Speak Raises $78M to Transform Language Learning with AI

Speak, an AI-powered language-learning platform, has secured $78 million in Series C funding, raising its valuation to $1 billion. The funding round, led by Accel, included participation from OpenAI's Startup Fund, Khosla Ventures, and Y Combinator. This milestone cements Speak's position as a leading player in AI-driven language education.

A Unique Approach to Language Learning

Speak focuses on teaching users to communicate through conversation, mimicking the way native speakers learn languages. Instead of traditional methods that prioritize reading and writing, Speak immerses learners in:

• Listening and Talking: Learners engage in conversations from the start, bypassing complex grammatical rules.

• Practice Through Repetition: Phrases are practiced repeatedly in varying contexts, creating automatic recall.

• Real-World Application: AI generates scenarios where learners apply phrases in meaningful conversations.

• No Human Instructors: Speak’s platform is entirely AI-driven, utilizing speech recognition, natural language processing, and generative AI to customize the learning experience.

Expanding Beyond English

Speak currently targets learners seeking to improve their English-speaking skills. The platform supports learners in eight originating languages and has been downloaded over 10 million times. Users spend an average of 10-20 minutes daily on the app, paying $20 per month or $99 per year.

With the new funding, Speak plans to introduce Spanish and French, aiming to reach a broader audience.

A Growing Market

Speak is tapping into a massive addressable market of 1.5 billion people learning English. While the company hasn't disclosed active user numbers, its app has gained significant traction. Beyond individual users, Speak for Business has attracted over 200 enterprise customers.

A Balancing Act: Efficacy Over Gamification

Unlike competitors like Duolingo, Speak has chosen not to gamify its learning process, focusing instead on practical communication skills.

CEO Connor Zwick’s Vision: “We are explicitly trying not to be a test prep solution, frankly, because, unfortunately, all tests so far are imperfect,” Zwick said. “What ends up happening is that people end up gaming tests. They try to become good at taking that test. They’re not trying to become good at actually being able to communicate and use the language in the real world. The only way to really have a proper assessment is to have an expert have a conversation with you.'

Future Possibilities: While gamification isn’t a priority, Speak may explore behavioral mechanisms to increase engagement without compromising effectiveness.

The Role of OpenAI

OpenAI’s involvement extends beyond funding. Speak utilizes OpenAI’s technology for its platform, positioning itself as a key player in the generative AI space. “Our 2022 investment in Speak was driven by a shared vision of revolutionizing language learning with AI,” said Ian Hathaway, a partner at OpenAI’s Startup Fund.

Looking Ahead

Speak’s rapid growth and innovative approach could reshape language education by making it more accessible and conversationally focused. The company’s expansion into additional languages and markets signals its ambition to scale globally. Meanwhile, its commitment to efficacy over trends like gamification ensures learners gain real-world skills.

With AI at its core, Speak not only demonstrates the commercial potential of generative AI but also sets a standard for transformative, scalable, and user-centric education solutions.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.