned data. Truly important decisions and judgments remain the responsibility of humans."
He also advised companies to be cautious about rising 'AI token costs'. While major AI firms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are engaging in price-cutting competition to gain market share—keeping costs low for now—he predicts that token costs will inevitably rise, similar to fuel prices, electricity bills, or mobile phone fees.
Choi (CEO) warned, "An AI-native model where AI handles all tasks may become unsustainable if token costs exceed current levels by more than tenfold." He recommended, "Rather than forcing AI adoption prematurely, organizations should prepare their structures with a 2–3 year outlook."
Meanwhile, YouCanLabs' strength lies in its ability to offer customized training at various skill levels and domains. Centered around Choi (CEO), the company includes experts from major tech firms such as Coupang, Naver, Kakao, Samsung, and Mida IT who participate as AI partners.
Another distinctive feature is its revenue-sharing system modeled after an MCN (multi-channel network) agency structure, where those who work more receive greater compensation rather than a fixed salary system. Choi (CEO) described this as "an alternative to solve the problem of burnout in traditional bureaucratic companies where hardworking individuals are not adequately rewarded."
The employment contract also includes clauses fully permitting moonlighting and entrepreneurship. This aligns with YouCanLabs' mission as a place that explores human potential. He emphasized, "We guard against restricting individual potential solely for the sake of company growth."
Choi (CEO) stated that the ultimate goal is to create an ecosystem where society's members overcome their respective limitations and grow using AI technology as a tool. He concluded, "By leveraging this powerful tool called AI, anyone can transcend their boundaries. Erasing the phrase 'I can't' from our society is the very reason for YouCanLabs' existence."
[MoneyToday startup media platform 'Unicorn Factory']
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