Speak, an educational technology platform specializing in AI-powered language tutoring has announced that it has raised a $16 million Series B-2 funding round led by Lachy Groom, with participation from all existing major investors, including the OpenAI Startup Fund and new strategic investors such as the founders of Dropbox, Drew Houston, and Arash Ferdowsi. The new funding will accelerate the development of its AI Tutor, expand into international markets, and hire new personnel to support its availability in emerging markets.
Co-founded by Connor Zwick and Andrew Hsu in 2016, Speak allows users to practice conversing in English through interactive speaking experiences. The app features an “AI tutor” that guides open-ended conversations on various topics and provides feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. The company aims to fill a significant educational gap by creating a virtual, AI-driven tutor capable of mimicking the benefits of one-on-one human tutoring.
Excited about growing the company’s presence in major markets worldwide by the end of the year. Co-founder of Speak, Connor Zwick, stated that the learning experience developed by Speak has proven to resonate with minimal modifications needed in markets and cultures across the globe. Investor Lachy Groom added:
Education will continue to be a sector profoundly transformed by AI, as personalized one-on-one human tutoring is scarce and expensive. Speak’s mission to create a human-level AI tutor makes conversational practice accessible for all learners worldwide.
With the additional funding and support from OpenAI, Speak is poised for further growth and expansion. The platform’s innovative use of AI technology and commitment to affordable language education make it a standout in the competitive language learning market. As the company gears up to enter new markets, including the US, it’s clear that it has positioned itself as a significant player in the dynamic intersection of AI and education.
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