Luis von Ahn

Luis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo, shares his journey from a Guatemalan upbringing to shaping global language education. He humorously discusses the origins of Duolingo's owl mascot and delves into the platform's innovative monetization strategies. Luis explores mission-driven business growth, the impacts of cultural trends on language learning, and plans for expanding educational offerings. He also touches on serious issues like corruption in Guatemala, all while making it engaging and relatable, highlighting personal wellness and effective management practices.

Join Luis von Ahn, the visionary founder and CEO of Duolingo, as he discusses the future of education through gamification and AI. With over 116 million monthly users, Duolingo is reshaping learning by making it more engaging and personalized. Luis shares insights on why motivation is key, how lessons are optimized for engagement, and the controversial shift to an AI-first approach. Plus, he reveals exciting expansions into subjects beyond languages, including chess and math, all while maintaining a fun and adaptive learning experience.

Luis von Ahn, co-founder of Duolingo, shares his expertise on nurturing startups alongside Steph Krim, the creator of Good Things Vending. They tackle the challenge of scaling businesses while staying connected to community values. Steph seeks advice on expanding her unique vending machines that showcase local art. Luis discusses how data can reveal customer desires, aiding in strategic decision-making. Together, they explore innovative approaches to growth and emphasize the importance of understanding user behavior for entrepreneurial success.

Luis von Ahn, the Co-founder and CEO of Duolingo, shares his innovative vision for transforming language learning into an addictive experience. He proudly discusses how gamification strategies like notifications and streak tracking keep over 40 million users engaged daily. Excitingly, he announces Duolingo's next venture: a chess feature aimed at enhancing logical thinking. Luis also delves into the freemium model's impact, revealing how wealthier users help subsidize education for less fortunate learners, proving that learning can be fun and accessible for all.

Luis von Ahn, CEO and co-founder of Duolingo and the inventor of CAPTCHA, shares his insights on transforming education through gamified language learning. He discusses Duolingo's creative strategies, including their quirky owl mascot and humorous marketing. The conversation highlights the role of AI in education, exploring its potential to enhance rather than replace human learning. Luis also addresses challenges in monetization, especially in India, and the platform's exciting expansion into math and music.