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The language learning industry in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region is rapidly evolving, catering to increasing global mobility and multicultural interactions. Companies within this sector range from innovative tech startups creating immersive language apps to well-established education providers offering traditional courses. With an emphasis on online platforms and personalized learning, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is aligned with trends such as artificial intelligence and gamified content. Recent statistics indicate a growing demand for language learning tools and experiences, spurred by globalization and digital transformation. The surge in remote work also plays a role, making language skills more crucial than ever before.

This article highlights 19 prominent investors actively shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning landscape in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ DACH region. These venture capital firms vary in size, with most founded in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ last two decades, primarily based in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. With 2024 deal counts revealing active engagement, investors like IBB Ventures and Point Nine focus on early-stage tech startups. Investments range from seed funding to later rounds, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing educational innovation in language learning. The collective focus on digital education underscores a key growth area within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment community.

Top 19 Language Learning Investors in DACH

1. IBB Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 1997
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn:

IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in early-stage financing and has invested in over 270 startups, providing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ necessary funding and resources to thrive in competitive markets. Notably, IBB Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning industry, including investments in Babbel, a leading language learning app, during its Series B and Series C funding rounds, which raised $10 million and $22 million respectively. They have also participated in funding rounds for Sofatutor, a German online tutoring platform that offers educational content, including language learning resources. These investments highlight IBB Ventures' active role in supporting innovative startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning space.

2. Speedinvest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 45
• LinkedIn:

Speedinvest is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in funding early-stage tech startups across Europe, providing both capital and hands-on support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Their investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, Speedinvest has been involved in several funding rounds for GoStudent, a prominent online tutoring platform that facilitates language learning. GoStudent raised $900,000 in a convertible note in June 2019, $1,617,125 in a seed round in July 2018, and $771,459 in an angel round in April 2017. These transactions highlight Speedinvest's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning space, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir relevance in this sector.

3. HV Capital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 28
• LinkedIn:

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and provides capital and strategic guidance to startups from seed stage to exit. With over â‚�2.8 billion under management, HV Capital has a strong focus on helping entrepreneurs navigate growth challenges and achieve market success. Notably, HV Capital has been involved in several significant transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning sector, particularly with Lingokids, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in multiple funding rounds: a Seed Round in 2017, Series A in 2018, Series B in 2020, and Series C in 2021, collectively raising over $60 million. This involvement highlights HV Capital's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning industry and its potential for future investments in this space.

4. Point Nine

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

Point Nine is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SaaS, enterprise software, and B2B marketplace sectors. They provide funding at Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ seed stage and are committed to participating in subsequent funding rounds to help startups scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir operations. Notably, Point Nine has been actively involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning industry, having invested in Preply, an online language learning platform, across multiple funding rounds totaling approximately â‚�43.4 million. Their investments in Preply include a seed round in 2018, a Series A round in 2020, and a Series B round in 2021. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Grasp, a UK-based online learning platform, in a seed round in 2023. These transactions highlight Point Nine's focus on supporting innovative educational technologies, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning sector.

5. Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh is a corporate investor based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and is part of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, a global media, services, and education company. Founded with a focus on providing high-quality content and innovative services, Bertelsmann has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Learnship, a company that specializes in language training, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning industry. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in multiple funding rounds for Udacity, an online learning platform that offers various courses, potentially including language learning. Their investment in WizIQ, an online education platform, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in educational technologies. Overall, Bertelsmann Multimedia Gmbh's strategic investments in companies that contribute to language learning and education position Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a relevant player in this field.

6. Sictic

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 77
• LinkedIn:

Sictic is a not-for-profit venture capital organization based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2014. It connects smart money investors with innovative Swiss early-stage technology startups, providing investment opportunities, networking events, and educational resources to facilitate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growth of startups and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment community. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Sictic has invested in Taskbase, an edtech startup that raised CHF 1.3 million, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in educational technology. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have been involved in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r startups like Get More Brain and Witty Works, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se do not specifically focus on language learning. Their engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ edtech sector suggests a broader interest in educational initiatives, which may include language learning applications.

7. APX Talent Pool

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2018
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

APX Talent Pool is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, founded in 2018, that specializes in earliest-stage investments in startups with digital business models. Backed by Axel Springer and Porsche, APX supports ambitious pre-seed startups by providing funding and growth assistance, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ challenges of launching and scaling Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Colossyan, which raised $5 million in Series A funding in February 2023 and $1,179,350 in a Seed Round in July 2021. Colossyan's focus on AI-generated video content positions it as a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning industry, as such technology can enhance language acquisition through engaging multimedia resources. Additionally, APX has invested in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r startups like NeuralSpace, which raised $1,150,000 in a Seed Round in September 2022, potentially indicating a broader interest in tech-driven educational solutions.

8. TA Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

TA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage technology startups across diverse sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech. With a team size of 11-50, TA Ventures provides both capital and strategic support to help startups thrive in competitive markets. Notably, TA Ventures has participated in funding rounds for Platzi, an online education platform that offers courses in various subjects, including language learning. Platzi raised significant seed funding in 2014 and 2016, showcasing TA Ventures' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education and language learning space. This involvement highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm's commitment to supporting innovative educational solutions, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning investment landscape.

9. Atlantic Labs

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn:

Atlantic Labs is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2013. The firm is dedicated to supporting exceptional, mission-driven founders throughout Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir entrepreneurial journey. They focus on investing in startups across various sectors, including climate tech, AI, and digital health, providing both capital and strategic guidance to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se businesses grow. Notably, Atlantic Labs has invested in Tandem, a language exchange platform that raised funds in 2015 and 2016, and Yuno, which raised funds in 2022. These transactions highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning sector, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative solutions in this field.

10. Holtzbrinck Digital

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Holtzbrinck Digital is a venture capital firm founded in 2010, based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ digital education, science, and content sectors. Holtzbrinck Digital supports its portfolio companies through capital investment and strategic guidance, helping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to grow and succeed in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir respective markets. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in bettermarks, which raised significant funding in 2012 and 2013, focusing on educational tools that can enhance learning, including language learning. They also invested in iversity, which raised funds in 2016 and is known for providing online courses, potentially including language courses. These transactions highlight Holtzbrinck Digital's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning space.

11. EnjoyVenture

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

EnjoyVenture GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, specializing in seed and growth financing for technology start-ups. Founded in 2000, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm has invested in over 150 businesses, providing not only financial support but also strategic consulting to help start-ups navigate challenges and achieve market success. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, EnjoyVenture has invested in Tandem, a language learning platform that connects learners with native speakers, and StudyHelp, which may offer educational services including language learning. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in readfy, a platform that could also relate to educational content. These investments highlight EnjoyVenture's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning sector, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant player in this field.

12. b2venture

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn:

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m navigate challenges and scale Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir businesses. Notably, b2venture has been involved in multiple funding rounds for DeepL, a leading AI startup focused on language translation, which raised significant amounts in various stages, including a recent round in January 2023 where it raised over $100 million at a valuation exceeding $1 billion. This involvement highlights b2venture's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning space, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy that includes collaboration with a community of angel investors, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ European venture capital landscape.

13. Capnamic

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Capnamic is a venture capital firm based in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2012. Specializing in early-stage investments, Capnamic provides funding and strategic support to startups, aiming to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m grow in competitive markets. The firm focuses on delivering high returns through careful portfolio management and investment strategies. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Capnamic invested in Learnship, a global leader in digital foreign language training for corporations, which received â‚�10 million to expand its language training solutions. Additionally, Capnamic participated in funding rounds for Cleverly, an EdTech startup that offers 1-to-1 online coaching for kids, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education and language learning sectors. These investments highlight Capnamic's active role in supporting innovative companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning industry.

14. W ventures

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn:

W Ventures GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in providing investment and consulting services to startups and established businesses across various sectors, with a focus on accelerating digital business ideas from seed to growth. In 2024, W Ventures participated in a seed round for Edukita, a company that likely focuses on educational technology, which is relevant to language learning. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Yondemy, which has raised funds in multiple seed rounds, indicating a strong interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning space. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments include Yago and Papamo, which may also have educational components, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing W Ventures' engagement in sectors that intersect with language learning.

15. Seedstars

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn:

Seedstars is a venture capital firm based in Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on supporting startups and entrepreneurs in emerging markets through various programs, including acceleration and growth initiatives, investment readiness, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ operation of entrepreneurship hubs. Seedstars collaborates with governments, investors, and development agencies to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and drive social and economic development. Notably, Seedstars has invested in several edtech startups, such as Orcas, an Egyptian live learning platform that raised $2.1 million in a pre-series A funding round, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education sector. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r relevant transactions include investments in SHROO7, YNMO, and Fuzu, which furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational landscape, potentially encompassing language learning.

16. Redstone

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn:

Redstone is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups across various sectors, including FinTech, Industrial, Sustainability, and Quantum. Redstone provides investment management services and conducts research on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ venture capital landscape, particularly focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ participation of pension funds in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ startup ecosystem. In 2023, Redstone was involved in several notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ EdTech space, including a seed funding round for EduBITES, an EdTech company, which highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to educational technologies. They also supported Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences in a Series A funding round, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in innovative educational institutions. These transactions reflect Redstone's potential alignment with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning sector, as EdTech often includes language learning solutions.

17. Possible Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
• Founded year: 2021
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn:

Possible Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2021. The firm has a small team and has been active in various investment rounds, totaling 9 investments in 2024 alone. Notably, Possible Ventures has invested in EntryLevel, an edutech startup that aims to reskill jobseekers, and Knowunity, a digital learning platform tailored for Gen Z students. These investments highlight Possible Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative educational solutions, which may include language learning initiatives.

18. Calm/Storm

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Vienna, Vienna, Austria
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn:

Calm/Storm Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2020. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily in health tech startups, and emphasizes supporting purpose-driven founders. Their portfolio includes diverse teams addressing sensitive health issues. Notably, Calm/Storm has invested in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Doshi app, which secured £1 million in a Pre-Seed round to extend its gamified learning experiences into financial services and develop AI-based features for personalized learning. This investment highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in innovative educational technologies, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir health tech focus. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r transactions include investments in companies like Clay and keleya, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se are not directly related to language learning.

19. Swisscom Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Swisscom Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in high-potential technology startups, providing not only financial support but also strategic advisory services to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se startups access technical infrastructure and market channels. Swisscom Ventures operates across various technology sectors, including AI and Fintech, but has also made notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ education technology space. For instance, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a Series C funding round for Preply, which raised approximately $49.4 million in March 2022, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to language learning solutions. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Labster, a company that raised significant funds in both Series B and Series C rounds, indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in supporting innovative educational platforms. This diverse investment strategy positions Swisscom Ventures as a key player in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ educational technology landscape, including language learning.

Language Learning Insights: Key Investors in DACH

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	1997	18
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	51-200	2011	45
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	11-50	2000	28
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2011	16
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	10001+		3
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	201-500	2014	77
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2018	7
	Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany	11-50	2010	5
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2013	13
	Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	1-10	2010	0
	Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	11-50	2000	2
	St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland	11-50	2000	15
	Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany	11-50	2012	6
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	1-10	2019	11
	Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland	201-500	2012	6
	Berlin, Berlin, Germany	11-50	2014	14
	Munich, Bavaria, Germany	1-10	2021	9
	Vienna, Vienna, Austria	1-10	2020	13
	Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland	11-50	2007	4

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ language learning industry?

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With Inven, you'll also get to know:

• Deal History: Number of deals and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sizes.
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• ...and much more!