SHORTList
AI/ML
EdTech
Hardware/Robotics

Speak

AI-powered language learning solutions

San Francisco· 19 rolesSeoul· 10 rolesLos Angeles· 7 roles

CORE INFO

$165.81M
Total Funding
Series C
Round
2016
Founded
165
Team Size
San Francisco, California, United States
Headquarters

Speak offers a mobile app that uses AI to help users practice conversational skills in multiple languages, catering to individuals seeking to improve their fluency through real-life conversations.

  • Speak raised $78 million in a Series C funding round in December 2024, led by Accel, with participation from OpenAI's Startup Fund, Khosla Ventures, and Y Combinator, reaching a valuation of $1 billion.techcrunch.com
  • The app has been downloaded over 15 million times and maintains a 4.8-star rating, reflecting its popularity and user satisfaction.getlatka.com
  • Speak was featured in Forbes' AI 50 list in 2026, highlighting its innovative approach to language learning.forbes.com

WHY WE WOULD WORK AT SPEAK

Mission-Driven Impact

Join a team dedicated to making language learning accessible and effective through innovative AI solutions, helping millions achieve fluency in multiple languages.

Rapid Growth Opportunities

Be part of a fast-growing company valued at $1 billion, with significant revenue growth from $15 million to $100 million in just one year.

Collaborative Culture

Work alongside a diverse team of 165 passionate individuals in a supportive environment that values personalized learning experiences.

Innovative Technology

Leverage cutting-edge AI technology to create interactive language learning experiences, focusing on real-life conversational practice.

Competitive Compensation

Benefit from a subscription-based business model that supports strong financial backing, including $165.81 million raised across multiple funding rounds.

Recognized Excellence

Join a company featured in Forbes' AI 50 list, highlighting its significant contributions to the EdTech industry and language learning.

MARKET AND TRACTION

GROWTH TACTICS

  • Speak has focused on leveraging AI technology to enhance user engagement and personalize language learning experiences.

  • The company has expanded its offerings to include multiple languages, catering to a diverse user base across various regions.

  • Speak's subscription-based model allows for recurring revenue, which supports continuous development and marketing efforts.

    • KEY METRICS

    ✦ KEY METRIC
  • Speak has achieved over 15 million downloads of its mobile app, indicating strong market interest and user engagement.

  • The company reported a revenue of $100 million in 2025, a significant increase from $15 million in 2024, showcasing rapid growth.

  • Speak has nearly 100,000 paying subscribers as of November 2022, reflecting a solid customer base.

    • TOTAL ADDRESSABLE MARKET

  • The global language learning market is vast, with increasing demand for effective and accessible language education solutions.

  • Speak targets a diverse demographic, including students, professionals, and travelers, across multiple countries, enhancing its market reach.

    • COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

  • Speak's AI-driven platform focuses on real-life conversational practice, setting it apart from traditional language learning methods.

  • The company's emphasis on personalized learning experiences through AI technology enhances user satisfaction and retention rates.

    • MARKET POSITION

  • Speak has positioned itself as a leader in the EdTech and language learning sectors, achieving a valuation of $1 billion in December 2024.

  • The company has been recognized in Forbes' AI 50 list in 2026, highlighting its innovative approach and impact in the industry.

    • PRODUCT AND TECH

    AI-Driven Language Learning

    Speak utilizes artificial intelligence to create personalized language learning experiences, focusing on real-life conversational practice to enhance fluency in multiple languages.

    Mobile Learning App

    The Speak mobile app, available on iOS and Android, allows users to practice conversational skills in various languages, making language learning accessible anytime, anywhere.

    Subscription-Based Model

    Speak operates on a subscription-based model, offering users access to its language learning services through various paid plans, ensuring a sustainable revenue stream.

    Diverse Language Offerings

    The platform supports a wide range of languages, including English, Korean, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese, catering to a global audience of learners.

    Innovative Conversational Focus

    By emphasizing real-life conversations, Speak's technology helps users engage in practical language use, which is crucial for achieving fluency and effective communication.

    COMPANY CULTURE

    Values

  • Innovation in language learning solutions

  • Accessibility for all learners

  • Personalization of user experiences

  • Commitment to effective communication

  • Emphasis on real-life conversational practice

    • Operating Principles

  • Utilize AI to enhance learning experiences

  • Focus on user feedback for continuous improvement

  • Foster a collaborative team environment

  • Encourage experimentation and creativity in problem-solving

    • Benefits

  • Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance

  • Opportunities for professional development and growth

  • Access to cutting-edge technology and tools

  • Inclusive and diverse workplace culture

    • Learning & Growth

  • Regular training sessions on AI and language education

  • Mentorship programs for new employees

  • Encouragement of cross-departmental collaboration

  • Support for attending industry conferences and workshops

    • Team Cadence

  • Weekly team meetings to align on goals

  • Monthly all-hands meetings for company updates

  • Regular feedback loops to enhance team dynamics

  • Celebrations of team achievements and milestones

    • COMPENSATION SNAPSHOT

    B+
    Comp score vs cohort
    vs. AI/ML · Series C · US
    Based on publicly available compensation ranges from job postings; exact compensation may vary.
    Designn = 11
    $104K – $156Kmedian $130K
    Los Angeles / Bay Area
    Engineering IC3n = 6
    $150K – $280Kmedian $215K
    Los Angeles / Bay Area
    Engineering Managern = 3
    $191K – $315Kmedian $253K
    Los Angeles / Bay Area
    US-only in v1 · only categories with n > 2 shown · in-person / hybrid / remote treated separately where n ≥ 3

    HIRING SIGNAL

    43
    Open roles right now
    Snapshot via live ATS poll
    —
    Net new roles in the last 90 days
    Available once weekly history accrues
    90-Day VelocityV2 · BACKFILL
    Trend builds weekly as historical rows accrue
    By Function
    Breakdown of open roles
    Data · 1
    Other · 7
    GTM · 6
    Design · 6
    G&A · 2
    Product · 2
    Support · 1
    Marketing · 8
    Operations · 1
    Engineering · 9
    Top Locations
    Where hiring is concentrated
    Remote-eligible postings counted separately
    San Francisco
    19
    Seoul
    10
    Los Angeles
    7
    Tokyo
    5
    Korea - Remote
    1
    Remote - LATAM
    1
    SourcesGreenhouseLeverAshbyWorkableSmartRecruitersRipplingRecruiteeFallback · Wellfound, YC Work-at-a-Startup, careers-page scrape

    KEY COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Filter
    5 announcements · ranked by importance
    Dec 10, 2024FUNDINGOpenAI-backed Speak raises $78M at $1B valuation to help users learn languages by talking out loud | TechCrunchtechcrunch.com
    Apr 16, 2026FOUNDER PROFILESpeak | Company Overview & Newsforbes.com
    Jun 18, 2024FUNDINGSpeak Hits $500M Valuation, Expands Rapidly Across Marketsspeak.com
    Aug 31, 2023FUNDINGOpenAI Startup Fund-Backed Speak Announces $16m Series B-2 Financing & Rapid International Expansionspeak.com
    Nov 18, 2022FUNDINGSpeak Announces $27M Series B Led by OpenAI Startup Fundspeak.com