Duolingo

Technology

Founded in 2011 by Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker, Duolingo is the world's most downloaded education app, making language learning free, fun, and accessible through gamification and AI.

View Official Duolingo Careers

Official Duolingo Careers Website

Quick Facts

Founded: 2011
Founders: Luis von Ahn & Severin Hacker
Headquarters: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Public Ticker: NASDAQ: DUOL

About Duolingo

Duolingo was created in 2011 in Pittsburgh by reCAPTCHA inventor Luis von Ahn and PhD student Severin Hacker. Their goal was to create a free, fun language learning platform accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Duolingo has grown into an edtech giant with over 80 million monthly active users learning over 40 languages. Beyond its flagship mobile app, Duolingo offers the Duolingo English Test (DET) accepted by over 4,500 universities, Duolingo Max (GPT-4 powered interactive learning), Duolingo Math, and Duolingo Music.

What Duolingo Does

Gamified Language App

Bite-sized language lessons leveraging streak counters, leaderboards, and AI personalization.

Duolingo English Test

Convenient, affordable, online English proficiency assessment accepted globally by higher ed institutions.

Duolingo Max (AI)

Premium subscription tier incorporating GPT-4 features like Roleplay and Explain My Answer.

Duolingo Math & Music

Gamified learning modules expanding Duolingo's bite-sized approach into elementary math and music reading.

Career Areas

Types of professional roles found inside Duolingo.

Software Engineering (iOS/Android/Backend)
AI Research & Machine Learning
Product Management
Product & Motion Design
Curriculum & Learning Science
Growth & Social Marketing
Data Science & Analytics
People Operations

Duolingo's History

2011
Founded in Pittsburgh
Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker launch Duolingo in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2012
Public Launch
Launches iOS and Android apps, rapidly gaining popularity for its free gamified lessons.
2016
Duolingo English Test
Launches digital language test as a modern alternative to traditional TOEFL/IELTS exams.
2021
NASDAQ IPO
Duolingo goes public on NASDAQ under ticker symbol DUOL.
2023
Duolingo Max & Multi-Subject
Launches GPT-4 powered Duolingo Max alongside math and music learning courses.

Purpose & Values

“To develop the best education in the world and make it universally available”

Duolingo believes that free, accessible education can change lives and bridge global socio-economic gaps.

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