Verbatica, a UAE-based startup focused on developing an innovative educational platform for learning English and Arabic, has successfully raised $700,000 from angel investors. This funding will support Verbatica’s entry into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets and help prepare for a subsequent funding round scheduled for November 2024.
Co-founded by Nikita Savilov, an MGIMO graduate with a decade of experience at Skyeng, and Nikolay Morozov, Verbatica aims to revolutionize language learning. The platform, built with input from over a hundred active teachers, leverages adaptive artificial intelligence to enhance the language acquisition process. It offers users the flexibility to learn independently or with a teacher, with all necessary educational materials—such as dictionaries and flashcards—integrated into a single platform.
A standout feature of Verbatica is its focus on LQ (Language Quotient), which measures proficiency across five key areas: reading, listening, writing, speaking, and cultural understanding. This innovative approach encourages deep cultural immersion by recommending books, movies, and even social media trends that reflect the customs and history of the language being studied. Such a comprehensive method not only helps users master the language but also understand its context on a deeper level.
Verbatica is set to begin demo testing on August 15, with a full launch planned for the end of August, aligning with the start of the academic year. “The UAE is an ideal launchpad for Verbatica, given its diverse population and high demand for English and Arabic language skills,” said Savilov. The company also plans to expand into Indonesia and broader Asian markets in the future, with an additional $2 million funding target for the next round in November.