Type of site | Online education |
---|---|
Available in |
|
URL | lingualeo |
Registration | Free (paid subscription available) |
Launched | 1 March 2010 |
Current status | Public |
LinguaLeo is an English language learning platform for Russian, Turkish, and Brazilian Portuguese speakers. As of September 2020, it reported 23 million users.[1] LinguaLeo is available on the web, as Android,[2] iOS,[3] Windows Phone apps,[4] and as a browser extension.[5][6]
The app assesses the user's language skills through a test and provides a personalized training program with grammar exercises and lessons to expand the vocabulary and improve understanding of written texts and spoken language.[7][8] The app library includes over 200,000 real-world materials to study: media articles, news, TED Talks,[9] songs, videos, stories, and jokes.[7][10] To motivate the users, LinguaLeo adds gamification mechanics through interaction with the app's mascot Leo the Lion.[10]
LinguaLeo is available as an Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and web applications,[7] and a browser extension. The data is synchronized across all devices.[11] A paid subscription provides access to extra courses, tutorials, and interactive training and allows one to add an unlimited number of words to the personal dictionary.[11]
LinguaLeo was launched as a web application in March 2010 by Russian entrepreneur Aynur Abdulnasurov and his four-person development team. The initial investments totaled $120,000.[12][5][13] In November 2010, the startup raised $200,000 in seed money from private investors.[13] From May to November 2021, LinguaLeo's user base grew from 90,000 to 500,000 users. It was considered one of the most prominent Russian startups[14] and won a Russian Venture Company competition in 2011.[15] By late 201, LinguaLeo reached the breakeven point.[16]
In 2012, LinguaLeo released its iOS, Android, and Windows Phone apps reaching 1,5 mil users.[7] It also received a $3 million investment from Runa Capital.[6][17] In December 2012, the company was rated first in the Russian Startup Rating.[18] In 2013, the company expanded to the Brazilian market. In Q4 2013, it reported 7 million users worldwide.[19] The Next Web named LinguaLeo the best Russian startup of 2013, and Microsoft named it the best Windows Phone app of 2014.[20][21]