Top 20 English Learning startups

Updated: Nov 28, 2025
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These startups develop English learning apps, interactive grammar tools, vocabulary-building platforms, pronunciation enhancers, AI-driven conversation simulators, etc.
1
buddy.ai
Country: Montenegro | Funding: $13.2M
Buddy.ai is a voice-based virtual English tutor for kids that uses speech and virtual human technologies.
2
Prep Edu
Country: Singapore | Funding: $7M
Prep Edu - AI-powered English/Chinese language test-preparation platform. It provides four courses: IELTS preparation, TOEIC, HSK and PrepTalk English. The services provides personalized learning paths, interactive video lessons, practice in virtual listening & reading rooms, Teacher Bee AI (your learning companion), access to idea bank and model answers created by former IELTS examiners. Prep's lessons are concise and easy to remember, which is great for IELTS beginners. You can study anytime, anywhere - just with your phone.
3
VIP Kid
Country: China | Funding: $1.1B
VIPKid connects teachers in North America with children around the world for real-time English immersion learning online
4
Duolingo
Country: USA | Funding: $183.3M
Duolingo is an online language learning platform offering over 40 different languages. It's available via suitable mobile app, allowing you to study whenever you want, without having to attend classes. Learning is structured as a series of short lessons with game-like elements (such as points, levels and "streaks") and an adaptive algorithm. The learning plan is suitable for both children and adults: you progress through levels of increasing difficulty and complete exercises that expand your vocabulary and develop your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The service uses artificial intelligence to create courses and personalize content. It also provides the opportunity to take an English test and receive a certificate. Basic levels are available for free (with ads). Duolingo is gradually expanding its subjects, offering courses in math, music and chess.
5
Liulishuo
Country: China | Funding: $128.9M
Liulishuo is an AI-driven educational technology company that helps users to learn English more efficiently and communicate with the world.
6
51Talk
Country: China | Funding: $67.1M
51Talk is an online english school providing one-to-one foreign language teaching services.
7
Quizlet
Country: USA | Funding: $62M
Quizlet is a learning platform that uses activities and games to help students practice and master what they’re learning.
8
Cambly
Country: USA | Funding: $60.2M
On-demand access to English tutors over video chat.
9
Voxy
Country: USA | Funding: $41.8M
Voxy is a personalized and adaptive language learning platform.
10
SpeakX.ai
Country: India | Funding: $23.2M
SpeakX develops AI powered English learning app
Nadia Neveu
Editor: Nadia Neveu
Nadia Neveu is a senior editor for EdTechStartups. She is a writer covering early childhood education, K-12, higher education and edtech business, and her work has appeared in The New York Times, BBC and Vice. Nadia holds a degree in mass communication from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Nadia is also a student in the Master of Science in Data Analytics program at the University of Houston-Downtown. Nadia seeks to uplift all teachers in the work that they do and support them as leaders and agents of change. You can contact Nadia at neveu(at)edtechstartups(dot)com