English-learning platform, Lingumi, secures £1.2 million in seed funding

One of EDUCATE’S cohort members, Lingumi, has picked up £1.2 million in seed funding, which it plans to invest in global growth.

Lingumi, an EdTech start up that helps pre-school children learn English as a second language, was part of the third intake of entrepreneurs and SMEs to the EDUCATE project.

The app developed by Lingumi delivers a daily 15-minute lesson through play, to teach English to 2-6-year olds. The nature of the platform means that parents can learn alongside their youngsters. Lessons are consolidated by physical products, or toys, that work with the app, such as word cards.

The seed funding will be used to help the company explore new markets overseas, particularly in China. Lingumi already works with more than 10,000 users in non-English speaking countries.

Toby Mather, founder of Lingumi, said: There are plenty of products in the market, but none have a foundational focus on efficacy. Most are geared towards high-cost live teaching which can only begin from 5 or 6 years old or are ‘edutainment’ products that engage kids well, but don’t educate effectively.

“Working with UCL on the EDUCATE programme has helped us continue to push forward with our research as our curriculum serves more and more children at a critical stage.”

Mike Dimelow, chief investment officer at ADV, the chief backer behind the seed funding, said: “This is the first application in Lingumi’s mission to build a digital ecosystem of pre-school education to support the development of the next billion children. We’re delighted to lend our support to this inspiring journey.”

Congratulations to Toby and his business partner, Adit Trivedi, from everyone on the EDUCATE team.

*For more information go to: https://www.lingumi.com