English learning platform in China raises $100m

Published 09/08/2016

China-based VIPKID, a platform connecting Chinese children with English teachers for one-to-one online language lessons, has raised $100m in a Series C round of financing, it has been announced.

The funding, which was raised by investors including Yunfeng Capital, Sequoia and another undisclosed Silicon Valley firm, will be used to improve video teaching capabilities as well as its teacher network.

VIPKID connects Chinese students aged five to 12 with English teachers who provide lessons via video conferencing.

Founded in 2013, the platform says it has now registered half a million Chinese students, and some 3,000 teachers.

“The rapid spread of broadband in China has made it possible to bring one-to-one English … at an affordable price level”

“The rapid spread of broadband in China has made it possible to bring one-to-one English and broader curriculum learning directly to families throughout the country at an affordable price level,” said Cindy Mi, CEO and founder of VIPKID.

Teachers are located in the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as in European destinations such as the UK, Italy, Germany and Spain.

The teacher network also extends to Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, East and Southeast Asia.

In order to be an instructor on the platform, applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree, participate in an interview, teach a demo lesson, and undertake training and teaching practicum.

In April of this year, VIPKID also became the official provider of the TOEFL Primary assessment in China.

The platform has now raised $125m in overall funding.

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