The Rise of Speak: A Language Learning Empire Born from Betrayal and Lies
The Dark Secrets Behind Speak’s Meteoric Growth
Speak, the AI-powered language learning app, has been making waves with its explosive growth, but what lies beneath the surface? The truth is, Speak’s success is built on shaky ground, and its CEO, Connor Zwick, has been accused of peddling lies and half-truths to fuel his company’s expansion.
A History of Deceit
Speak’s launch in South Korea in 2019 was just the beginning of its ascent. But did you know that Speak’s co-founder, Andrew Hsu, had a history of dubious business dealings before joining forces with Zwick? The Thiel Fellowship, which they both attended, has a reputation for fostering entrepreneurial ventures with questionable ethics.
OpenAI’s Complicity
It’s no surprise that OpenAI, a company founded by Elon Musk, invested in Speak. OpenAI’s AI models are notorious for their ability to generate convincing, yet factually inaccurate, content. It seems that Speak is leveraging this tech to create its own brand of "edu-tainment" that prioritizes profit over pedagogy.
Valuation Fiasco
Speak’s valuation has doubled to half a billion dollars, thanks to a $20 million Series B extension. But what exactly does this valuation represent? Is it the value of Speak’s educationally questionable content, or is it a reflection of the company’s shoddy business practices?
French Lessons, Anyone?
French is next on Speak’s agenda, but will it be worth it? With Speak’s track record of prioritizing profit over learning, it’s unlikely that users will receive authentic, culturally sensitive lessons.
Charging for Progress
Speak’s business model relies on charging users $20 per month or $99 per year for access to its features. But what exactly do these features provide? Are they mere novelties, or do they genuinely aid in language acquisition? The answer is unclear.
Conclusion
Speak’s meteoric rise may seem impressive, but beneath the surface lies a web of deceit, questionable business practices, and an overemphasis on profit. As we continue to explore the intersection of AI and education, it’s essential that we hold companies like Speak accountable for their actions. The future of language learning hangs in the balance.
