Language learning startup Duolingo has raised a $45 million Series D led by Google Capital with participation from existing investors Union Square Ventures, New Enterprise Associates, and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
The round brings the total raised to over $83 million, valuing the company at $470 million.
Along with the investment announcement comes the news that Duolingo now has over 100 million registered users. Furthermore, 100.000 teachers have registered for Duolingo for Schools.
Founded in 2011, Duolingo quickly became a global leader in the language learning space based on its free and mobile first approach. The startup generates revenue from low cost certifications via its Test Center.
Crowdsourced translations by the community for international brands like CNN and Buzzfeed, which were the first source of revenue, are being phased out. Co-founder Luis van Ahn told WSJ that he does not want to get into the current price war in the translation industry and has other revenue streams planned for the near future.