Struggling to find on-demand course-specific help, three students launched Stubuddy to make academic more accessible, affordable, and tailored to course-specific content.
Queen’s is no stranger to student startups. From tech innovations to social enterprises, entrepreneurial spirit is deeply woven into campus culture. The latest addition to this growing ecosystem is Stubuddy—a peer-to-peer tutoring platform. Founded by Al-Barr Ajiboye, CompSci ’25, Lawrence Shen, Comm ’25, and Muyi Omorogbe, Sci ’25, the platform aims to make academic accessible and affordable by connecting students with their peers for personalized help. The platform was officially launched on Sept. 4.
Ajiboye, now in his final year at Queen’s, conceptualized Stubuddy in his second year after struggling with a computer architecture course. “I reaching out for help and not finding the I needed. That experience made me realize many other students must face the same issue,” he said in an interview with The Journal.
Existing tutoring options were either too expensive or didn’t cater specifically to the unique demands of the respective course, Ajiboye said. This led to the creation of Stubuddy—a platform where students can sign up as either tutors or tutees, allowing them to choose on-demand that best fits their needs.
Shen brought his expertise in business strategy and growth to Stubuddy, focusing on creating a sustainable model and handling operations. Omorogbe integrated his technical skills by managing the platform’s development and design. Both founders contributed distinct skill sets, with Shen building the business framework and operational efficiency, while Omorogbe concentrated on translating their vision into a -friendly platform. Along with Al-Barr, the trio works seamlessly to build Stubuddy into a comprehensive academic tool for students.
For Ajiboye, the end goal was simple. “We wanted to build something that genuinely helps students succeed in their courses,” he said.
One of Stubuddy’s distinguishing features is its specialization for university students, by allowing s to filter tutors by course code, year, and even price. This allows s to find tutors who have taken the same classes and can provide targeted tutoring. Stubuddy prices range from $10 to $25 per session. Tutors receive 85 per cent of the customers total payment, while the rest is used for the upkeep of the site.
Despite being in its early stages, Stubuddy’s appeal is evident. The startup won $5,000 at a pitch competition hosted in January 2023 by the Black Founders Network and the Black Career Conference in Toronto. The funding provided a crucial boost, allowing the team to focus on refining their business model and preparing for a full launch.
Stubuddy differentiates itself from other tutoring services by being a true marketplace. The competitiveness among tutors naturally drives down prices, making sessions affordable for students who may only need one or two sessions before an exam or major assignment.
“Our focus is on course-specific tutoring. We know that even within the same subject, courses can vary widely depending on the instructor. We wanted a platform that helps students find tutors who understand their exact challenges,” Ajiboye said.
Despite the startup’s successful launch, it has naturally faced its share of challenges. The team faced difficulties marketing to their primary audience—Queen’s and other university students—because Ajiboye was completing his internship during the launch. Shen and Omorogbe, both on campus, stepped up to manage student outreach and early-stage promotions.
“It’s tough trying to balance all our responsibilities, but the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive,” Ajiboye said.
To spread awareness, the Stubuddy team attended the ASUS Sidewalk Sale on Sept. 7, where they handed out pamphlets and introduced the platform to potential s. They’re also expanding their and are working on a targeted content strategy to reach more students.
Beyond finding a tutor, the platform is built to create a seamless experience without the hassle of back-and-forth messaging and logistical arrangements.
“We ensure all tutors are verified and competent in their chosen courses. The entire process is designed to be -friendly, from booking sessions to automated payments,” Ajiboye said.
Looking ahead, the Stubuddy team has big plans for the platform. They’re currently developing new features, such as an AI-driven tutoring guide to help tutors prepare better for sessions. The AI tool will allow students to notes and describe their needs before a session, giving tutors more time to focus on actual instruction.
Ajiboye said the platform’s development is far from over. “We’re constantly gathering from both tutors and students. That’s the benefit of being a startup—we can adapt and improve quickly based on needs,” he said.
For students considering launching their own startups, Ajiboye’s advice is straightforward—don’t wait, start now. “If you think you don’t have time now, you’ll have even less time after graduation. It’s all about execution and being willing to put in the work,” Ajiboye said.
Stubuddy is now open to all students looking for tutors or looking to be tutors.
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