The language learning industry in Europe is thriving as individuals seek to broaden their cultural horizons and improve professional prospects. Companies within this sector range from traditional language schools to innovative educational technology platforms, offering services including online courses, mobile apps, and immersive experiences. The industry is expected to continue growing, driven by technological advancements and a rising demand for multilingual skills in the global job market. Notably, social and gamified learning approaches are becoming popular, making language acquisition more engaging and accessible. Trends like AI-powered tutoring and personalized learning experiences are reshaping the way languages are taught and learned.


Among the top investors listed are venture capital firms, corporate entities, and public institutions located across major European cities. Notable mentions include Index Ventures and Kima Ventures, which focus on early-stage investments. The investors represent various sizes—from those with small teams to larger enterprises—and range from those founded in the early 2000s to newer entrants. For the year 2024, these investors collectively engaged in numerous deals, illustrating their commitment to fostering innovation in the language learning sector.


Top 19 Language Learning Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing coaching and partnerships to help businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions within the language learning sector, including investments in Orthodidacte, which raised $1,746,098 in Series A funding, and English Attack, which secured $1,000,218 in Series A funding. Additionally, they have invested in Yestudent, Corneille, and 88Jobs, further demonstrating their engagement in diverse sectors, including language education.


2. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship to help them navigate initial challenges. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures has invested in several companies relevant to language learning, including Lalilo, which raised $1.8 million in seed funding to support its mission of helping children learn to read, and Glose, a social and collaborative reading platform that completed a €3 million financing round aimed at expanding its R&D and launching Glose Education for students and teachers. Additionally, Kima Ventures has invested in Localize, a digital translation and localization startup, and Interactio, which focuses on language interpretation solutions, further showcasing their involvement in the language learning and education technology space.


3. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, and is known for providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Codecademy, which raised funds to expand its online training platform, indirectly supporting language learning through coding education. They also invested in DeepL, a leading translation service that plays a significant role in language learning by providing users with tools to translate and understand multiple languages. Furthermore, their participation in Juni Learning, an online education platform for kids, highlights their interest in educational initiatives that can include language learning components. Overall, Index Ventures is focused on building long-term partnerships with founders to drive success in various innovative sectors, including those that impact language education.


4. Enterprise Ireland


Enterprise Ireland is a public entity that serves as the Irish government's enterprise development agency, founded in 1998. It supports Irish businesses at all stages of their growth journey by providing funding, advisory services, and market access assistance. The agency focuses on helping companies scale and compete internationally across various industries, including technology and manufacturing. Notably, Enterprise Ireland has been involved in several transactions relevant to the language learning sector, such as the Digital Learning Institute, which raised €1.8M to expand its digital learning courses and upskilling programs, and Adaptemy, an adaptive learning startup that raised over €3M to continue its operations. These investments highlight Enterprise Ireland's engagement in the educational technology space, particularly in areas that can enhance language learning.


5. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube has a strong focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce while providing investment management services to its clients. Among its notable transactions, Crowdcube has invested in several companies within the language learning sector, including BrainLang, which raised $171,644 in 2016, and Bedrock Learning, which raised £155,400 in 2017 to expand its online learning resources. Additionally, Crowdcube supported Learnlife, which raised $1,417,797 in 2022, further emphasizing its involvement in educational initiatives. These investments highlight Crowdcube's role in fostering innovation in the language learning space.


6. Brighteye Ventures


Brighteye Ventures is a venture capital fund based in Luxembourg, founded in 2017, that specializes in early-stage Edtech investments. The firm provides funding, strategic guidance, and access to a network of industry experts to help startups refine their products and scale effectively in the educational technology sector. Notably, Brighteye Ventures has invested in Tandem, a language exchange app that raised £4.5 million in Series A funding, aimed at enhancing language learning through user interaction. They also led a €3.5 million Series A funding round for Twenix, a Spanish EdTech startup focused on language education, which highlights their commitment to supporting language learning initiatives. These transactions underscore Brighteye's active role in the language learning industry, making them a significant player in this space.


7. Microsoft Accelerator


Microsoft Accelerator is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2013. It is part of Microsoft, a leading technology company specializing in artificial intelligence and cloud computing solutions. The accelerator aims to enhance productivity for businesses and organizations across various industries through secure and effective AI integration. Notably, Microsoft Accelerator has been involved in several transactions within the language learning context, including investments in Reverie Language Technologies, which focuses on language processing and translation, and Skoove, an interactive piano learning app that incorporates language learning elements. These transactions highlight Microsoft Accelerator's engagement with the language learning industry, despite its broader focus on technology.


8. Partech

  • Website: partechpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: partech

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1982, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic support to startups across various sectors, particularly in technology. Partech operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Almentor, a leading video e-learning platform in the MENA region, which raised $10 million in Series B funding in March 2023. They also invested in Weglot, a French startup that raised €45 million for its no-code SaaS solution aimed at becoming a global leader in website translation software, announced in March 2022. Furthermore, Partech has supported Lalilo, an EdTech startup, and Kartable, another EduTech company, showcasing their commitment to educational technologies that can include language learning solutions.


9. Almi

  • Website: almi.se
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has invested in several companies within the education technology sector, including Learnster, which raised funds in both 2018 and 2019, focusing on innovative learning solutions. Additionally, Almi participated in the funding round for Zcooly, an EdTech startup that aims to develop educational products, further emphasizing their interest in the language learning and educational technology space.


10. Seedcamp

  • Website: seedcamp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: seedcamp_2

Seedcamp is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2007. They specialize in investing in early-stage startups across Europe, providing financial backing and support to founders in areas such as product-market fit and sales. Seedcamp has a strong focus on technology-driven companies looking to innovate and grow. Notably, they have invested in several companies relevant to the language learning context, including 24Symbols, which raised $6,584 in a seed round in 2012, and Wordy, which raised $64,028 in a seed round in 2010. Their recent investments also include dottxt, which raised $8,700,000 in a seed round in 2024 and $3,200,000 in a pre-seed round in 2023, indicating their ongoing commitment to supporting innovative startups that may intersect with language learning technologies.


11. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, founded in 2017 and based in London, is a venture capital firm that primarily invests in technology-focused companies. The firm is known for its significant investments in growth-stage technology firms, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence. Among their diverse portfolio, they have made notable investments in the education sector, including Atom Learning, which raised over $25 million in Series A funding in December 2021, and Unacademy, which raised substantial amounts in Series F and Series H funding rounds, totaling $590 million. Unacademy is a leading online learning platform that offers a variety of courses, including language learning, thus highlighting SoftBank's engagement in the language education market. Additionally, their investment in GoStudent, which raised $95 million in August 2023, further emphasizes their focus on educational technology, making them a significant player in the language learning investment landscape.


12. Sparkmind.vc

  • Website: sparkmind.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sparkmind-vc

Sparkmind.vc is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in the learning sector, investing in innovative educational technology startups to transform learning experiences. Sparkmind.vc has been actively involved in several relevant transactions, particularly in the language learning space. Notably, they invested in Swap Language, which raised $2,146,591 in a seed round in September 2023, focusing on language learning solutions. They also participated in funding rounds for Freeed, CanopyLAB, and Kide Science, with Kide Science specifically targeting international growth in educational markets, including language learning. Their investments reflect a commitment to enhancing educational offerings, making them a key player in the language learning investment landscape.


13. IBB Ventures


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 them with the necessary funding and support to thrive in competitive markets. Notably, IBB Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the language learning space, including investments in Babbel, where they participated in both the Series B and Series C funding rounds, helping the app raise a total of $32 million. Additionally, they have invested in Sofatutor, an online tutoring platform that offers educational content, including language learning resources. These transactions highlight IBB Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative startups in the language learning industry.


14. LocalGlobe

  • Website: localglobe.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: localglobe

LocalGlobe is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2019. The firm partners with exceptional founders and companies at various stages of growth, from pre-seed to scale-up and public markets. LocalGlobe provides venture capital funding and investment management services, focusing on supporting startups in navigating their growth challenges. Notably, LocalGlobe has invested in Lingumi, a preschool edtech startup that focuses on language learning, participating in multiple funding rounds including a Series A round in 2020 and earlier seed rounds in 2016 and 2018. Additionally, they invested in Papercup, a British AI dubbing startup, which enhances language accessibility through technology. These investments highlight LocalGlobe's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the language learning and education sectors.


15. Prosus Group

  • Website: prosus.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: prosus-group

Prosus Group is a global technology investor and operator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, focused on enhancing everyday life through technology. Founded in 2019, the firm operates across various sectors, including online classifieds, food delivery, payments, and education technology, serving over two billion customers worldwide. Notably, Prosus has made significant investments in the education technology space, including a $40 million investment in Codecademy, a platform that provides coding education and is expanding its curriculum to reach more learners. Additionally, Prosus led a $60 million Series B funding round for Platzi, a professional education platform in Latin America that focuses on language skills in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. These transactions highlight Prosus's strategic interest in educational initiatives that can enhance language learning and professional development.


16. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT has invested in ILA Vietnam, a language education provider, and Nord Anglia Education, a global education provider that may include language learning as part of its curriculum. Furthermore, their recent acquisition of Universidad Europea, a significant private higher education platform in Spain and Portugal, highlights their commitment to enhancing educational initiatives, potentially including language programs. These transactions reflect EQT's active role in the education sector, making them a relevant player in the language learning industry.


17. Accenture

  • Website: accenture.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 51
  • LinkedIn: accenture

Accenture is a global consulting firm based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in information technology and management consulting services. Founded in 2001, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 professionals and operates across various industries, providing solutions that help businesses innovate and improve efficiency. In recent years, Accenture has made notable investments in the education sector, particularly in language learning and skill development. For instance, in March 2024, Accenture acquired Udacity, a platform known for its online courses and programs that include language learning components. Additionally, in April 2025, Accenture acquired TalentSprint Educational Services, which focuses on providing educational resources and training. Furthermore, Accenture participated in a $20 million Series C funding round for Talespin, a company that develops immersive learning experiences, which can include language training. These transactions highlight Accenture's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, making it a relevant player in the language learning industry.


18. Speedinvest

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

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 these startups scale their operations. Speedinvest's investment focus spans various technology sectors, including Deep Tech, Fintech, and SaaS. Notably, they have made significant investments in the education sector, particularly in language learning, with their involvement in GoStudent. GoStudent raised multiple rounds of funding, including a $900,000 convertible note in June 2019, a $1,617,125 seed round in July 2018, and an angel round of $771,459 in April 2017. These transactions highlight Speedinvest's commitment to supporting innovative educational platforms that enhance language learning experiences.


19. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is a venture capital firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in providing venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Notably, they have invested in Tutorful, a UK-based edtech platform that raised £3 million to enhance its services and expand internationally, directly contributing to language learning. Additionally, they invested in HowNow, a learning experience platform that secured £4 million for international expansion and team growth, further emphasizing their commitment to educational technology. These transactions highlight Mercia's active role in the language learning industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.



Language Learning Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
Enterprise IrelandDublin, Dublin, Ireland501-1000199848
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
Brighteye VenturesLuxembourg1-1020177
Microsoft AcceleratorLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020130
PartechParis, Île-De-France, France51-200198224
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
SeedcampLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200740
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
Sparkmind.vcHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland1-1020172
IBB VenturesBerlin, Berlin, Germany11-50199718
LocalGlobeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201915
Prosus GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+201921
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
AccentureDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+200151
SpeedinvestVienna, Vienna, Austria51-200201145
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241


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