Linguix, the Miami-based developer of an AI-powered tool that helps improve users’ writing abilities, has just announced a $1 million pre-seed raise led by early-stage VC firms Grishin Robotics and Antler New York. Flyer One Ventures and a group of angel investors also participated in this pre-seed round. Refresh Miami previously reported that Linguix raised $350,000 in early stage funding in December 2019.
“Error-free does not mean good writing,” Lsaid inguix founder Alex Lashkow [pictured above]. “Professionals whose success is hugely affected by the quality of their writing understand that like no other: for example, you can compose a grammatically correct sales pitch that won’t work. Our tool helps people express their thoughts better by instantly improving their writing.”
For $18.95 for a month ($8/mo if paid annually), users get access Linguix’s content editing platform. Think of it as a mix of Grammarly and Duolingo. Instead of just correcting your writing, Linguix enables you to learn from mistakes. Their software, known as “Writing Coach,” integrates into some of the most popular B2B platforms, from Google Docs and Gmail to Slack and Hubspot.
Writing Coach uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyze your writing and identify areas of improvement. Linguix then provides users with grammar lessons tailored to their needs. On top of Writing Coach, Linguix has also developed a host of tools including an AI-powered plagiarism checker and paraphrasing tool.
As of January 2022, Linguix reports that they have 170,000 users. The startup has achieved a year-on-year growth rate of 50% and expects to onboard its first million users this year.
Linguix was developed with digital natives in mind – critical as the pandemic has led to a flourishing global economy of remote workers. In particular, non-English speaking professionals from around the world are increasingly competing with native speakers.
54% of respondents to a Linguix survey report having experienced a language barrier in their work-related communications. A further 60% of English-natives have struggled to communicate with non-natives in writing. In a digital-first world, even a minor communications mishap can hit a company’s bottom line.
Analysts predict that the market for AI writing assistant software, currently valued at $1.2 billion, will grow at a rate of approximately 28% between now and 2028. The continued growth in remote work will likely make platforms such as Linguix’s a key feature in every employee’s toolbelt.
According to Linguix, some of their main customers include content marketers, HR experts, support and sales reps. For these professionals, Linguix asserts that their product has a positive, tangible effect on key indicators like marketing ROI, time to close support tickets, and the success of sales pitches.
Lashkow, a native of Moscow who has spent the last five years in Miami, highlighted the rapid growth of the South Florida tech scene. “In my opinion, this growth will increase even faster over the next 12 months,” he said. “I hope that Miami will become a competitor to San Francisco. It needs some time, but I think we can do this.”
