# Speak

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/speak-2

- Industry: Education/Training
- Headquarters: San Francisco, US
- Website: www.speak.com
- Total disclosed funding: $166M
- Latest round: Series C (Nov 13, 2024)
- Investors on record: 8

## About

Speak is a California-based language learning platform that utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to provide users with an interactive and personalized language acquisition experience.Founded by Andrew Hsu, Brandon Moore, Etienne Bertani, Libby Englard, and Sai Shanmugham, Speak specializes in language education technology. The company operates out of San Francisco, US, and recently pivoted to incorporate AI-driven techniques into its offerings. On November 13, 2024, Speak secured USD 77.70 mn in Series C funding, led by Accel, with participation from Khosla Ventures, Openai Startup Fund Management, and Y Combinator. This brings the total amount raised to USD 77.70 mn and the current company valuation to USD 1064.37 mn.Speak is primarily a language learning application that leverages advanced artificial intelligence technology to provide users with an interactive language learning experience. The core offering, known as Speak Tutor, functions as a personalized conversational partner, guiding users through various topics and facilitating real-time spoken practice. By designing a bespoke curriculum tailored to each user's preferences and learning styles, Speak Tutor aims to enhance fluency through consistent verbal interaction, immediate feedback, and motivation to practice more frequently. The app's target audience includes language learners across various demographics, from casual learners to professionals seeking to improve their language skills. The service is available in multiple geographical markets, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, making it accessible to a global user base.In the most recent year, Speak reported a revenue of USD 2,660,091.50. The company generates revenue through a subscription model, allowing users to access the app and its features via a free trial followed by various paid plans. These plans offer tiered pricing that reflects the depth of features and services provided, such as unlimited access to the Speak Tutor for enhanced learning experiences. Speak's direct-to-consumer approach enables individuals to sign up and pay for subscriptions directly through the app or website, supporting a steady revenue stream as users typically commit to ongoing payments for continued access to language resources.In November 2024, Speak raised USD 77.70 mn in Series C funding, which will be utilized to further develop its AI-driven language learning capabilities. The company aims to introduce new features and products designed to enhance user experience. Additionally, Speak plans to expand into new geographic markets, focusing on deeper penetration in Europe and parts of Asia by the end of 2025, as it seeks to broaden its user base and enhance global accessibility.

## Funding rounds

- Series C, Nov 13, 2024, $78M — Accel, Khosla Ventures, Y Combinator, Openai Startup Fund Management
- Series B, Apr 5, 2024, $20M — Khosla Ventures, Y Combinator, Buckley Ventures, Openai Startup Fund Management
- Series B, May 23, 2023, $16M — Y Combinator, Openai Startup Fund Management, Kosla Ventures
- Series B, Sep 2, 2022, $27M — Founders Fund, Openai Startup Fund Management
- Series A, Jun 22, 2022, $19M — Founders Fund, Kosla Ventures
- Seed, Jun 1, 2016, $5.5M — Matrix Partners, Founders Fund, Y Combinator, Kosla Ventures

## Investors

- Matrix Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/matrix-partners) — Seed
- Founders Fund (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/founders-fund) — Seed, Series A, Series B
- Y Combinator (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/y-combinator) — Seed, Series B, Series C
- Kosla Ventures — Seed, Series A, Series B
- Openai Startup Fund Management (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/openai-startup-fund-management) — Series B, Series C
- Khosla Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/khosla-ventures) — Series B, Series C
- Buckley Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/buckley-ventures) — Series B
- Accel (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/accel) — Series C