21 Best Language Learning Startups to Watch in [2023]

Have you ever wondered who is on the list of Language Learning Companies with the highest growth rates?

You’re not alone.

There are hundreds of Language Learning Companies found there, and keeping track of the hottest new startups can be challenging.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 20 fast-growing Language Learning Startups that have top-tier venture capital funding.

What is Language Learning Startups?

Language Learning Startups are companies that develop educational technology, often in the form of online language learning programs, to help individuals learn a foreign language. 

These startups typically use cutting-edge technology to create interactive, immersive language learning experiences that are tailored to individual users. Many offer a range of different language courses, from basic to advanced levels, and many also offer additional services, such as language translation and tutoring.

Top 20 Fastest-Growing Startups In Language Learning

1) Schola

Teaches English to students aged 4 to 14. If you planning to teach on this platform make sure to read schola reviews according to teachers.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Phoenix, Arizona
• Started in: 2016
• Founders: Aditya Gupta
• Number of employees: 51-200
• Funding amount: $10M

2) Lingokids

Assisting families all around the world in raising beautiful children.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Spain
• City: Madrid
• Started in: 2014
• Founders: Cristobal Viedma, Marieta Viedma
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $62,450,000
• Number of funding rounds: 9
• Number of investors: 22

You can find their website here.

3) Duolingo

Duolingo is a language-learning education portal with 98 courses available in approximately 40 languages.

Details of the startup:

• Country: United States
• City: Pittsburgh
• Started in: 2011
• Founders: Luis von Ahn, Severin Hacker
• Number of employees: 501-1000
• Funding amount: $183,300,000
• Number of funding rounds: 9
• Number of investors: 12

You can find their website here.

4) Ringle

Ringle is a high-end, one-on-one online English learning platform that links top teachers with international professionals wanting to improve their English skills.

Details of the startup:

• Country: South Korea
• City: Yeoksamdong
• Started in: 2015
• Founders: Hoon Lee, Sungpah Lee
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $35,727,319
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 6

You can find their website here.

5) Babbel

Babbel is the most popular language learning app on the market.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Germany
• City: Berlin
• Started in: 2007
• Founders: Lorenz Heine, Markus Witte, Thomas Holl
• Number of employees: 501-1000
• Funding amount: $33,300,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 8

You can find their website here.

6) Poliglota

Poliglota is a social language education startup that brings together teachers and students in coffee shops all around the world.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Chile
• City: Santiago
• Started in: 2011
• Founders: Carlos Aravena, José Sánchez, Nicolás Fuenzalida
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $2,871,098
• Number of funding rounds: 6
• Number of investors: 14

You can find their website here.

7) Lingoda

Lingoda provides live online language classes in English, German, Spanish, and French taught by qualified native speakers.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Germany
• City: Berlin
• Started in: 2013
• Founders: Fabian Wunderlich, Felix Wunderlich
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: € 69,700,000
• Number of funding rounds: 9
• Number of investors: 8

You can find their website here.

8) ITutorGroup

ITutorGroup offers students and business professionals personalised and tailored learning experiences.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Taiwan
• City: Taipei
• Started in: 1998
• Founders: Eric Yang, Jerry Huang, Ming Yang
• Number of employees: 1001-5000
• Funding amount: $315,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 8

You can find their website here.

9) Bolo Indya

Bolo Indya is a live streaming platform that allows users to broadcast their daily habits, activities, and internet services to their followers.

Details of the startup:

• Country: India
• City: Gurgaon
• Started in: 2019
• Founders: Tanmai Paul, Varun Saxena
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $1,100,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 5

You can find their website here.

10) italki

Italki is an online language learning platform that links users with online language teachers from all around the world.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Hong Kong
• City: Kowloon City
• Started in: 2007
• Founders: Kevin Chen, Yongyue Jiang
• Number of employees: 1001-5000
• Funding amount: $3,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 1
• Number of investors: 1

You can find their website here.

11) PalFish

PalFish is a startup that teaches English online.

Details of the startup:

• Country: China
• City: Beijing
• Started in: 2015
• Number of employees: 501-1000
• Funding amount: $120,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 6

You can find their website here.

12) Uable

Uable provides role-based programs that allow youngsters to explore several subjects.

Details of the startup:

• Country: India
• City: Bengaluru
• Started in: 2020
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $4,500,000
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 8

You can find their website here.

13) Entri

Entri is a platform for teachers and students to learn vernacular languages.

Details of the startup:

• Country: India
• City: Kochi
• Started in: 2015
• Founders: Mohammed Hisamuddin, Rahul Ramesh
• Number of employees: 51-100
• Funding amount: $4,300,000
• Number of funding rounds: 6
• Number of investors: 5

You can find their website here.

14) Kings Learning

enguru is an app that allows users to learn English by engaging in interactive games and dialogues.

Details of the startup:

• Country: India
• City: Bengaluru
• Started in: 2014
• Founders: Arshan Vakil, Tahem Verma
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $4,177,591
• Number of funding rounds: 2
• Number of investors: 4

You can find their website here.

15) Gengo

Gengo is a global, crowdsourced translation tool that allows anybody to read and publish in multiple languages with a single click.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Japan
• City: Tokyo
• Started in: 2008
• Founders: Matthew Romaine, Rangu Robāto, Robert Laing, Takeshi Amano
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $25,322,957
• Number of funding rounds: 7
• Number of investors: 24

You can find their website here.

16) Lingvist

Lingvist is a language learning program based on statistical analysis and mathematical optimization.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Estonia
• City: Tallinn
• Started in: 2012
• Founders: Andres Koern, Mait Muntel, Ott Jalakas, Tanel Hiir
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $11,329,784
• Number of funding rounds: 8
• Number of investors: 13

You can find their website here.

17) HelloTalk

HelloTalk is the world’s first language exchange social networking app.

Details of the startup:

• Country: China
• City: Shenzhen
• Started in: 2012
• Founders: Zackery Ngai
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Funding amount: $3,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 1
• Number of investors: 1

You can find their website here.‍

18) Yodo1

Yodo1 is a gaming platform that lets developers sell, manage, and monetise their games more effectively.

Details of the startup:

• Country: China
• City: Beijing
• Started in: 2011
• Founders: Henry Fong, James LaLonde
• Number of employees: 101-250
• Funding amount: $18,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 6

You can find their website here.

19) Learnship

Learnship is a company that provides online business language training through an unique web conferencing service.

Details of the startup:

• Country: Germany
• City: Köln
• Started in: 2008
• Founders: Sushel Bijganath, Thomas Sonntag
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: € 10,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 3
• Number of investors: 6

You can find their website here.

20) Whales English Elite Education

Whales English Elite Education is a corporation that focuses on education.

Details of the startup:

• Country: China
• City: Beijing
• Started in: 2013
• Number of employees: 501-1000
• Funding amount: $60,526,797
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 5

You can find their website here.

21) QKids

QKids is a children’s English language learning portal.

Details of the startup:

• Country: China
• City: Xiamen
• Started in: 2015
• Number of employees: 251-500
• Funding amount: CN¥133,000,000
• Number of funding rounds: 4
• Number of investors: 7

You can find their website here.

FAQs

Is Language Learning Business Profitable?

Yes, language learning can be a very profitable business. There is a huge demand for language learning services worldwide, and the demand is expected to continue to grow in the years to come. With the right approach and strategy, a language learning business can be very successful.

What Is The Average Investment In Language Learning?

The average investment in a language learning business can vary widely depending on the size and scope of the business. 

Start-up costs can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for basic materials like software, books, and other resources. For more comprehensive language learning solutions, the cost can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.