Investing in ELSA, Corp. U.S.A. Specializing in Speech Recognition Technology based on Deep Learning by EduLab Group
～Supporting the business development of ELSA, a mobile application for English learners to correct their pronunciation, in Vietnam and the whole Asian region～

EduLab, Inc. (Minato-ku, Tokyo. President and CEO: Junichi Takamura. Hereafter “EduLab Group”) invested 100 thousand US dollars in “ELSA, CORP.” (San Francisco, California, U.S.A. CEO: Vu Van. Hereafter “ELSA”) that has developed ELSA, a mobile application for English learners to correct their pronunciation.

Background of investment

In recent years, AI and deep learning technologies have started to be applied more actively in the field of education. Especially in the area of language education, learners now have easier access to an environment where they can take effective lessons at reasonable prices using interactive materials, including audio and video, through an electronic device that matches their learning progress. The EduLab Group focused its attention on ELSA’s speech recognition software based on deep learning technology, which helps improve speaking ability in language learning, and decided to back it with an early-stage investment.

Future development

We seek to support the business development of ELSA by using our expertise in online testing and speech recognition technology and sales network in each region. Specifically, we plan to give advice on business strategy related to sales in the Asian region with a focus on Vietnam and in the U.S…

Overview of ELSA, CORP.

ELSA is a venture company from 500 Startups (Mountain View, California), one of the world’s well-known accelerator programs in the U.S., which was established in California, by two Vietnamese entrepreneurs, Vu Van and Tu Ngo, who won the SXSWedu 2016 competition. ELSA invited experienced software developers as well as scholars and experts in the field of speech recognition technology as their CTO/Advisors and is currently providing service mainly in Vietnam. ELSA Speak, the first mobile application that ELSA launched, achieved 25,000 downloads from the AppStore within 72 hours after its launch. 
(*See also： http://sxswedu.com/news/2016/elsa-announced-winner-sxswedu-2016-launch-competition)

[company Profile]

Company Name

ELSA, CORP.

Service

ELSA

President

Vu VAN, CEO

Head Office

121 Day Street, San Francisco, CA 94131, U.S.A.

Website

http://www.elsanow.io

About EduLab Group

EduLab Group, headquartered in Tokyo, is building new businesses and investment in the field of Edtech, providing IT solutions and platforms for the education industry, and supporting next generation education and school management systems. With offices in Tokyo, Seattle, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Pune, and Bangalore – EduLab Group is a global platform.

More information can be found at https://www.edulab-inc.com/en/