Lingawa, Formerly TopSet, Secures $1.1 Million Pre-Seed Funding and Unveils New Brand Identity

November, 2024 – Lagos, Nigeria – Lingawa, a leading online platform for African language learning, has successfully closed a $1.1 million pre-seed funding round. This pivotal milestone coincides with the company’s rebranding from TopSet to Lingawa, signaling its expanded mission to connect global audiences with the richness of African culture and heritage.

The funding round attracted notable investors, including Zrosk, WEAV Capital, Kaleo Ventures, Voltron Capital, Techstars, and Dara Treseder (CMO of Autodesk and ex-CMO of Peloton). Global giants Google and the Mastercard Foundation also contributed, reflecting widespread recognition of Lingawa’s vision and impact.

“Our mission has always been deeply personal,” said Frank Williams, CEO of Lingawa. “Languages are more than words; they are carriers of identity, pride, and history. This funding and our rebranding to Lingawa are powerful steps forward in ensuring that African heritage is not only preserved but celebrated worldwide. This is a win for every learner reconnecting with their roots and every family discovering the beauty of our shared culture.”

The global language learning market is projected to reach $190 billion in the next five years, emphasizing the growing demand for accessible, innovative platforms like Lingawa. This rebranding reflects Lingawa’s steadfast commitment to empowering individuals and communities by fostering cultural pride and creating meaningful connections.

“We are thrilled to have the support of such distinguished investors,” Williams added. “Their belief in our vision strengthens our resolve to celebrate African languages and cultures in ways that inspire and resonate with learners worldwide.”

The funding will drive the expansion of Lingawa’s language offerings and the development of cutting-edge technology, including AI-driven large language models tailored to African language learning. This effort encompasses the soon-to-launch gamified language app, designed to deliver an engaging and accessible learning experience for users of all ages, alongside enhancements to its AI-powered tutor-student matching algorithm to provide highly personalized learning journeys.

With its recent rebranding and successful funding round, Lingawa is well-positioned to redefine cultural education and ensure the rich tapestry of African heritage continues to thrive in the digital age.

About Lingawa:
Lingawa (formerly TopSet) is a pioneering edtech platform that connects Africans in the diaspora and global audiences to African languages and culture through immersive language learning. Leveraging trained native-speaking African language tutors, Lingawa empowers individuals to reconnect with their heritage and embrace their roots. Backed by leading VCs, Techstars, Google, and the Mastercard Foundation, Lingawa has been advancing its mission of preserving and promoting African languages on a global scale since its pivot in 2023.