Speak

Speak

AI-powered language learning mobile application

About Speak

Simplify's Rating
Why Speak is rated
B
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated A on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Consumer Software

AI & Machine Learning

Education

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Series C

Total Funding

$165.8M

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2015

Overview

Speak.com specializes in language learning solutions, focusing on helping users practice English through an AI-powered mobile application. This app allows users to engage in realistic conversational scenarios without needing a live tutor, using advanced artificial intelligence to simulate conversations and provide immediate feedback. Speak.com targets a wide range of users, from students to professionals, who want to improve their English skills. Unlike many competitors, Speak.com stands out due to its effective use of AI technology and a user-friendly interface. The company operates on a subscription-based model, offering various service tiers to accommodate different user needs and budgets. The goal of Speak.com is to make language learning more accessible and efficient by eliminating the need for scheduled sessions with tutors, thus providing a flexible solution for learners around the world.

YC Company
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Speak raised $78M in Series C, reaching a $1 billion valuation.
  • The app has over 10 million downloads and plans to expand further.
  • Speak was named Google Play's Best App of 2024 in Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan.

What critics are saying

  • Increased competition from new AI language learning apps could threaten Speak's market share.
  • Rapid AI advancements may require costly updates to Speak's platform.
  • Over-reliance on OpenAI's technology could pose risks if API terms change.

What makes Speak unique

  • Speak uses AI to simulate realistic conversations for language learning.
  • The app provides immediate feedback and personalized learning experiences.
  • Speak's user-friendly interface sets it apart in the competitive language app market.

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Funding

Total Funding

$165.8M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

5 Rounds

Series C funding is usually for startups that are doing well and are looking for more money to fuel major growth, such as acquiring other companies, expanding into global markets, or launching new product lines. Investors typically include larger venture capital firms and private equity.
Series C Funding Comparison
Above Average

Industry standards

$50M
$50M
Medium
$62M
SeatGeek
$78M
Speak
$100M
Oura

Benefits

Standard tech startup benefits

Stipends for commuting, fitness, & learning

Annual company offsite.

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

5%

1 year growth

2%

2 year growth

0%
CIO
Apr 11th, 2025
Speak secures Series A funding from Altman

Sam Altman has invested in various sectors including AI, energy, anti-aging, and edtech. He participated in Series B funding for Slope, a B2B payment automation platform, and Wrap, a coding assistant tool. In 2019, he signed a letter of intent to invest $51 million in Rain AI's chip through OpenAI. In 2022, Speak, an AI-based language learning app, received Series A funding from Altman and later secured further investments from OpenAI's startup fund. Recent investments include AirOps, CrewAI, and Exowatt.

36Kr
Jan 3rd, 2025
Speak raises $78M, hits $1B valuation

OpenAI has invested in Speak, a language learning app that emphasizes speaking and listening through generative AI. In December 2024, Speak raised $78 million in a Series C round, led by Accel, reaching a $1 billion valuation. This follows a $20 million Series B round just six months prior. Speak's approach involves AI-generated real-life scenarios for immersive language practice. The app has over 10 million downloads and offers courses in multiple languages, with plans to expand further.

Crunchbase
Dec 13th, 2024
Speak raises $78M, reaches unicorn status

Speak, an edtech startup, raised a $78 million Series C led by Accel, doubling its valuation to $1 billion in under six months. The San Francisco-based company, founded in 2016, uses AI to help users learn new languages and has created over 25 million personalized lessons this year. Speak has raised a total of $162 million.

WowTale
Dec 11th, 2024
AI 영어 학습 '스픽', 1,094억원 시리즈C 투자 유치...유니콘 등극 - 와우테일

 AI 기반 영어 학습 솔루션 ‘스픽(Speak)’을 운영하는 스픽이지랩스코리아가 시리즈C 투자 라운드에서 약 1,094억 원(7,800만 달러)을 유치하며 유니콘 기업으로 진입했다고 11일 밝혔다.

Bloomberg
Dec 10th, 2024
OpenAI-Backed Language Tutor Startup Doubles Value to $1 Billion

Speak’s app uses an artificial intelligence “conversational partner” to help people become fluent in English.

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