Amidst the ChatGPT craze, existing language learning apps are scrambling to incorporate generative AI into their products. But not all AI is created equal and most of these apps are adding on generic Gen AI capabilities as mere features, which limits their effectiveness for serious language learners.
Resolving this issue, Loora, a generative AI English learning company, has built, trained, and optimised its AI for the sole purpose of enabling users to achieve English fluency. Loora learners use the platform to improve their English for professional purposes.
Emerges from stealth with funding
The Israeli generative AI English language learning company has just emerged from stealth with $9.25 million in seed funding. The investment was led by Emerge, with participation from Two Lanterns Venture Partners and Kaedan Capital to further its mission of making English fluency attainable and accessible for the over one billion English learners around the world. Several angel investors also contributed to the round, including Zohar Gilon and Amit Gilon, as well as several founders from prominent technology companies Lightricks and ironSource.
Loora, which is available via a subscription model, already has thousands of paid subscribers spanning the US, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Its recent funding will be put towards further research and development of Loora’s generative AI capabilities, improving its product, expanding its team of AI researchers and engineers, and ramping up marketing efforts. The app is currently available for download in the App Store, with plans to expand to Android in 2023.
Roy Mor, CEO and Co-Founder of Loora said “While generative AI has immense potential to help people practice their language skills, not all AI is created equal. Our conversational AI was created and optimised specifically to enable people to access more opportunities by equipping them with the English skills they need to thrive. We’re thrilled to have the support of investors who recognise the importance and far-reaching impact of our technology, and we look forward to continuing to deliver the future of English language learning.”
Liad Rubin, General Partner at Emerge, added, “General-purpose generative AI models are effective in the execution of generic tasks, but there is a massive advantage in building and training an AI specifically for a domain. This is why Loora envisioned and built their AI tutor with the sole purpose of teaching English, creating an unparalleled, next-gen solution for virtual English education. We’re excited to be part of this journey.”
Gen AI to make English fluency accessible
Founded by Roy Mor and Yonti Levin in late 2020, Loora is headquartered in Tel Aviv. It offers the experience of naturally conversing with a native English speaker, on-demand, on any topic, with real-time feedback, all at an affordable cost, eliminating major barriers to achieving fluency. The virtual language coach’s conversational AI is especially suited to that end, as it enables learners to gain confidence and the specific English skills they require for their personal and professional growth, as opposed to only casual conversation.
Loora is available 24/7, provides feedback on grammar, pronunciation, and accent without judgement, and is significantly more affordable than a private tutor, enabling users to practice at their leisure, to speak with confidence, and to unlock professional and personal growth opportunities.
