• Lingawa secured USD 1.1M in pre-seed funding from key investors, including Voltron Capital, MasterCard Foundation, and Zrosk, to expand its African language learning platform.
•  Originally focused on academic tutoring, Lingawa has pivoted to preserving and teaching indigenous African languages, starting with Yoruba and Igbo.
• The funds will support expanding the platform’s language offerings, advancing its technology, and contributing to global efforts for cultural and language preservation.

Nigeria-based edtech startup, Lingawa, formerly known as TopSet, has raised USD 1.1 million in pre-seed funding to further develop its African language learning platform. The funding round attracted a diverse group of investors.

The participants investors include Voltron Capital, Zrosk, WEAV Capital, the MasterCard Foundation, Kaleo Ventures, and Dara Treseder, the Chief Marketing Officer of Autodesk and former CMO of Peloton.

From Academic Tutoring to Language Preservation

Founded in 2022 by Frank Williams, Lingawa originally focused on academic tutoring. However, he has since shifted its mission to the preservation and teaching of indigenous African languages.

Recognizing the cultural significance of these languages, the company also aims to meet the growing demand. The need for language learning among both Africans and the diaspora is growing.

Expanding Language Offerings

Currently, Lingawa offers courses in Yoruba and Igbo, two of the major languages spoken in Nigeria. The company plans to expand its offerings to include other indigenous African languages.

With the rising interest in preserving native tongues, Lingawa’s platform addresses a critical gap in African language education.

The newly secured funding will enhance the platform’s technological capabilities and broaden its curriculum, making it more accessible to a wider audience. The company also plans to use these resources to support initiatives aimed at fostering cultural preservation through education.

Aligning with Global Efforts for Language Preservation

Additionally, Lingawa’s mission is well-timed, aligning with a growing global interest in indigenous languages and cultural heritage preservation. The United Nations has recognized the importance of indigenous languages.

Furthermore, the UN has designated 2022–2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. The platform’s efforts are set to contribute significantly to this global movement by empowering Africans to reconnect with their linguistic roots.

With this financial backing, the startup is to become a leading force in the African edtech space, driving forward its vision of language preservation through innovative education solutions.