language learning
Fluent Forever raises $4.9M for its language learning system
Fluent Forever, a startup that uses a novel learning system to help its users master a new language faster, has raised a $4.9 million funding round led by Denver-based Stout Street Capital. Other inve
Language learning app Duolingo confirms it has raised $35M on a $2.4B valuation
Last week, we reported that popular language learning app Duolingo, with 500 million total app downloads, was raising $35 million on a valuation of at least $2.21 billion — the latest chapter
Dictionary app Reverso launches desktop app
Language learning company Reverso is launching its desktop app for macOS and Windows. Like on mobile, it lets you access a translation dictionary and get examples in context. The company has attracted
Duolingo CEO explains language app’s surge in bookings
Language learning apps, like many educational technology platforms, soared when millions of students went home in response to safety concerns from the coronavirus pandemic. It makes sense: Everyone be
Tandem snags $5.7M for its language buddy app amid COVID-19’s e-learning boom
The Berlin-based startup behind Tandem, an app for practicing a second language, has closed a £4.5 million (~$5.7 million) Series A round of financing to capitalize on growth opportunities it’s
Babbel makes its language learning app free for all US students
Babbel, the Berlin-based paid language learning app, today announced that, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is making its service available for free to all K-12 and college students until the end
Microsoft’s new language learning app uses your phone’s camera and computer vision to teach vocabulary
Eight Microsoft interns have developed a new language learning tool that uses the smartphone camera to help adults improve their English literacy by learning the words for the things around them. The
Language learning app Drops adds Native Hawaiian, more than doubles downloads
Drops, the game-based language learning app, has announced Native Hawaiian as the newest addition to the app’s 30-language selection. With just under 300 Native Hawaiian speakers worldwide, acco
Duolingo adds new language exercises and revamps its leveling system
Duolingo today launched one of its biggest updates in recent years. The company is introducing a range of new exercise types, as well as a new leveling system that lets you choose between delving deep
Babbel founder talks language learning and the challenges of the US market
There are plenty of choices out there if you want to learn a new language, but if you’re in Eu
nuqneH? yIjatlh! You can now learn Klingon with Duolingo
If you’re a real Star Wars Star Trek fan, chances are you’ve always dreamt of learning Klingon. It’s one of the most lovely and melodic tongues in the pantheon of fake languages, af
ELSA raises $3.2M for its A.I.-powered English pronunciation assistant
ELSA, an app whose name stands for “English Language Speech Assistant” (and not the popular Disney character!), has raised $3.2 million for its A.I.-assisted language learning platform tha
Duolingo can now help you learn Chinese
Earlier this year, Duolingo launched its Japanese course, which marked the first time the popular language learning service offered support for an Asian language. Since then, it’s also launched
GitHub’s scandalized ex-CEO returns with Chatterbug
Translation earbuds might eliminate some utilitarian reasons to know a language, but if you want to understand jokes, read poetry, or fall in love in a foreign tongue, you'll have to actually learn it
Babbel teams up with Cambridge English to launch new language test
The Berlin-based language learning service Babbel today announced that it has teamed up with Cambridge English, one of the world’s leading providers of English assessments, to launch the aptly n
Duolingo raises $25M at a $700M valuation
Duolingo, the popular language learning service that was co-founded by reCAPTCHA founder Luis von Ahn, today announced that it has raised a $25 million Series E round led by Drive Capital. This brings
Duolingo adds support for Japanese
Duolingo, the popular language learning service, today added support for learning Japanese to its iOS app, with support for its Android app coming soon. “This is by far the most requested and high
Germany’s Duolingo competitor Babbel sets its sights on the US
Language learning service Babbel is one of Berlin's quiet startup success stories. While it was once on the brink of shutting down, today it's a thriving company with hundreds of employees who work in
Duolingo launches paid subscriptions as it experiments with new ways to monetize its service
Earlier this week, the popular language learning service Duolingo quietly introduced paid monthly subscriptions in its Android apps. Subscribers get two benefits: they won’t see ads in the app
Robot tutor Musio makes its retail debut in Japan
A cute, robotic language tutor called Musio, has made it from crowdfunding campaign to full-fledged product with a debut in stores this week in Japan. Priced at JPY 98,000 (about US $900), Musio is no