OpenAI joins the investment! Language learning AI startup Speak receives $78 million in Series C funding

Speak, a language startup, has raised $78 million in Series C funding with a valuation of $1 billion. The new round of funding was led by Accel Ventures, with participation from OpenAI and Ycombinator. Speak uses artificial intelligence to learn the speaking style of native speakers and teach learners how to learn foreign languages. The AI generates audio conversations and listens to user responses, allowing learners to practice dialogue with AI.

OpenAI is one of the main investors in Speak, not only in terms of funding, but Speak also uses OpenAI's ChatGPT technology for machine learning. Ian Hathaway, a partner at OpenAI's new venture fund, expressed that the investment in Speak is based on a shared vision of using artificial intelligence to fundamentally change language learning. It is exciting to see Speak's top-notch AI talent and unique product vision create a transformative learning experience for the rapidly growing global user base.

The Speak app has been downloaded over 10 million times, with an average usage time of 10 to 20 minutes per day. Paying subscribers pay $20 per month or $99 per year. Speak for Business Enterprise Edition has more than 200 clients.

The goal of the new round of funding is to expand the reach to more language learners, not just focusing on traditional English, but also expanding to those interested in learning Spanish and French.

Help users learn languages by speaking out loud

Traditional language teaching usually starts with reading and writing, but native speakers learn language by listening and speaking. Speak's learning method is to immerse students in listening and conversation first, without explaining grammar rules, and then practice using the new vocabulary over and over again, saying it out loud so that foreign language becomes natural and easy to speak.

Speak VS Duolingo

Speak's learning method is designed using generative AI artificial intelligence to create learning courses. AI language recognition and algorithm processing tailor learning content to learners. Speak has not yet integrated with any language proficiency tests. This is the path that other online language learning fields are taking. Duolingo can provide English proficiency certificates, and international students can use Duolingo to prove their English abilities.

Duolingo has long been using AI algorithms to design applications that turn learning into a game, and it has created its own enthusiastic owl teacher who constantly praises learners whenever they pass a level.

Language learning is globally focused on speaking and communication as the primary goal, with vocabulary, grammar, and sentence writing as secondary. However, in Taiwan, pronunciation and language teaching are not emphasized at this stage, resulting in many foreign students and individuals who need to communicate in a foreign language unable to speak a sentence in English. Reviewing and changing the system is usually slow, so those interested in learning a foreign language can make good use of mobile app tools and online learning for self-study.

This article OpenAI joins the investment! Language learning AI startup Speak receives $78 million in series C funding, first appeared in Chain News ABMedia.