Stimuler, an AI-powered language learning platform, has secured $3.75Mn in Pre-Series A funding, with participation led by Lightspeed and SWC Global. The fresh capital infusion also included participation from additional investors including MVP, Rebright, Force Ventures, GradCapital, and Operators Studio.
Majority of the proceeds from the fresh funding round will be deployed towards scaling up its proprietary AI infrastructure, as well as recruiting for its technical team in order to support the platform’s growing base of users. The company plans to increase monetization by more than five times in the next 12 to 18 months.
“At Stimuler, our goal is simple, to make fluent English speaking accessible to people worldwide. This funding allows us to deepen our investment in AI infrastructure, expand our reach across LATAM and SEA, and move closer to becoming the #1 education app in these key markets. We believe our India-to-the-world and voice-first approach positions us uniquely to address the unmet needs of a billion English learners,” Akshay Akash, CEO of Stimuler, commented on the development.
For non-native speakers, especially in emerging markets, the challenge is learning English, but mastering spoken fluency in real-life contexts (which is becoming increasingly necessary in a world where proficiency in English often dictates access to lucrative economic opportunities). Traditional learning methods often fall short in delivering immersive, interactive experiences tailored to individual learner needs. This is where voice-first AI platforms like Stimuler step in. This is where the three-year-old Stimuler comes in, and its voice-first design uses real-time speech analysis to deliver feedback on pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and fluency.
Stimuler’s platform features personalized exercises intended to build users’ spoken language capabilities through repeated, targeted practice. It currently boasts over 4 million app downloads and more than 45,000 paying users, and has seen significant adoption in overseas markets. Latin America, particularly countries like Colombia and Mexico, accounts for 40% of Stimuler’s current revenue. Indonesia leads its Southeast Asian expansion, while India ranks third in terms of user base.
This global-first strategy is part of what appeals to investors like Lightspeed’s Harsha Kumar. “Stimuler is solving a universal need — making spoken English proficiency more accessible with sharp execution and deep product insight,” Kumar said. “Akshay and his team are building a truly global company from India, with early traction across LATAM and SEA geographies validating both the opportunity and the approach.”
Unlike more traditional ed-tech models, its platform leans heavily on interactive, speech-centric learning that mimics natural conversations. This makes it particularly attractive for learners who lack immersive language environments. Currently, the platform competes with other ESL-focused voice applications such as ELSA Speak, BoldVoice, and Blue Canoe. However, Stimuler has made a name for itself in multiple markets, and it has won accolades, including the Google Play Best App with AI award in 2023. It currently serves users in over 175 countries.
