# Verbling

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

- Industry: Education/Training
- Headquarters: Palo Alto, US
- Website: www.verbling.com
- Total disclosed funding: $7.3M
- Latest round: Series A (Jul 21, 2015)
- Investors on record: 11

## About

Verbling, Inc. is a language learning platform that connects students with qualified tutors for personalized one-on-one sessions. It supports over 70 languages, facilitating tailored education to meet diverse learner needs.Founded in 2011 in Palo Alto, US, Verbling, Inc. specializes in language education by connecting learners with tutors. In January 2020, the company was acquired by Busuu Ltd., part of PROfounders Capital and McGraw-Hill Education, Inc. The founder has a history in the tech space, although specific previous ventures aren't detailed. Verbling has secured a total of USD 2.70 mn in funding through 6 deals, with the latest funding round being a Series A led by Bullpen Capital.Verbling operates a comprehensive online platform designed for language learning, offering personalized one-on-one tutoring sessions across a diverse array of over 70 languages. The core product consists of connecting learners with qualified tutors who deliver lessons tailored to individual learning goals and schedules. The platform enables users to select teachers based on their expertise and teaching style, facilitating a customized learning experience. Verbling's customer base includes language learners of various ages and backgrounds, from casual individuals seeking to learn a new language to professionals requiring language skills for business. The service is accessible globally, catering to markets such as North America, Europe, and Asia, thus ensuring a broad geographical reach for its educational offerings.Verbling generates revenue primarily through a subscription-based model, where users pay for language lessons conducted by their chosen tutors. The transaction structure is direct-to-consumer, allowing learners to book individual lessons or packages of lessons based on their needs. Pricing plans for lessons vary, with options starting at competitive rates that align with the service's emphasis on affordability. The platform also supports various payment methods, ensuring a seamless transaction experience for users. Verbling’s revenue framework is bolstered by its extensive network of tutors, which directly influences the availability and quality of language instruction provided to its clientele.Following the acquisition by Busuu Ltd. in January 2020, Verbling aims to leverage its resources to enhance its platform. The company plans to expand its services into new geographic markets, particularly targeting additional regions in Europe and Asia by 2022. The recent funding will support technology upgrades and the introduction of new features on the platform to improve user experience and engagement.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, Jul 21, 2015, $2.7M — Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Bullpen Capital, ACE & Company
- Series A, Dec 12, 2014, $3.5M — Draper Fisher Jurvetson
- Seed, Nov 20, 2013 — Learn Capital, Rothenberg Ventures, Hydrazine Capital
- Angel, Jan 26, 2012, $1M — Draper Fisher Jurvetson, SV Angel, Start Fund, Learn Capital, ACE & Company, Meck Investments, Inspovation Ventures
- Seed, May 1, 2011, $0M — Y Combinator

## Investors

- Y Combinator (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/y-combinator) — Seed
- Draper Fisher Jurvetson (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/draper-fisher-jurvetson) — Angel, Series A
- SV Angel (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/sv-angel) — Angel
- Start Fund — Angel
- Learn Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/learn-capital) — Angel, Seed
- ACE & Company (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/ace-company) — Angel, Series A
- Meck Investments — Angel
- Inspovation Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/inspovation-ventures) — Angel
- Rothenberg Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/rothenberg-ventures) — Seed
- Hydrazine Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/hydrazine-capital) — Seed
- Bullpen Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/bullpen-capital) — Series A