# hilokal

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/hilokal

- Industry: Internet
- Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
- Website: www.hilokal.com
- Total disclosed funding: $0.1M
- Latest round: Seed (May 10, 2022)
- Investors on record: 4

## About

Based in South Korea, hilokal is a language exchange platform that connects users globally for free speaking practice, enhancing language fluency through real-time conversations with native speakers.Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, hilokal operates as a language exchange platform. The company has secured a total of 4 deals, with its most recent funding round, a Seed round, occurring on January 17, 2023, where it raised KRW 100.000 mn from investors including DAEWON CO., LTD., KUKBO Design, and The Invention Lab. The CEO, Marcus Yun, leads the company in its growth and operations.Hilokal specializes in a language exchange platform that facilitates free speaking practice among users globally. The core product offering is a mobile application that connects users seeking to improve their language skills with native speakers, enabling real-time conversations and cultural exchanges. This service aims to address the challenges of language learning by providing practical speaking opportunities, thus enhancing the users' fluency and confidence. The application is designed for a diverse client base, including language learners, travelers, and expatriates, with a particular focus on English, Korean, Spanish, and several other languages. While the company's headquarters are located in Seoul, South Korea, the platform serves a worldwide market, connecting users from various countries, particularly in regions with high demand for language learning, such as North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.Hilokal generates revenue primarily through a freemium model, where the basic services are offered for free while premium features may require a subscription. Users can engage in language exchanges without charge, but there are options for enhanced capabilities such as personalized tutoring or advanced learning resources that come at a cost. The company may establish partnerships with educational institutions or language schools, allowing these entities to utilize the Hilokal platform as part of their curriculum. Through direct-to-consumer sales, users can opt for various subscription plans that provide additional benefits, such as ad-free experiences and exclusive content.In January 2023, hilokal raised KRW 100.000 mn in a Seed funding round, which will be utilized to upgrade its services and increase talent headcount. The company plans to introduce new product offerings aimed at enhancing user engagement and expanding its service capabilities. Furthermore, hilokal is targeting expansion into new markets, particularly in regions where language learning demand is growing, although specific regions and timelines for this expansion were not disclosed.

## Funding rounds

- Seed, May 10, 2022 — Korea Tech Incubator for Startup, The Invention Lab
- Seed, Sep 1, 2020, $0.1M — The Invention Lab, KUKBO Design, DAEWON CO., LTD.

## Investors

- The Invention Lab (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/the-invention-lab) — Seed
- KUKBO Design — Seed
- DAEWON CO., LTD. — Seed
- Korea Tech Incubator for Startup — Seed