How I Built A $6.5 Billion App Called Duolingo | Founder Effect | CNBC Make It

This episode of FounderEffect features an interview with Luis von Ahn, the founder of Duolingo. The podcast traces Luis's journey from his upbringing in Guatemala to his academic pursuits in the United States, highlighting key moments such as his early business ventures like selling a picture-matching game to Google and creating CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA. The discussion covers the founding and growth of Duolingo, emphasizing its mission to provide free language education and the strategies used to monetize the app while maintaining accessibility. Additionally, Luis shares insights into the company culture at Duolingo, his approach to employee retention, and his perspective on the company's IPO.

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How I Built A $6.5 Billion App Called Duolingo | Founder Effect

CNBC Make It

Introduction to Luis von Ahn and Duolingo's Mission

Early Life, Education, and the Genesis of CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA

From reCAPTCHA to Duolingo: The Birth of a Language Learning Platform

Securing Funding and Launching Duolingo

Monetization Strategy and User Engagement

Company Culture and the Mission of Duolingo

How I Built A $6.5 Billion App Called Duolingo | Founder Effect

CNBC Make It

00:00Introduction to Luis von Ahn and Duolingo's Mission

Introduction to Luis von Ahn and Duolingo's Mission

01:16Early Life, Education, and the Genesis of CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA

Early Life, Education, and the Genesis of CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA

04:40From reCAPTCHA to Duolingo: The Birth of a Language Learning Platform

From reCAPTCHA to Duolingo: The Birth of a Language Learning Platform

07:20Securing Funding and Launching Duolingo

Securing Funding and Launching Duolingo

09:13Monetization Strategy and User Engagement

Monetization Strategy and User Engagement

12:22Company Culture and the Mission of Duolingo

Company Culture and the Mission of Duolingo