Speak, an AI-powered language learning platform, has raised $78 million in a Series C funding round, elevating its valuation to $1 billion. The round was led by Accel, with participation from existing investors, including OpenAI’s Startup Fund, Khosla Ventures, and Y Combinator. The milestone reflects Speak’s innovative approach to language education, focusing on verbal communication to emulate how native speakers acquire language skills.
Speak’s platform leverages AI to create conversational experiences. Users engage in interactive dialogues and receive feedback to enhance their fluency. This unique methodology bypasses traditional grammar-focused instruction, prioritizing practical, real-world application. “Our goal is to teach communication, not just language mechanics,” said CEO Connor Zwick, who co-founded Speak with Andrew Hsu (CTO).
Currently offering English as its primary language, Speak is set to expand into Spanish and French, broadening its customer base. To date, the platform has been downloaded over 10 million times, with users averaging 10-20 minutes daily and paying subscription fees of $20 per month or $99 annually—significantly more affordable than traditional tutoring.
Speak’s growth aligns with the broader momentum in generative AI, with OpenAI playing a dual role as an investor and technology provider. The partnership enables Speak to harness advanced speech recognition and natural language processing capabilities, creating tailored learning experiences. Despite not offering standardized language certification, Speak’s team emphasizes real-world fluency over test preparation. Hsu hinted at future developments, including potentially creating an accurate fluency assessment tool.
Unlike competitors such as Duolingo, Speak has avoided gamification, instead prioritizing efficacy in learning. “When forced to choose between engagement and effectiveness, we choose effectiveness every time,” Zwick stated. However, the company is exploring ways to incorporate behavioral mechanisms to enhance user retention without compromising learning outcomes.
Speak also serves enterprise clients, with over 200 organizations using its “Speak for Business” tier. With the fresh funding, Speak plans to expand its team and innovate further, solidifying its position as a leader in the consumer AI space. Accel’s Ben Quazzo, who led the round, will join Speak’s board, reinforcing confidence in the platform’s trajectory.
