LinguaLeo is an English language learning platform for Russian, Turkish, and Brazilian Portuguese speakers. As of September 2020, it reported 23 million users.^[1] LinguaLeo is available on the web, as Android,^[2] iOS,^[3] Windows Phone apps,^[4] and as a browser extension.^[5][6]

The app assesses the user's language skills through a test and provides a personalized training program with grammar exercises and lessons to expand the vocabulary and improve understanding of written texts and spoken language.^[7][8] The app library includes over 200,000 real-world materials to study: media articles, news, TED Talks,^[9] songs, videos, stories, and jokes.^[7][10] To motivate the users, LinguaLeo adds gamification mechanics through interaction with the app's mascot Leo the Lion.^[10]

LinguaLeo is available as an Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and web applications,^[7] and a browser extension. The data is synchronized across all devices.^[11] A paid subscription provides access to extra courses, tutorials, and interactive training and allows one to add an unlimited number of words to the personal dictionary.^[11]

LinguaLeo was launched as a web application in March 2010 by Russian entrepreneur Aynur Abdulnasurov and his four-person development team. The initial investments totaled $120,000.^[12][5][13] In November 2010, the startup raised $200,000 in seed money from private investors.^[13] From May to November 2021, LinguaLeo's user base grew from 90,000 to 500,000 users. It was considered one of the most prominent Russian startups^[14] and won a Russian Venture Company competition in 2011.^[15] By late 201, LinguaLeo reached the breakeven point.^[16]

In 2012, LinguaLeo released its iOS, Android, and Windows Phone apps reaching 1,5 mil users.^[7] It also received a $3 million investment from Runa Capital.^[6][17] In December 2012, the company was rated first in the Russian Startup Rating.^[18] In 2013, the company expanded to the Brazilian market. In Q4 2013, it reported 7 million users worldwide.^[19] The Next Web named LinguaLeo the best Russian startup of 2013, and Microsoft named it the best Windows Phone app of 2014.^[20][21]

• Language education
• Computer-assisted language learning
• List of Language Self-Study Programs