Startup Model – Social Network for Learning Languages

THE MODEL: The platform is the world’s largest one for language learning. It encourages collaborative learning by offering users an opportunity to learn and practice any language (out of the 12 languages offered) guided by the assistance provided by native speakers.

STARTUP: Busuu (British startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – A platform combining training and networking for learning a language.

Benefit to Users – Users can learn and practice a language using the content. Also they can connect with native speakers to improve their skills. Any user hence is a learner as well as a tutor (of his.her mother tongue).

Freemium Model – The startup offers free and paid plans to access the various language courses. Users can start using the service for free and upgrade once hooked onto it.

CONCERNS

Competition – Online language training is emerging as an intensely competitive space. Busuu, using networking and training, is doing a good job of differentiating itself though.

Startup Model – Online Learning Tool

THE MODEL: A app which lets users learn mainly languages with courses created by the community. The startup. The aim is to make learning lasting and joyful.

STARTUP: Memrise (British startup)

WHAT I LIKE

Core Idea – An app which makes online learning lasting and joyful.

The Fun Angle – The app turns learning facts and language into a game where you grow a colourful garden of memory. The more you learn, the more the flowers in your garden.

Scientific Learning – The startup focuses on the science behind learning and tries to use the best practices in ensuring that the learning is faster and more lasting. ElaborateCoding, Choreographed Testing & Reminders are used to ensure that users can pick up a language in the fastest time.

Community – Adding a community is a great as it helps in the following ways – users can compare their progress and great content gets crowd-sourced along the way.

CONCERNS

Competition – Online learning tools are in plenty. With some established apps already in this space, building a space for yourself in this market will be difficult.

Revenue – A lot of the competing apps are free and hence building revenues might be a problem for Memrise as well. Driving a business on investor money is risky and not very long lasting. A robust revenue model will need to built in.