The recent announcement of the “death” of Duo the owl, Duolingo’s iconic mascot, has led to an increase in Google searches related to the brand. One of the most frequently asked questions by users is: Who is the CEO of Duolingo?
At the helm of this company is Luis von Ahn, a renowned Guatemalan computer scientist and entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of the popular language-learning platform. His career in the world of technology and education has made him one of the most influential figures today.
Where did Luis von Ahn study?
Luis von Ahn was born on August 19, 1978, in Guatemala City. He studied at the American School of Guatemala before moving to the United States in 1996 to pursue higher education.
In 2000, he earned a B.S. in Mathematics from Duke University and later, in 2005, completed a Ph.D. in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University under the supervision of Manuel Blum, a prominent researcher in the field of computer science.
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What are his contributions to the world of technology?
Von Ahn is a pioneer in the concept of crowdsourcing and has developed innovative technologies that have impacted the way we interact on the internet. Some of his most notable contributions include:
- CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA: During his time at Carnegie Mellon, he created the CAPTCHA system, used to differentiate humans from bots on the web. He later developed reCAPTCHA, an improved version that allowed users to help digitize books. In 2009, Google acquired reCAPTCHA, solidifying his influence in the tech world.
- Duolingo: In 2011, he co-founded Duolingo with Severin Hacker, aiming to democratize language learning by making it free and effective. The app has become the most popular of its kind, with millions of users worldwide.
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How has Duolingo grown under Luis von Ahn’s leadership?
Since its founding, Duolingo has experienced exponential growth. In 2021, the company went public, and in 2023, it generated $531.1 million in revenue, a 44% increase from the previous year. Additionally:
- In Q3 2024, the platform reached 37.2 million daily active users, a 54% year-over-year increase.
- Paid subscribers reached 6.6 million by the end of 2023, a 57% increase from the previous year.
- In Q3 2024, monthly active users grew to 113.1 million.
- User loyalty rates range between 81% and 91% in different countries.
These figures reflect Duolingo’s impact on digital education and how its business model has successfully balanced accessibility and profitability.
What recognitions has Luis von Ahn received?
Thanks to his innovations in technology and education, Luis von Ahn has received numerous awards and distinctions, including:
- MacArthur Fellowship (2006), known as the “Genius Grant.”
- Named one of the 50 best minds in science by Discover magazine and one of the 10 brightest scientists of 2006 by Popular Science.
- Grace Murray Hopper Award.
- Outstanding Young Scientist and Engineer Award (2012), presented by U.S. President Barack Obama.
- Order of the Quetzal (2014), the highest honor awarded by the Guatemalan government.
What is Luis von Ahn’s philosophy on education?
Luis von Ahn firmly believes in the importance of accessible education for everyone. With Duolingo, he has shown that technology can be a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and providing learning opportunities to people around the world.
In an interview, he mentioned that his goal with Duolingo is not just to teach languages but also to motivate users to keep learning in a fun and engaging way. His vision has allowed the app to evolve and expand its offerings to other subjects, such as mathematics and music.
Duolingo facts and statistics
- In 2023, the language-learning platform generated $531.1 million in revenue, a 44% increase from the previous year.
- By Q3 2024, Duolingo reached 37.2 million daily active users, a 54% year-over-year increase.
- Paid subscribers grew to 6.6 million by the end of 2023, a 57% increase from the previous year.
- Monthly active users also increased, reaching 113.1 million in Q3 2024.
- The brand has strong user loyalty, with retention rates ranging from 81% to 91% in different countries.
- Duolingo attracts more female users and resonates particularly with Generation Z in various markets.
