Praktika Secures $35.5M to Leverage AI Avatars for a More Natural Language Learning Experience

Most language-learning apps rely on traditional methods like option selection or swiping away incorrect answers, engaging users primarily through a machine interface. In contrast, Praktika offers a refreshing alternative: it enables users to create personalized, AI-powered avatars that simulate the experience of working with a private tutor. By incorporating nuances such as tone of voice and emotional expression, Praktika makes learning a new language feel more intuitive and engaging.

Praktika boasts 1.2 million active users across 100 countries and has generated nearly $20 million in revenue over the past year. To support its expansion, the startup recently raised $35.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Blossom Capital. This comes after an earlier, undisclosed seed round of $2.5 million, which was backed by Creator Ventures and Blue Wire Capital.

Users of Praktika interact with AI avatars that customize lessons according to their needs and can communicate in various accents, including American, British, Asian, and Indian. As learners spend more time engaging with their avatars, the platform aims to create increasingly tailored lessons.

The founding team of Praktika—Adam Turaev (CEO), Anton Marin (CTO), and Ilya Chernyakov (CPO)—previously developed Cleverbots, an AI service company that served clients such as Coca-Cola, Kimberly-Clark, and AstraZeneca.

“Most language-learning applications focus on human interactions with a tutor or use a ‘machine-to-human’ interface involving clicks and drag-and-drops,” Turaev explained. “In contrast, we’re the only app prioritizing tone of voice and providing a human-like interaction. We pioneered the AI avatar concept to foster a natural language-learning experience. This distinction sets us apart from all other apps currently available.”

When asked about Praktika’s use of AI, Turaev stated, “We orchestrate various large language models (LLMs) and pride ourselves on being an AI-native company. We utilize models like GPT-4, GPT Turbo, Gemini, Claude, and Mistral while also experimenting with different iterations. Our extensive range of training data means the app continues to evolve and learn, with terabytes of anonymized human-to-AI interaction data enhancing our models."

Ophelia Brown, managing partner at Blossom Capital, remarked, "Praktika’s founding team leverages its deep expertise in AI to offer an engaging and affordable approach to language learning through personalized AI tutors. Other learning platforms have often overlooked the needs of students, but Praktika's commitment to creating a global competitor has positioned it as one of the fastest-growing early-stage consumer AI companies."

The Series A round and the ensuing seed funding attracted attention from notable figures, including Carles Reina (ElevenLabs) and Patrice Evra (five-time Premier League champion).

Sasha Kaletsky, managing partner at Creator Ventures, emphasized, “Learning a language is an essential human experience, and the Praktika team has successfully infused this human-centric element into their product through AI. With over a million learners globally already enhancing their English skills with Praktika, this is just the beginning.”