(L-R) NativeX co-founders Trang Ly and Ai Chau
NativeX Edtech, an English learning app in Vietnam, has recently announced securing US$4 million in total funding from investors like Ansible Ventures, Blueprint Ventures, Northstar Ventures, and angels. The company plans to utilize the funding to assist the 10 million working professionals in Vietnam in learning English before expanding to other Southeast Asian markets.
Here is an interview with co-founders Trang Ly (Head of Growth & Engagement) and Ai Chau (Head of Academic), discussing the inspiration behind starting NativeX, the initial obstacles faced by the company, and the competition in the market.
Key Points:
What inspired the creation of NativeX?
Trang Ly: NativeX was established by five experienced tech professionals who shared concerns about the readiness of the local workforce to adapt to global advancements.
In Vietnam, despite significant economic growth, less than 5 per cent of the population is proficient in English. Our journey started with developing a premium English learning platform tailored for Vietnam’s busy working professionals.
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We aim to go beyond English proficiency and become the “Airbnb of education” by collaborating with global edutech leaders to provide their content to our local audience seamlessly. Our goal is to simplify the learning process and empower individuals to stay competitive in a rapidly changing global environment.
How and where did the founders meet, and when did they decide to start the company?
Trang Ly: The founders met and worked together at a major edutech company in Vietnam. Our shared vision for education, especially for working adults, led to discussions about starting our venture.
What were the challenges in the early days of setting up the company? How did you address them?
Trang Ly: We faced challenges such as financial constraints and building a customer base. We used personal funds and low-cost marketing strategies to overcome these obstacles.
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Convincing the first employees to join was tough, but we highlighted the purposeful nature of our business to attract talent.
How do you differentiate NativeX from competitors like ELSA and Duolingo?
Ai Chau: NativeX focuses on providing professional English proficiency for working professionals through flexible scheduling, personalised learning paths, content-led teaching, and a unique “20-touch” method.
Can you share your experiences with investors like Ansible and how you convinced them to invest?
Trang Ly: We conveyed a compelling investment opportunity while showcasing our strong team dynamics, untapped market potential, and relatable personal experiences to attract investors like Ansible.
Also Read: Edutech startup VUIHOC lands US$6M to integrate AI to serve 1.1M K-12 students in Vietnam
What are the current challenges faced by NativeX?
Ai Chau: Current challenges include implementing a freemium strategy and developing high-level content for intermediate and advanced learners.
Are there plans to expand beyond Vietnam?
Trang Ly: Our primary focus is on Vietnam, but we envision expanding to other SEA markets in the future.
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